There is something rather exciting about getting behind the wheel for the first time. One minute you are sitting in the passenger seat watching your parents drive, and the next, you are the one holding the steering wheel and wondering why everyone else appears to have forgotten how roundabouts work.
The good news is that youngsters do not have to wait until they are 17 to start learning. Driving Lessons for under 17s offer an early introduction to the basics of driving, helping young drivers build skills and confidence in a controlled environment before they take to public roads.
From 30 minute introductions to five lesson bundles, there are plenty of options available. So, whether they are complete beginners or already showing signs of being rather too interested in your car keys, there is a lesson to get them started.
Start With A 30 Minute Young Driver Experience
Sometimes, the best way to begin is simply to keep things short and manageable. The 30 Minute Young Driver Experience gives youngsters aged 9 to 17 the chance to get behind the wheel with a fully qualified instructor at 68 locations across the UK.
During the session, they can learn the fundamentals of driving, including moving off, accelerating, braking and road positioning. They can also progress to skills such as reverse parking, depending on their age and ability.
The experience takes place on a replica road system featuring junctions, roundabouts and road signs, giving young drivers a useful introduction to situations they will eventually encounter on the road.
Take Things Up To A Full Hour
If 30 minutes sounds like barely enough time to work out which pedal does what, there is a longer option. The 60 Minute Under 17s Junior First Drive gives youngsters aged 10 to 16 a full hour behind the wheel.
The lesson begins with a safety briefing before moving onto practical skills such as pulling away, steering, braking and changing gear. The instructor can adapt the session to suit the youngster's experience, making it suitable for both complete beginners and those who have already had some practice.
There are eight UK locations available, and the experience also includes a certificate of completion. Not bad for an hour's work.
Learn In A Mini Cooper S
For something a little different, the Junior Driving Lesson puts youngsters aged 10 to 16 into a dual-controlled manual Mini Cooper S.
The one hour lesson takes place away from public traffic, with a qualified instructor introducing everything from road safety and traffic laws to steering, braking, clutch control and gears.
As the session progresses, youngsters can practise dealing with simulated road hazards and challenging situations designed to develop their decision making and hazard perception. There are four driving centres across Staffordshire, Lancashire, Surrey and Yorkshire.
Why One Lesson When You Can Have Five?
Driving is a skill, so having more opportunities to practise is never a bad idea. For youngsters who really want to get to grips with the basics, there are two five lesson bundles available at different locations.
There is no combined package covering both venues, but each offers five 30 minute lessons at a reduced price. That means more time behind the wheel and more opportunity to build confidence from one session to the next.
Five Lessons In Norfolk
The 5 x 30 Minute Bundle at Tibenham Airfield near Norwich is aimed at youngsters aged 10 and over. The five sessions take place on a purpose-built course away from public traffic, with manual cars fitted with dual controls.
Each lesson is tailored to the youngster's ability, covering skills such as steering, braking, accelerating and changing gear. The bundle is listed at £236 rather than £295, giving a 20% saving, and is valid for 12 months.
Five sessions also give youngsters time to improve gradually. The first lesson might be about getting comfortable with the controls, while later sessions can build on those foundations.
The second five lesson option is based at Lleweni Parc in Denbighshire and is also available to youngsters aged 10 and over. The sessions take place across 180 acres of private land, giving them plenty of space to learn away from public roads.
The manual cars have dual controls and the specially trained instructors tailor each lesson to the individual. Parents can also watch from a viewing platform while their budding driver gets
Why Start Learning Before 17?
The biggest benefit of starting early is confidence. Youngsters can begin learning important driving skills in a controlled environment without having to deal with normal public road traffic.
Lessons can introduce everything from moving away and braking to steering, changing gear, intersections, roundabouts, traffic lights and reverse bay parking as the learner progresses.
It is not about turning a 10 year old into a fully qualified driver overnight. It is about giving them a head start and helping them become familiar with the fundamentals before they are old enough to begin learning on the road.
Back To School, Back To Driving
With the school holidays coming to an end, a driving lesson might not be the first thing that springs to mind when thinking about the new term. But it could be one of the more useful additions to the timetable.
Whether it is a quick 30 minute introduction, a full hour behind the wheel or a five lesson bundle, these experiences give youngsters the chance to learn at their own pace with trained instructors.
And there is something rather satisfying about watching a youngster go from cautiously pressing the pedals to confidently controlling a car. Just remember, once they start asking for the keys, you have been warned.
Ready For The Next Lesson?
Learning to drive takes time. It involves building skills, gaining experience and gradually becoming more confident behind the wheel. Starting early gives youngsters the opportunity to work on those foundations in a controlled environment.
From first drives to five lesson bundles, these experiences provide plenty of ways to get started. They might not be ready for the morning commute just yet, but with a little practice, they can certainly start their journey towards becoming a confident driver.
After all, school may teach them how to solve equations, write essays and remember where they left their homework. Learning to drive teaches them something they can actually use when they grow up.
