First Gear pre-driver event to launch in Aylesbury

Everything you ever wanted to know about learning to drive.

Transport for Buckinghamshire is organising a 'First Gear' pre-driver event for 16 and 17 year olds who are considering learning to drive.

The day event will give potential drivers valuable information before they start learning to drive, and provide an educational, fun opportunity to gain hands-on practical experience.

The programme for the day will include:
•A drive in a dual controlled car
•Information on how to get your provisional driving licence and how to keep it
•Advice on choosing a driving instructor and taking the driving test
•Tips on buying, maintaining and insuring your first car
•First aid training for ‘first on the scene of an accident’
•The brake reactor – test your reactions!

Experts in these fields will be on hand to share their knowledge and advice as well as providing practical training.

All attendees will be entered into a free draw for some great prizes, including 12 months' breakdown cover, vouchers for indoor karting, a complete theory test DVD and road safety goody bags.

First Gear will be held at the Aylesbury Vale Academy, Berryfields, on 27 October 2014 from 10.00am till 3.00pm and is open to 16-17 year olds who are thinking about learning to drive in the near future.

This event is being supported by partners Thames Valley Police, the local Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), Perrys, Bucks Fire & Rescue Service and Trading Standards, all working together to support new drivers by giving them the right information to help them stay safe on the road.

The cost will be £35 per person for the day. Parents are welcome to book a space as well, so they can learn the best way to support someone who is learning to drive.

Ruth Vigor-Hedderly, Cabinet Member for Transport at Buckinghamshire County Council said, "The aim of 'First Gear' is to help potential new drivers gain an understanding of what's involved in learning to drive. It's a sad fact that 25% of all killed or seriously injured casualties on Buckinghamshire's roads resulted from collisions involving young drivers aged 17-24. We are committed to working with our partners to try to reduce the number of young people killed or seriously injured on our roads and to support them to be safer drivers".

For further information see the web page: www.buckscc.gov.uk/firstgear.