On the right road for good driving

May 23 2008 by Alison Lowson

BIG County teenagers will learn everything they need to know about getting behind the wheel thanks to Driving Ambition, an exciting partnership led by Tayside Police and Tayside Fire and Rescue.

The initiative, sponsored by Macrae & Dick Ford, will see ten organisations tour seven Perthshire secondary schools with interactive stalls and displays.

Driving Ambition will kick off at Perth Academy on Tuesday, June 3, and finish at Perth High on Thursday, June 12.

From 10am until 3pm, fifth and sixth year pupils will learn everything they need to know about getting mobile – from how to apply for a Provisional Licence to buying and maintaining their first car.

Rachel Ewins, road safety officer for Tayside Police, said: “There’s so much more to learning to drive than getting in a car and starting the engine. Young people need to learn about choosing instructors and the courses available to them; insurance, MOTs and servicing; as well as how to drive in bad weather.

“The aim of Driving Ambition is to encourage safe driver and passenger behaviour by providing an opportunity for young people to speak directly to those professionals who can give them all the information they need to start this new and exciting stage in their lives.

“And this roadshow will be fun. We’ll have speed cameras on site for pupils to see and a mechanic from Macrae & Dick will show them how to change a tyre.

“We’ll also be handing out booklets with all the information and contact details they’ll need before getting in the driver’s seat for the first time.”

Perth & Kinross Council; the Driving Standards Agency; Tayside Safety Camera Partnership; Perth & District Motorschools’ Association; Norwich Union; and the Institute of Advanced Motorists have all come together with Tayside Police, Tayside Fire & Rescue and Macrae & Dick.

Drew Guthrie, general manager for Macrae & Dick, the longest established motor dealer group in Scotland, said: “When we heard about Driving Ambition we were keen to do everything possible to support it.

“This is a great initiative because it helps young adults develop as sensible drivers and gives them the information they need to make choices.

“We’re delighted to sponsor the booklets and to provide mechanics on the day.”