8:10pm Tuesday 23rd February 2010
By Scott McPherson
DESPITE nationwide opposition from police and accident watchdogs, driving school owner Matthew Carlsson is going ahead with his Easter driving programme aimed at teens as young as 14.
Mr Carlsson, 38, who has run the Church Farm Driving School in Lyneham for five years, is offering a course for anyone over 14 where they will be put in the driving seat as well as seeing the dangers of texting while driving first hand.
He says that the course builds the youngster’s confidence behind the wheel as well as teaching them about the pitfalls of dangerous driving.
The teenagers will not be driving on roads, but will be able to practise their techniques off-road.
His views, however, are in stark contrast to Inspector Alan Jones, from the Police Federation of England and Wales, who does not believe that courses for young drivers are beneficial.
The news comes as it was revealed that thousands of children as young as 11 and 13 are enrolling on specially designed courses.
Insp Jones said: “How does it replicate the real world, the spontaneous incidents?
“Are kids mature enough at 11, 12, 13 years old to understand what’s happening on the roads, to be able to manage all the demands and pressures? I’m not persuaded it’s a good idea.”
But Mr Carlsson says his course, The Easter Teen Driving Programme, addresses core issues and educates the youngsters well in advance of them gaining their licence.
He said: “It is true to say that just learning car control is not enough. The training does also need to focus on driver attitude.
“That is why the Learn to Drive at 16 programme focuses on driver behaviour as well as controlling the car.
“The sessions are relaxed and informal covering all aspects of car control as well as looking at developing a safe attitude to driving. Available to anyone aged 14 years and upwards the session will run with up to three people and will cover basic car control before moving onto some of the realities of driving.
“Starting with driving distractions this practical session will look at a variety of different in car distractions including the dangers of texting and driving.
“There will be a chance for the young driver to find out for themselves how dangerous texting and driving can be, whilst remaining safe – with the dual controls available the car can be brought to a safe stop.
“Drink and drug driving will also be part of the programme. This will give the young driver a chance to gain a better understanding of the dangers of drink and drug driving. It will include the use of a professionally calibrated breathalyser.
“Depending on the programme that is chosen the last hour of the session will either give the young driver a chance to enhance their reversing skills, through a specially designed course, or improve their understanding of car control in a variety of different weather situations.”
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has joined forces with Insp Jones and warned the courses could make youngsters over confident and more likely to crash.
Kevin Clinton, from the organisation, said while early education was a very good thing, the same did not apply to driving a car.
“It will probably mean youngsters will take fewer lessons when they come to learn to drive and if they take fewer lessons they will get less experience,” he said.
“That means when they pass their test they may be at greater risk of crashing because they won’t have had as much experience when they are supervised.”
For more information on the course call the school on 01249 891350 or log onto www.learntodriveat16.co.uk.
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