EDUCATION
EDUCATION SPECIAL FEATURE
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
YOUNG DRIVER: PUTTING YOUNG MOTORISTS IN THE DRIVING SEAT
THERE ARE PLENTY OF EXPERIENCES THAT MAKE CHILDREN FEEL GROWN UP, BUT FEW ARE QUITE AS EXCITING AS SLIPPING BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A REAL CAR. AT YOUNG DRIVER’ S DETLING SHOWGROUND VENUE, THAT MOMENT COMES FAR SOONER THAN MOST PARENTS EXPECT, WITH YOUNGSTERS AGED JUST NINE ABLE TO LEARN GENUINE DRIVING SKILLS IN A SAFE, CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT YEARS BEFORE THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A PROVISIONAL LICENCE. BY SAMANTHA READY
For Lyla, 11, and Jaxon, 9, the excitement began long before the engines started. Watching real cars queue around the specially designed road system instantly made the experience feel authentic, with miniature junctions, roundabouts, traffic signs and road markings recreating many of the situations they’ ll eventually encounter on Kent’ s roads.
After a warm welcome and safety briefing, both children were introduced to their own fully qualified driving instructor before climbing into dual-controlled Suzuki Swifts. While nerves were certainly present during those first few moments, they disappeared almost as quickly as the cars pulled away.
Lyla quickly settled into the driver’ s seat, confidently learning the relationship between steering, braking and positioning the car on the road. Having an instructor calmly talking through every manoeuvre meant she was able to concentrate on developing good habits rather than simply making the car move. Roundabouts, junctions and smooth steering all became progressively easier as the lesson continued, and her confidence visibly grew with every lap.
Jaxon approached the experience with equal enthusiasm. Despite being one of the youngest eligible participants, he was soon mastering gentle acceleration, smooth braking and accurate steering inputs. The specially designed road layout allows
children to build their skills gradually, introducing new challenges at a pace suited to each individual driver, making the whole experience feel supportive rather than intimidating.
What impressed us most was how much emphasis Young Driver places on safety and responsibility. Rather than encouraging speed or thrills, every lesson focuses on anticipation, awareness and understanding how to make sensible decisions behind the wheel. It feels remarkably grown up, with instructors constantly reinforcing the importance of observation, road positioning and consideration for other drivers.
That philosophy is backed up by impressive statistics. Young Driver is the UK’ s largest provider of pre-17 driving lessons, having delivered more than 1.6 million lessons across more than 70 venues nationwide. Even more reassuring is the long-term impact. While around one in five newly qualified drivers is involved in a crash within six months of passing their driving test, the accident rate amongst former Young Driver pupils falls to fewer than 4 % during that same period, a reduction of more than 80 %.
The experience also deserves praise for its accessibility. Driving tuition is available for disabled youngsters, with automatic vehicles offered at every venue where required, ensuring the opportunity to develop confidence behind the wheel is open to as many young people as possible.
As the lessons came to an end, there were enormous smiles all round, along with plenty of excited conversation about who had mastered parking best and when they could come back. While the novelty of driving a real car is undoubtedly a major attraction, the lasting value lies in introducing young motorists to safe, responsible driving habits years before they venture onto public roads.
For parents looking for an experience that combines excitement with genuine life skills, Young Driver delivers on both counts. It is educational without feeling like a lesson, hugely enjoyable and perhaps one of the most valuable activities a young person can experience before they ever hold a provisional licence.
Young Driver experiences are available at two Kent locations: Bluewater and Kent Showground, Detling. 30- or 60-minute lessons must be booked in advance with prices starting from £ 47.99. insideKENT readers can claim an exclusive 10 % discount * off of all experiences / lessons; simply quote discount code YDIK10 at the time of booking.
* Discount is not valid on gift vouchers and expires at the end of 2026.
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