A driving school is challenging whether 17 is the right age to learn to drive – even if that remains the age you’re allowed on the roads.
Two thirds of driving instructors surveyed by Young Driver (69 per cent) admitted they felt youngsters learn better before they turn 17. The instructors are in a unique position to be able to compare groups, teaching both over 17s on the road and 10-17 year olds at Young Driver’s 70+ private venues across the UK.
The scheme specialises in driving lessons and experiences for those not yet of a legal driving age, taking place on private property and with fully qualified instructors.
Young Driver also asked parents and newly qualified drivers themselves about learners’ attitudes to safety and risk at different ages. Eighty two per cent of 2,400 parents questioned thought those aged 10 to 17 were more receptive to messages around risk and safety than over 17s. Over 400 past pupils of the scheme, who are now aged 17 and over, were also surveyed and 84 per cent agreed they were more receptive to road safety messaging at a younger age.
Those opinions are evidenced by the fact that drivers who have undertaken pre-17 driving lessons with Young Driver are significantly less likely to have an accident in the critical first six months after passing their driving test than the national average – with statistics dropping from one in five to one in 29.