New Zealand Dogs Pass Driving Test

For the four-legged competitors, two months of hard work – and a fair few treats – ensured they were raring to get on the racetrack.

So when the big day rolled around, the only ones likely to get hot under the collar were any bystanders who spotted a Mini hurtling towards them with a dog at the wheel.

Two mutts made history yesterday by driving a car down a racetrack. Ten-month-old beardie cross Porter put his paws to the pedals first, steering the Mini down the straight and then turning a corner. He was followed by Monty, an 18-month-old giant schnauzer cross, who completed the same feat.

As the Mail reported last week, the pair – along with one-year-old beardie whippet cross Ginny – had been taking driving lessons, which began with them learning to steer a wooden cart pulled along on a string by their trainers. After successfully manoeuvring the car around a lab, the leading two were challenged to a racetrack
test-drive which was broadcast live online.

They were strapped in with seatbelts and then followed commands from their trainers, who walked in front of the car.

The dogs were all rescued by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Auckland, New Zealand. The charity came up with the idea to train them to drive to prove how intelligent they were.

Animal trainer Mark Vette, who schooled the dogs, said: ‘They are great dogs, each with their own distinct personality.