Driver Directions course

10 March 2014

The popular Driver Directions programme is being launched this year under a new collaboration between Taupo District Council, Rotorua District Council and the New Zealand Police.

Driver Directions involves qualified people, including driving instructors and police, taking young participants through practical driving skills, accompanied by parents or caregivers. The programme includes braking, crash avoidance, road skills, unsealed road driving, and, an array of hands-on work stations.

New Zealand Transport Agency funding for this year's programme is being shared by the two councils, while police and other agencies will provide staffing and expertise. By doubling the number of courses offered to each district, students are able to choose between the two days, with seven days for 2014 being made available in 2014.

Organisers encourage young drivers to attend as many of the courses as they can while still in the graduated driver licence system. Each day-long course adds a minimum of five hours of driving practise toward the recommended level of 120 hours practise prior to driving solo.

Taupo District Mayor David Trewavas said Driver Directions was a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to invest time and effort in their young drivers.

"Road crashes are the single greatest killer of 15 to 24-year-olds, and the leading cause of their permanent injury. The great thing about this programme is that parents and teens can work together to help make our roads a safer place," he said. "This is a quality programme that supports both parents and teens through this challenging stage - and best of all it's free."

The first 2014 Driver Directions courses for Taupo and Rotorua district residents is on April 23 and 24, at Ricoh Taupo Motorsport Park.

To register for one of the April courses, or for more information, click here or email dd@taupo.govt.nz.