What's the news?

Safety campaigners have long suggested the way to deal with young drivers and their prospect of being involved in an accident is to give them experience behind the wheel at an early age. More experience equals less anxiety, which should (in theory) lead to less accidents. The problem with this is that, until the age of 17, youngsters are not allowed behind the wheel of a car on the public road.

Land Rover has taken the bull by the horns in the way only it could by offering an off-road experience for kids aged between 11 and 17. Entitled 'Start Off-Road', the course aims to bestow on young drivers the skills required for when they are legally allowed to drive.

Held at five centres nationwide, participants will drive a dual-control Range Rover Evoque automatic in the company of an experienced instructor who will guide them around the specially laid out course. Some of the skills acquired will only be applicable to off-roading (such as climbing and descending hills or crossing rivers and ditches), but it is the skills and techniques learnt behind the wheel and the work on basic handling and braking that will stand the drivers the most.

Lessons are available from £43 for 30 minutes or £80 for 60 minutes and all students will receive a personalised Start Off-Road Log Book in which to record progress so that when they attend future lessons - at the same venue or another one - they pick up where they left off rather than repeating work already done.

Anything else?

All students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can participate in the lesson by riding in the back seat, though it is probably a better idea to hang back in the centre and enjoy a cuppa. For more information visit http://startoff-road.com/.

Paul Healy - 26 Sep 2013