Lancashire initiative gets lapsed drivers back on track

Lancashire County Council’s road safety group is helping to get lapsed drivers back in the driving seat - thanks to an innovative driver re-training scheme.

The ‘Work Drive’ initiative allows people who have not driven for some time to regain their confidence to drive. Funding is provided by the Northern Rural Partnership – a Lancashire-based organisation that aims to assist people in rural areas.

The course comprises a three-hour session on a one-to-one basis with an approved driving instructor, provided by Lancashire County Council. A further group theory session also considers the important issue of driver vulnerability.

56 year old Jean Gorst got involved in the Work Drive scheme after finding driving on motorways a ‘scary’ prospect. "I usually only drive locally and although I enjoy driving I wasn’t that confident on motorways and roundabouts," Jean explained. "I feel a lot better for doing the Work Drive scheme. I have refreshed my knowledge of the Highway Code and can anticipate things more easily when driving."

"I thoroughly enjoyed working with these women and seeing the improvement in their driving and therefore their quality of life, said Gill Roberts, Lancashire County Council road safety adviser and an approved driving instructor. "The course is tailor-made to the client; people come at it from different angles so contact is made with them to find out their needs and at their convenience. It gives the opportunity to fit it into their own schedules."