Safer driving scheme for under-17s launches at Fife venue

Young Driver allows 10-17 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 transform the space at Lochgelly Raceway into a realistic road system - including traffic lights, roundabouts and junctions - so youngsters can work on a range of driving skills and manoeuvres.

Lessons for 10-17s will start on Sunday, May 5, with events then taking place on selected weekends and school holiday dates throughout the year.

Young Driver will begin lessons in Lochgelly in May. (Image: Young Driver)

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.

Sue Waterfield, head of marketing at Young Driver, said: “We are excited to be launching a brilliant new venue in Lochgelly. 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 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!”

For more information visit www.youngdriver.com.