A scheme to make newly qualified drivers put safety first when they get behind the wheel is being launched in North Yorkshire. Young drivers are the most at risk group in the country, with over 40 per cent of all car drivers killed on the roads aged between 16-29. Most newly qualified drivers are young drivers....... the hope is with better training the risks can be reduced and lives saved.

North Yorkshire County Council has joined forces with the 95 Alive York & North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership to deliver the scheme for newly qualified drivers who live in the County.

Enhanced Pass Plus is based on a scheme run by the Driving Standards Agency which aims to make newly qualified drivers safer by building on the skills they have learnt whilst preparing for their driving tests. However the North Yorkshire scheme differs by insisting that pupils attend a New Driver Discussion Group where they have a chance to discover why newly qualified drivers crash, how to avoid being involved in a collision and to examine their own attitudes to risk-taking and driving.

Approved Driving Instructors who register with the scheme also have to go through a training procedure where they look at the causes of crashes involving newly qualified drivers , the way a driver's attitudes and behaviour affect their driving and how to deliver effective training using coaching techniques. By using various scenarios it is hoped that newly qualified drivers will take ownership of the problem and discover ways of dealing with those situations they encounter in a more positive way.

Pupils taking part in Enhanced Pass Plus will receive a 50% contribution towards six training hours with an Approved Driving Instructor. On completion of the Pass Plus Course they may also receive a discount on their car insurance, but more importantly will have gained greater experience on a variety of roads and in conditions they won't have encountered preparing for their driving test.

North Yorkshire County Councillor John Fort, Executive Member for Road Safety said: "The whole point of this scheme is to take a step forward, to give new drivers a more realistic idea of the threats and responsibilities of driving on our roads, to make putting safety first as automatic as putting on a seat belt and looking in the mirrors.

"The numbers of deaths and serious injuries on our roads has gone down a lot; we need to make sure that continues. Enhanced Pass Plus will help equip newly qualified drivers with the information and experience they need to stay safe on the roads."

Driver Training Officer David Clark who will be helping train the instructors added: "I can still remember when I passed my driving test. Looking back on the things I did I am quite surprised I am here today. As teenagers we all felt we were invincible and sadly sometimes it takes something to happen close to home to make us realise just how dangerous driving can be. I feel that this scheme addresses a need that has, until now, been missing."

For further information about the scheme contact North Yorkshire County Council Customer Services on 08458 727374 and ask for the Driver Training Officer

Picture shows: Cllr John Fort with Enhanced Pass Plus organisers, potential pupils and Driving Instructors.

4 March 2010