Via East Midlands in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council launched summer pre-driver training classes at Southwell Minster, Southwell

Teens are given the opportunity to drive a car as part of a pre-driver training course this summer.

Via East Midlands in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council are offering teens as young as 15, the chance to drive a car for only £78.

The course will run on August 16 and 22 at Minster School, Southwell.

It aims to arm future drivers' skills and knowledge they need to become safe, competent and responsible road users.

The daylong sessions will include a range of workshops delivering information about learning to drive, drink and drive and road safety.

Councillor Neil Clarke at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “Whilst we encourage cleaner, greener travel through use of walking, cycling and public transport, we are aware that lots of young people across Nottinghamshire will make the decision to learn to drive at the earliest opportunity, and because of this, it’s important we equip them with the right skills and tools to drive safely and responsibly.

“Research shows that young people form and crystallise their driving attitudes well before they take to the road themselves, so it’s important that they receive the right message from the right people”

Participants do not need a driving licence or any previous experience to take part in the course as fully qualified advanced driving instructors will be leading the course.

Bookings can be made at https://www.viaem.co.uk/services/road-safety/pre-driver-training-courses/.

Kendrick Hourd, Head of Safer Highways at Via East Midlands, added: “Young people love the practical driving experience, but the other half of the course is fully interactive too, with equipment to test reaction times and show the effects of distraction and double vision.

“There’s also practical advice on the questions to ask when choosing a driving instructor, the realistic cost of learning to drive, and a demonstration of stopping distances. It really is the full package.”