A specialist driver training scheme, which allows 10-17 year olds to get behind the wheel in a bid to create a new generation of safer drivers, has announced it will be launching a new supersite in Chippenham in 2022.
Young Driver will run its first event at MOD Lyneham on Sunday 27 February 2022, when part of the site will be transformed into a realistic road system so youngsters can work on a range of driving skills and manoeuvres. Events will run on selected weekend dates throughout the year. The driving school will also run Driver Skills events at the venue, where youngsters with a few lessons under their belt can try out more advanced techniques, such as motorway driving and hazard perception.
Young Driver is the UK’s largest provider of pre-17 driving lessons, having delivered over one million lessons at more than 70 venues across the UK. Youngsters have lessons in dual controlled cars with highly qualified approved driving instructors.
A road system is created, with traffic signs, roundabouts and junctions, along with special areas to practice manoeuvres such as steering control and parking. The emphasis of the lessons is on safety, fun and encouraging youngsters to consider how to drive responsibly, giving them time to perfect driving skills such as gear changes, braking and steering without the pressures of public roads.
Shockingly, one in five newly qualified drivers crashes within six months of passing their test. Only 8% of drivers are aged 17 – 24 and yet they account for a worrying 30% of people who are killed in cars every year. But for those who have taken a Young Driver course, the rate of accidents in that worrying first six months drops to fewer than one in ten.
Sue Waterfield, head of marketing at Young Driver, said, “We are really excited to be launching at MOD Lyneham, which will be a new ‘supersite’ for us due to its size. It will provide plenty of opportunities for youngsters to try out lots of different driving skills and techniques, whether they’re a beginner or have already had a few lessons at another of our venues.
“Clearly something needs to be done to tackle the seriously high accident rates of our young drivers. Training drivers over a longer period of time allows youngsters to have a solid understanding of how to drive a car before they get anywhere near a real road. But the lessons are also lots of fun and they’re a great general confidence boost for teens and pre-teens, who take the responsibility very seriously.”
Current confirmed dates Young Driver will be running at MOD Lyneham are Sunday 27 February, Sunday 20 March and Saturday 23 April. The first Driver Skills advanced driving event will take place on 23 April. Driving tuition is available for disabled youngsters. Thirty or sixty-minute lessons must be booked in advance and prices start from £44.99.
For more information visit www.youngdriver.com or call 0333 577 9010.