Driver Directions programme reduces the risk for young drivers

Taupō Motorsport Park will once again open its gates for the Driver Directions one-day driver training course on Tuesday 19 April, aimed at helping learner drivers to gain more experience and driving time.

Taupō Road Safety Coordinator Christine Hutchison says learning to drive is seriously risky business. “Traffic crashes are one of the top causes of death and serious injury for young people in New Zealand, and the period of highest crash risk is during the first 6-12 months of driving solo.”

She says the Driver Directions course is designed to help teens learn important road safety and car handling skills. “They get real driving experience, including off-road and wet weather terrains, reversing, stopping distances and head-on crash avoidance/high aim steering exercises. Plus other really useful knowledge that will help them on the roads.”

Jeremy Ball of Taupo Nui a Tia College says parents have a very important role to play in a learner driver’s success. “Your son or daughter needs lots of supervised driving practice while on a learner’s license, in fact at least 120 hours is recommended. It’s also important to give learner drivers experience in a range of road, weather and traffic conditions.” He says parents should also seriously consider professional driving lessons at the start of a young person’s driving experience.

The Driver Directions programme is free for anyone 15 to 19 years old, and no driving experience is necessary. To register, or for more info, call or text Delwyn on 0273160632, or Jeremy on 0211484632.

Driver Directions is a joint programme run by the New Zealand Police, ACC, AA Driver Foundation, Taupō District Council, NZTA, and Taupō Motorsport Park, Taupo Nui a Tia College, and Tauhara College.