22 March 2012

Council offering free ‘Driver Directions’ courses next month

Rotorua District Council (RDC) is offering free Driver Directions courses to young drivers wanting to get valuable driving skills and practice on a safe off-road environment.

The two free courses run from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday 11 April at Mamaku Go Kart Track, and Tuesday 17 April at Taupo Motorsport Park.

Driver Directions involves a number of qualified driving instructors and police taking participants through practical driving skills, accompanied by their parents or caregivers.

Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters attended the Driver Directions course with his teenage son last year, and says the pair thoroughly enjoyed the day, which he found to be well structured and very poignant.

“I particularly liked having a police officer sitting in the passenger seat next to my son, giving him the same messages that I give him as a licensed driver when he is driving. The messages were common – what to look out for, what you’re doing right, and what you’re doing wrong.

“I’ll be taking my daughter to the next one.”

RDC road safety coordinator Jodie Lawson says Driver Directions is a valuable opportunity for teenagers on learners’ and restricted licences to practice their driving skills in a safe off-road environment.

“Involving parents means both students and parents become better educated. It’s a free course but a valuable investment in young drivers’ and their parents’ lives.”

There are limited spaces on Driver Directions so those wanting to participate should register with Jodie Lawson by calling her on 027 454 5713 as soon as possible. Drivers must have their own cars and have a parent or guardian with them at all times when they take the course.

Driver Directions is supported by Rotorua District Council, Rotorua Police, Harcourts, Rotorua Rotarians, and local driving instructors.

ENDS

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