Driver training scheme which starts teaching youngsters at four launches its first site in region

Young Driver allows 10- to 17-year-olds to get behind the wheel of a real car at private locations and with an approved driving instructor, in a bid to create a generation of safer drivers.

Under-10s can drive the specially created Firefly Sport electric car at selected venues.

The scheme will utilise a large empty car park at the Beaconside Conference & Events Centre, which will be transformed into a realistic road system so youngsters can work on a range of driving skills and manoeuvres.

Lessons for 10-17s will start on February 24, with events then taking place on selected weekend and school holiday dates throughout the year.

Lessons for under-10s will be announced in due course.

Young Driver is the UK’s largest provider of pre-17 driving lessons, having delivered over 1.4 million lessons at venues across the UK.

Youngsters have lessons in dual-controlled Vauxhall Corsas and other similar cars, with highly qualified approved driving instructors.

A road system is created, with traffic signs, roundabouts and junctions, along with special areas to practice manoeuvres such as steering control and parking.

The emphasis of the lessons is on safety and fun and encouraging youngsters to consider how to drive responsibly, giving them time to perfect driving skills such as gear changes, braking and steering without the pressures of public roads.

One in five newly qualified drivers crashes within six months of passing their test.

But for those who have taken a Young Driver course, the rate of accidents in the first six months drops to fewer than four per cent.

Sue Waterfield, head of marketing at Young Driver, said: “We are really excited to be launching in Stafford for the first time, as we have been looking for a venue in the area for quite a while now. It is a large space so we can offer lots of different driving activities for young people, whether they’re a beginner or have already had a few lessons at another of our venues.

“Training drivers over a longer period of time allows youngsters to have a solid understanding of how to drive a car before they get anywhere near a real road.

"Research shows that actually creates a safer driver – and we believe it creates safer pedestrians and cyclists too. But the lessons are also lots of fun and they’re a great general confidence boost for teens and pre-teens, who take the responsibility very seriously.

"When they’re reverse parking at the end of the first lesson, it’s often a shock for parents!”

Driving tuition is available for disabled youngsters.

Thirty- or 60-minute lessons for 10-17s must be booked in advance and prices start from £42.99.

For more information visit youngdriver.com or call 0333 577 9010.