Pre-drivers get behind the wheel for the first time

25 young people got behind the wheel of a car for the first time last Sunday (11 Feb) as part of an initiative supported by the Safer Essex Roads Partnership.

The Chelmsford Young Driver Scheme – operated by Essex County Council and the Driving Instructors Club Essex (DICE) – enables teenagers aged 16-19 years to learn to drive a car (without a driving licence) in a safe, off-road environment.

Participants use a dual controlled car, sitting alongside a Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) qualified driving instructor.

Last Sunday’s event was attended by 84 aspiring young drivers, including 25 first time drivers.

The scheme is one of a number supported by SERP for pre-drivers, including the Young Drivers’ Scheme (YDS) – which provides lessons for young people aged 15-16 years on the third Sunday of most months.

YDS, which is run by the Chelmsford & District Group of Advanced Motorists and DICE, offers lessons to young people before they reach the age at which they can legally drive on a public road. The scheme is aimed primarily at 16-year-olds, but places are offered to 15-year-olds if vacancies exist.

Another initiative, SLYDE (Streetlife Young Driver Education), offers a variety of opportunities for teenagers aged 16-19 years to learn to drive without holding a licence. The sessions take place ‘off road’ at Colchester United Football Stadium.

Want to know more?
For more information about the Chelmsford Young Driver Scheme and/or to apply to participate, visit: http://www.chelmsfordyoungdriverscheme.co.uk

For more information about the YDS and/or to apply to participate, visit: www.youngdriverscheme.org

For more information about SLYDE and/or to apply to participate, visit: www.slyde.eu

15 February 2018