Driving lessons offered to children
Kids as young as 11 years old are to be offered the opportunity to learn how to drive and gain experience behind the wheel of a car as part of a new scheme that hopes to reduce accidents and fatalities amongst younger drivers.
Research indicates that drivers aged under 20 are nearly 12 times more likely to be in a fatal collision than drivers aged between 35 and 65, yet there is some evidence that new drivers are safer on the road if they learn how to drive from a younger age.
Called simply 'Young Driver', the new training programme teaches children how to drive, and just as importantly attitudes to driving and road safety, in a safe environment.
Professor Kevin Morley, Chairman of Young Driver, said "Young Driver has two objectives - to reduce the worryingly high accident rate among new drivers and to give kids a fun and exciting learning experience."
Sponsored by SEAT and Admiral MultiCar insurance, the scheme will be launched at the NEC in Birmingham at the end of October, with further venues planned in London, Manchester and Edinburgh within a year.
Lessons are available for either 30- or 60-minute durations, at a cost of £29 and £55 respectively, and they are offered at the weekend or during school holidays. Participants must be between 11 and 16 and 1.5 metres or taller.
To book places, parents should go to the official website - www.youngdriver.eu.
