A Dundee driving instructor has set out to promote safer driving by teaching teenagers as young as 14.
Martin Baxter of Independent Driving School Dundee has set up a new young drivers Dundee course at Errol Airfield.
“The idea is it’s actually a training programme designed to coach and improve the driving skills of teenagers before they can drive on public roads,” he said. “The aim is to reduce accident rates.
“This is the first of its kind in Tayside. You would have to go across to Fife to Knockhill or to Livingston.”
Martin pointed to the high number of crashes involving newly-qualified drivers and believes that by teaching the basics at an earlier age young drivers will be better equipped once they are let loose on the open road at 17.
“My idea is to get kids younger and teach them safer skills,” Martin said. “Training takes place on tarmac in the safe confines of Errol Airfield.”
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents more than 400 people are killed in crashes involving car drivers aged 17 to 24 every year, including more than 150 young drivers, 90 passengers and more than 170 other road users.
Martin aims to help reduce that rate by teaching young people the technical skills of driving including basic steering, gear changing, car control and clearance of obstructions.
They will then progress to reversing and controlled stopping.
He said: “At present, these subjects are taught on the public highway in situations which, for some new drivers, can be challenging due to the presence of other traffic.”
Participants will take a series of lessons on a monthly basis, designed to improve their confidence when they get their provisional licence.
Martin added: “For some learner drivers, the first few lessons in traffic can be daunting, so learning at an earlier age, in a quiet, safe area will help to lift the pressure and make the learning experience more enjoyable and productive.”
Martin uses an in-car camera to record the lessons.
“I use it daily,” he said. “When I asked the examiners at the test centre they tell me there’s maybe only one other.”
“The recording will see the view forward through the front windscreen and also inside the cockpit, viewing the participant and instructor.”