TEEN sports superstar Scott Redding got the best 16th birthday present yesterday when he passed his basic motorcycle training allowing him to legally take to the road.

The Quedgeley lad is the youngest ever winner of a Grand Prix motorcycle race.

Crowned rookie of the year at the star-studded 2008 Moto GP awards in Valencia, and shortlisted in the top 10 for the prestigious BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, he has many accolades to his name.

But until he reached his 16th birthday, he was not old enough to hold a provisional driving licence.

Despite all his experience Scott said he was still nervous before taking the test, which required him to ride in freezing conditions for five hours.

"I was a little bit nervous beforehand but the main thing on my mind was the cold – I couldn't feel my hands or feet," Scott said.

"It is completely different to what I normally do – when you are racing on the track you don't have oncoming traffic.

"It is a totally different way of riding, a different experience. The surface of the road was slippier and bumpier than the track.

"Getting the certificate is the best birthday present I could ask for – it will make my life a lot easier."

Scott has found it frustrating having to wait to take the test.

"I have been looking forward to getting on the road for ages so the last two weeks have felt like forever.

"I have been riding bikes since I was five but I have had to wait until I was 16 to get on the roads."

Scott can now take to the road with L plates on a 50cc scooter, capable of no more than about 30mph – but his Aprilia bike that he rides on the track can do 150mph.

But he won't be tempted to go fast and he urged other youngsters to be aware of road safety.

He said: "Youngsters do need a licence and the road is not a race track.

"Don't ride fast on the roads – there is no point. You won't impress anybody and you could end up hurting yourself or worse.

"It does feel slower going on the road but it also feels quite quick when there are things passing by.

"I don't have the temptation to ride fast on the road, I would rather go steady and safe."

Steve Guest, from Acer Motorcycle Training, who gave Scott his certificate said; "I was very impressed, he had exceptional control of the bike. Sportsmen tend to be very quick learners."