A driving course funded by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Rupert Matthews has enabled 26 young drivers to learn key driving skills before they take to the road for real.
The aim is to reduce the number of young people involved in serious collisions across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The PCC attended the final day of the Pathfinder 5-day intensive driving course for young drivers, aged 15-17, at Prestwold Driving Centre to see for himself what the course covered.
This 5-day intensive driving course, which is supported by volunteers from the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sees students receiving hands-on driving experience, including manoeuvring, overtaking, braking and speed awareness, with their parent or guardian.
In addition to driving a vehicle, they are also given the opportunity to drive a simulator provided by the University College London which tracks eye movement and driving behaviour throughout a variety of driving scenarios.
Leicestershire Police’s Roads Policing Team was also on hand to highlight safety messages around driving and real-life consequences of dangerous driving.
Rupert Matthews said: “Road safety is a key focus for me and this course helps to prepare young drivers for the road with hands on experience over the week.
“If we can teach people safety skills before they take to the road for real, I firmly believe we will reduce the number of young people involved in serious collisions.
“I joined one young driver as a passenger and was really impressed with their driving skills. I would certainly recommend it and am pleased to see my funding being used to such evident advantage.”
Naomi Earl attended the course and said: “My son and I have just completed this 5-day course and I cannot recommend it highly enough. As a Leicestershire resident, thank you so much for investing in our 15-17 year olds, helping them to become safer drivers well ahead of passing a test and going out onto local roads.”
The next Pathfinder driving course will be 17th to 21st February 2025 and bookings can be made now.
Bursary support is available to ensure all young people can take part in this important road safety initiative. More information is available at: https://under17driver.co.uk/event/leicestershire-feb25/
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Posted on Tuesday 13th August 2024