Young Driver

A groundbreaking driver training course aimed at 10-17 year olds will launch at Crystal Palace’s homeground.

The first Young Driver event will be held on Sunday 27th August on a large, specially designed course at Selhurst Park, offering anyone over the age of 10 the chance to drive a car in a safe but realistic environment.

Four hundred people are killed in accidents involving young drivers every year in the UK. Shockingly, one in five newly qualified drivers crash within six months of passing their test, rising to 40 per cent of 17-year old males. Only eight per cent of drivers are aged 17 – 24 and yet they account for a worrying 30 per cent of people who are killed in cars every year.

But for those who have taken an Admiral Young Driver course, the rate of accidents in that worrying first six months drops by more than a half, to fewer than one in ten. The scheme has now given more than 450,000 lessons at over 45 venues across Britain.

During the lessons dual controlled Vauxhall Corsas are used and tuition is provided by highly qualified driving instructors. On a specially constructed road system with traffic signs, and specific areas for practising manoeuvres, youngsters are encouraged to consider responsible driving and are given time to perfect the necessary driving skills without the pressures of public roads. A personalised Drive Diary charts how they do.

Kim Stanton from Young Driver said: “We are absolutely delighted to be launching in Croydon for the first time. We have been trying to find a suitable venue in the area for quite some time, as it’s a location customers have long been asking for. Selhurst Park is ideal, being easily accessible and we’ll also be able to set up an interesting course for keen young learners.

“With one in five young people crashing within six months of passing their test, it is vital something is done to help our youngsters become safer drivers. We believe it is important to train drivers over a longer period of time and that catching youngsters when their attitudes towards driving are still developing is key to producing a safer driver. By starting at a younger age you can more easily focus on attitude and behaviour and you have a better chance of tackling a young person’s sense of invulnerability.”

Driving tuition is available for disabled youngsters and Young Driver can also cater for birthday parties. Lessons must be booked in advance.

Young Driver will initially run approximately once a month at Selhurst Park, with confirmed dates so far on 27th August, 23rd September, 15th October, 12th November and 3rd December.