New drivers targeted in road skills test (From The Advertiser Series)

New drivers targeted in road skills test

12:17pm Thursday 11th March 2010

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A SCHEME to improve the skills and road safety awareness of newly-qualified drivers has been launched.

The Enhanced Pass Plus scheme is based on a programme run by the Driving Standards Agency and builds on skills learnt by new drivers.

The North Yorkshire project differs from many by making the pupils attend a new driver discussion group.

This shows motorists why new drivers crash, how to avoid accidents and examines their attitudes to risk-taking.

The 95 Alive York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership has joined North Yorkshire County Council to put the scheme together.

County councillor John Fort, executive member for road safety, said: “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.

“It aims to make putting safety first as automatic as putting on a seat belt and looking in the mirrors.”

Approved driving instructors who register with the scheme also go through a training procedure about the issues of young driver safety.

Pupils who take part on Enhanced Pass Plus get a 50 per cent reduction towards six training hours with an approved driving instructor and a car insurance discount.

Driver training officer David Clark, who helps to train the instructors, said: “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.

“I feel that this scheme addresses a need that has, until now, been missing.”

For further information on the scheme, contact the driver training officer at County Hall on 08458-727374.

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