Young Driver Schemes

Young Driver schemes have been set up throughout the UK in order to give driving experience to children before they reach driving age. These have been set up in car parks, racing tracks, and other suitable venues. Some of these driving experience focus more on safety while other focus more on fun.

Statistics from Rospa show that 3000 car drivers aged under 25 are killed or injured in Britain every year.^[1] Statistics also say that one in five Young Drivers crash within six months of passing their test. Swedish research has shown that accident rates fall when driving has been introduced before the age of 17.^{[2] [3]}

These Young Driver schemes aim to help reduce these statistics by promoting driving at a younger age when children are more susceptible to learning and have better memory.^[4] By doing this in a safe environment away from the public road, it is hoped that this will provide a basis for young drivers' learning. There is, however, concern from safety groups that these schemes will prove to be detrimental to learning to drive.^[5]

The Driving Project is an under-17 programme launched within secondary schools in the UK in 2012^[6]

Huddersfield Driving Experience was launched in December 2013, initially offering driving experiences to young people in the local area aged 14 to 16 years old. Held at the John Smith's Stadium - home to both Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Giants, the venue has proved to be a great choice and events have been well received. Both Peter Tiernan ADI-CO-Founder and Nigel Deans ADI - Co-Founder of HDE said 'Our hope is to provide valuable information to the young people who join us at our events not only on road safety, but also on the positive impact that becoming a driver can have on their lives. Helping them to understand the realisation that with a driving licence comes a huge amount of responsibility, does not need to detract from the fun and enjoyment that can be had both as a learner and further down the line as a fully qualified driver." ^[7]

References