A mission to create safer drivers

But the sobering statistics surrounding young drivers killed or injured on the roads make for shocking reading, highlighting the importance of learning to drive safely from an early age.

One company on a mission to create safer drivers before they are even old enough to drive on public roads is Young Driver, which launched a scheme 17 years ago to give youngsters the chance to learn behind the wheel in carefully controlled conditions.

Since then, it has delivered more than 1.7 million driving lessons at more than 70 locations across the UK. Its research suggests that pupils who take part have a 60 per cent greater chance of passing their driving test first time and experience 80 per cent fewer accidents after passing.

Youngsters aged nine and over can take the wheel of a dual-controlled Suzuki Swift, accompanied by a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). Lessons last 30 minutes or an hour and take place on private land specially designed to replicate real road conditions, complete with realistic junctions.

The aim is to give children the opportunity to develop their driving skills gradually, without the pressure of preparing for an immediate test.

Ian Mulingani, managing director of Young Driver, said: “We’re teaching youngsters over a longer period of time, and without the pressure or urgency to pass their test.

“They can take their time and really get to grips with the skills needed.

“Those skills then become second nature, so by the time they’re 17 they can use their on-the-road lessons to focus on more nuanced aspects of driving, such as hazard awareness and dealing with other road users.”

He believes introducing road safety at an earlier age can make a significant difference, as younger children are often more receptive to learning good habits.

“Teaching youngsters in a safe environment at an earlier age works well because they’re often more receptive to safety messages at that age,” he added.

“Eight out of 10 parents (82 per cent) agree that their children are more receptive to road safety concepts at an earlier age.”

For 16-year-old Lola Stiles, from Wakefield, the chance to get behind the wheel cannot come soon enough. So keen is she to start driving that she has already bought a car, applied for her provisional licence and started revising for her theory test.

With her 17th birthday next May, she is counting down the months until she can take to the roads.

Lola recently enjoyed a 30-minute lesson at Young Driver’s Sheffield site and quickly discovered she had a natural feel for driving. Within minutes, she had mastered the gears, reversed into parking spaces and negotiated corners with confidence.

“I really enjoyed the lesson and learning how to use the gears properly,” she said. “I found it much easier than I expected and I’d like to have more lessons before I am 17.”

For more information, visit www.youngdriver.eu