‘Young Driver’ Initiative

In the two years since it was formed (in 2009), the ‘Young Driver’ training school for 11 – 17 year olds has expanded to 12 sites across the UK and is now delivering more than 29,000 lessons.

The scheme, which is sponsored by Admiral, SEAT UK and Pirelli, is based on ‘research showing that it is a lack of driving experience – not a lack of years on the planet – causes one in five newly qualified drivers to crash within six months of passing their test’. It aims to give youngsters valuable driving/road safety skills at a younger age when they are very receptive and eager to learn.

The lessons put the youngsters at the wheel of a dual controlled SEAT Ibiza with a fully qualified ADI who teaches the basics.

Young Driver also allows young wheelchair users to learn to drive. Young wheelchair users can enjoy the same activities as able bodied youngsters, learning to steer, accelerate, brake, manouevre, reverse and park on Young Driver’s dedicated driver training areas each of which includes roundabouts, junctions, driving and parking zones.

The lessons currently cost £29.99 for 30 mins or £57.00 for an hour, but there is a range of offers and promotions on the Young Driver website which reduce the cost.