The majority of young people in 2023 are eager to begin learning to drive, with many
fascinated by the ins and outs of the driving experience. However, with the age restriction of 17 placed on those in the UK to drive on the roads, it is thought by most that young teenagers must wait many years before they can get experience behind the wheel.

In spite of that, the Young Driver organisation seeks to provide young people aged 10-17 the ability to try out driving a manual car- with the safety of Dual controls and an especially-designed road track for this purpose only. An instructor is present at all times in the passenger seat and can safely stop or manoeuvre the car with extra pedals on their side if any situations arise.

Attending these young driver sessions can help teenagers build up their confidence in the car, starting with basic movement and steering, and progressing in difficulty to reach skills such as crossroads, roundabouts, hills, reversing, parallel parking and more. After each session, the child’s instructor will give an evaluation and record their strengths and weaknesses so that if they choose to go back, they can pick up where they left off and further progress in their own abilities. It is also proven that learning to drive before turning 17 drastically reduces the rate of accidents and increases confidence on the road during lessons and after your official test has been passed.

This fantastic opportunity is available up and down the country, but there are 2 locations in Hampshire- one in Southampton and the other in Barton Stacey. Both locations offer a unique driving experience- with Barton Stacey being a more open and large road system and Southampton being on the top floor of West Quay car park where ramps and tighter turns are the focus- but they are equally as exciting and helpful.

I have participated in 2 of these sessions so far and I think they have done a huge amount to help me ease my anxiety around driving, build my skills, and have made me feel much more prepared for when I am old enough to drive on real roads. I have loved the amount of slow guidance and clear instructions given to allow me to feel safe, but also confident and in-control when driving. I highly recommend these courses to anyone eager to try out driving who isn’t quite old enough yet- and I will definitely be going back again before getting real lessons.

If this opportunity has piqued your interest, you can go to www.youngdriver.com to find out more.