Five sixth form students have enhanced their driving skills.
The students, from Richmond Sixth Form College, received one-to-one road modules in their own cars, which lasted around 75 minutes, delivered by Nick Saddington, an Institute of Advanced Motoring tutor.
The majority of the time was spent out on the road, where the instructor observed their driving, offering hints and tips to help them improve their skills and build their confidence.
The initiative was organised by teacher Ian Dawson, who is the young driver advocate for the local branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
Mr Dawson said: “Road safety is a key priority at college with our young drivers and it is really important for them to gain as much experience as possible on different types of roads and conditions.
“The students were able to choose the driving experience that they felt would benefit them the most, such as motorway driving or driving on minor roads.
“Nick did a fabulous job and all the students reported that they found the sessions extremely valuable.
“We are so grateful for the fantastic support that the IAM continue to offer our students and for the funding released by North Yorkshire Police to help improve the road safety awareness of our college students who have recently passed their driving test.”
Caitlin Braidley said: “I found the motorway driving training really beneficial for improving my confidence when driving on the motorway.
“Nick, the instructor, was very helpful and answered any questions I had about driving and the motorway and supported me throughout the training. I now have the knowledge and confidence to drive on the motorway by myself using advice and techniques Nick suggested. I am very grateful for this opportunity to learn how to be a more confident and safe driver.”
Archie Dolan added: “It was a great opportunity which gave an insight into some of the advanced driving techniques that are not covered in the standard driving test.”
The funding for this initiative is a result of the college’s successful bid to the Office of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) for a share of the money that had been raised from the sale of the AJ1 number plate.
This was the first registration number issued in the North Riding of Yorkshire when vehicle number plates were introduced in 1903.
Zoë Metcalfe, Police Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, said: “Improving the safety of our roads for everyone who uses them is one of my priorities, so I’m really pleased to hear how young people are benefitting from this Community Scheme project.
“Drivers under the age of 25 are some of those most at risk on our roads so it’s encouraging that schemes like this are helping them to be safer themselves behind the wheel, which makes us all safer too.
“Our new Safer Roads Strategy across North Yorkshire and York aims to encourage more of this partnership working and I hope more young people benefit from similar schemes in the future.”
