Young drivers

Drivers under 25 years old make up a high proportion of road casualties and Cheshire West and Chester Council offers several courses aimed at educating young drivers.

Five facts about accidents involving young drivers

• 1 in 5 drivers are involved in a crash during their first year on the road
• male drivers aged under 21 are 10 times more likely to have a car accident than male drivers aged 35 or over
• young drivers have a higher proportion of crashes at night than older drivers
• 1 in 8 British drivers are under 25, but a quarter of drivers who die in traffic collisions are in this age group
• In 2007, 40% of passengers that were killed or seriously injured - lost limbs, paralysis, brain injury and other life-changing injuries - were in a car driven by a young driver.

Courses for young drivers 

• The Road Skills Experience course is a mixture of discussion and practical driving for drivers aged under 25.
• The Pass Plus Xtra course is based on the nationally recognised Pass Plus course aimed at new drivers.

Advanced Driving

The Road Safety Unit supports the Institute of Advanced Motorists ‘Skills for Life’ programme which provides the opportunity to improve driving technique, increase ability and confidence and improve safety on the road. It has many benefits: improving knowledge, awareness, concentration and car handling skills.

Please contact chester@groups.iam.org.uk.