CHILDREN aged between 10 and 17 will be given the chance to get behind the wheel of real cars during half-term at an event in Malvern.
The Young Driver activity will be on offer on October 26 at the Three Counties Showground.
The scheme is aimed at teaching youngsters from the age of 10 about how to be a safe driver.
Young Driver is the UK’s largest pre-17 driving school. Youngsters aged 10 to 17 can get behind the wheel of a new, dual controlled Vauxhall Corsa with a fully qualified instructor and learn how to drive.
A specially designed road system is created, enabling learners to get to grips with junctions, roundabouts and parking while they learn how to steer, brake and change gear.
Research shows that learning to drive at an earlier age can help reduce the shockingly high accident rate for young drivers.
One in five newly qualified drivers has an accident within 12 months of passing their test, but this number is significantly reduced when early driver education takes place.
Young Driver has sold more than one million lessons since it launched.
Sue Waterfield, head of marketing for the company, said: “It can be hard to find fun things to do in October half term.
“Many people are still nervous about going on holiday for obvious reasons and the weather in the UK at that time of year can be unpredictable.
“With lots of people looking to keep youngsters entertained, we thought we would put on some special half term events.
“Learning to drive is something which is really fun for teens and pre-teens to do – but they’re also learning valuable safety lessons.
“It teaches them a healthy respect for what it takes to be a responsible driver, and it’s also a great confidence boost for them to be trusted to do something they wouldn’t usually be able to do.”
Lessons must be booked in advance and Young Driver can cater for youngsters with disabilities and additional needs.
Events also take place on selected weekend dates across the year.
For more information about the scheme go to www.youngdriver.com or download the Young Driver app.
