Driver training discussed with Road Safety MP

Date: 21/2/2011

The subject of amending the way drivers are taught has been discussed with one of the ministers for road safety.

According to the Driving Instructors Association (DIA), representatives from the group have met with Under-Secretary of State for Transport Mike Penning to pass on some of the current thinking among training professionals and how they believe the general standard of driver education could be improved.

One suggestion is to introduce the Pass Plus scheme into the learning-to-drive syllabus, including lessons on motorway use, which would include a training session on the carriageway for pupils if they have approved driving instructors.

In addition, the group claims that students should not be able to apply for a test until their instructor feels they have sufficient experience in motoring on all types of road.

DIA General Manager Steve Garrod said of the meeting with Mr Penning: "The Under-Secretary of State seemed very open to the DIA's suggestions and appreciative of the association's desire to improve road safety through better driver training."

He added that the group was "especially heartened" at the MP's belief that pupils should be taught to drive, rather than simple preparing them to pass a test.

Elsewhere, the BBC recently reported that the Somerset Road Safety Partnership has been inviting motorists aged over 60 to participate in a refresher driving course.

Posted by Sarah Bailey