Some 700 teenagers in the Wokingham Borough have now taken their first steps into getting motorvated since Wokingham Borough Council launched a free pre-driver training event some six years ago.
And the latest session on April 13 saw even more young people learning the skills and information necessary for a safe and enjoyable motoring life.
The Motorvation sessions, held at Woodley Airfield Youth and Community Centre, Hurricane Way, cover a range of topics including causes, effects and consequences of traffic collisions, post-accident first aid and advice on buying a second-hand car.
During the day, youngsters learn from road safety professionals including Thames Valley Police and Fire and Rescue about some of the dangers of driving such as drinking and driving and texting whilst driving.
Young people are also shown technical aspects of a car, such as checking oil levels, and are given the chance to get behind the wheel for the first time with a taster lesson from a qualified advanced driving instructor.
The event is organised by Wokingham Borough Council and run by the Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People (BACYP), with support from the road safety team, emergency services and several qualified advanced driving instructors.
Julie Pillai, road safety officer, said: "The Motorvation workshops offer young people a multitude of important information, including essential road safety advice and the opportunity to experience what it’s like to drive a vehicle in a controlled and safe surrounding off the public highway – the first chance that many of the young people will have to drive a real car!
"We run several Motorvation workshops in school holidays throughout the year and urge young people that are thinking about learning to drive to come along not only to learn about road safety and hazards facing new drivers but also what to look for when buying a car and keeping it road legal. Some places are still available for our courses in August."
Kiki (16), who attended the Motorvation course on Wednesday April 13, said: "I think everyone should take part in the Motorvation course. It teaches you to be more sensible, like not drinking or texting whilst driving and if you do silly things like that then you have to face the consequences. The course also informs you of the costs of running a car for a young person."
Alec (16), said: "The driving instructors were really friendly and made the driving experience very informative and enjoyable."
More information about how to apply can be found on the Motorvation website page.
