Free Resource Is Perfect Partner For New Learner Proposals
FREE CD-ROMs are being offered in Lancashire as new proposals are unveiled to change the way Learner drivers are taught and how parents can support them.
Under the proposed changes parents will be encouraged to support their Learners with extra practice sessions. However, this will be in addition to – not instead of official lessons.
The Perfect Partner CD-ROM was designed by Lancashire County Council’s Road Safety Group with the aim of supporting accompanying drivers in this role without taking the responsibility of teaching manoeuvres and current procedures from the approved instructor.
Following the consultation launched today by the Driving Standards Agency, it is anticipated that the new process will require more robust monitoring of skills from the professional driving instructor. Learners will still be granted their provisional licence from 17 but will have to be capable of key skills before they are signed off in a logbook by their instructor. Only then will they be able to take their final test.
Learners would gain more experience before they pass their test which should prepare them for a wider range of situations and conditions. This would also include turning right at busy junctions, using rural roads and navigating bends on high-speed roads. Candidates would also have to experience some night driving.
Speaking about the proposals Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said:
"It is time for a new approach to learning to drive. We must make sure that novice drivers are safe drivers when they have passed their test. We must also create an expectation of lifelong learning”.
The Perfect Partner resource, sponsored by KeyMed Ltd, is the first of its kind in the UK was created as a means of raising Accompanying Drivers’ awareness of the vulnerability of New Drivers.
Neil Cunliffe, Road Safety Group Manager said;
“Learning to drive can be as daunting for the Accompanying Driver as it is for the Learner during private practice. Included on the CD-ROM are dedicated sections for accompanying drivers with resources, information on structuring effective practice sessions, planning routes and printable information sheets. This is a multimedia resource which also gives handy tips and advice on issues such as avoiding conflict and passing on bad habits in the car”.
Neil also commented;
“Studies have shown that gaining more supervised on-road experience at the ‘learner stage’ can significantly reduce new drivers’ crash risk in the first two years after passing the test.”
The CD-ROM is an incredibly comprehensive resource which supports professional tuition with driving practice sessions, as well as tips on both the theory and practical tests and current legislation. It will also help Accompanying Drivers to practise the skills already taught by their professional instructor.
The innovative resource is available to the public and is available direct from the Road Safety Group. For more information call 0800 328 1635 or email roadsafety@lancashire.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
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