Warwickshire News Mine

Places are still available for the Pathfinder Driving School which starts on 24 October. The five day course will introduce participants to the essential driving skills and knowledge needed to enjoy a safe and long driving career.

A significant subsidy on the normal price of £100 is now available for a group of lucky participants. The first ten people to call 01926 412740 quoting ‘pathfinder special offer’ will receive a 50 per cent discount on this rate and pay just £50 for the week’s tuition. The discount is available thanks to sponsorship from ATB Driving.

By the end of Pathfinder, young people can expect to be driving in a confident, assured and responsible manner, and be well on their way to reaching a standard required to pass a driving test.

They will also have a firm grasp of advanced driving theory and basic vehicle maintenance, and an understanding of the risks, dangers and responsibilities that come with driving.

The course takes place at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry and Long Marston Airfield near Stratford upon Avon, locations chosen to offer some variety of driving terrain. It is being run by the U17 Drivers Pathfinder Ltd on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.

Jack Fielding, 17, from Wellesbourne completed the course in 2008, he said:  “Pathfinder helped me in the initial stages of driving by teaching me the basic yet vital driving skills which made it much easier - and cheaper - when I started lessons.

“It’s great that the council are running Pathfinder again as it provides a safe and reliable introduction to the world of driving and it is really good for teenagers thinking about learning to drive. I’m looking forward to supporting the course this year as a marshall.”

Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, portfolio holder for community protection said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get a head start on the road to gaining their full driving licence.

“Research shows us that Pathfinders courses cut the chance of having an accident in half for participants, so these young drivers should be safer and hopefully need fewer lessons before passing their test.“

David Raby, Director of ATB Driving said: “We are delighted to offer this sponsorship to encourage potential students and their parents to join the Pathfinder driving school which has already delivered great benefit and pleasure to Warwickshire students.”

The Pathfinder course costs £100 and is being sponsored and supported by the AA Driving School. Students will drive their own family car and need to be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout. 

To book a place or to find out more about Pathfinder, please visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/pathfinder or call 01926 412740.

Link to WCC