Young drivers better equipped for roads

Sixty Upper Hutt teenagers spent part of their school holidays upskilling themselves when it comes to getting behind the wheel.

Youth Drive Skills Upper Hutt, a joint project between Upper Hutt Police, Upper Hutt City Council and VTNZ, ran for the first time in early July.

Upper Hutt Police Youth Education Officer, Senior Constable Kerry Fenton says the idea for the course came last year after numerous conversations with young people revealed barriers to graduating through the driver licensing system.

“Youth were telling us the barriers included the cost of the licences, the cost of driving lessons and the fact that there wasn’t anyone to teach them correct driving techniques.”

Kerry says 60 students had the chance to undertake practical driving lessons under the watchful eyes of Police College driving instructors, as well as learning basic road safety skills.

“The support from MAF for allowing the use of the Wallaceville Animal Research Centre was also integral to the programme’s success, as students were able to practise with the driver trainers on their closed roading network.”

As part of VTNZ’s commitment to the project, 15 students will have their licences paid for – either a learner’s, restricted or full licence.

Upper Hutt City Council Road Safety Coordinator Joanne Kinnaird says the course is a win-win for the community.

Senior Constable Kerry Fenton running a theory session with students, before they get behind the wheel. Photo: Upper Hutt City Council

“Twenty three percent of crashes in Upper Hutt are caused by people on a restricted licence so we’re helping encourage young drivers to graduate through the driver licensing system.”

Joanne says it’s admirable these 60 young people have attended the course off their own bat and she’s proud of the hard work and commitment they’ve demonstrated this week.

“The students have told us the course was valuable and has given them more confidence with their driving.

“They also said it made them more aware about hazards on the road, such as texting while driving.”

Kerry says they’re looking at all options to make the Youth Drive Skills Upper Hutt sustainable into the future.