Kent young driver course wins Prince Michael Road Safety Award

Kent’s Young Driver and Passenger Course — offered to Year 12 and Year 13 students across the county — has been recognised for outstanding achievement and innovation in road safety education.

The programme runs four virtual sessions followed by a live Q&A at the school, where a Safer Road User Team officer attends in person. Virtual content covers crash causation, hazard perception, alcohol, drugs, mobile phones, fatigue, speed, stopping distances, seatbelts, emotions and decision-making. Students complete a workbook and course evaluations throughout.

And the need for it is hard to argue with. Nearly 30% of crashes on Kent’s roads involve drivers aged 16 to 19. Seventy-five per cent of deaths in that age group happen on the roads.

The course is designed to shape attitudes before or during the early stages of driving — the point when young people are statistically most at risk. Schools across Kent can book the programme by contacting the Safer Road Users team at saferroadusers@kent.gov.uk.

Key information

• Who it’s for: Year 12 and Year 13 students at schools across Kent
• Format: Four virtual sessions plus a live Q&A with a Safer Road User Team officer at the school
• How to book: Email Kent County Council’s Safer Road Users team at saferroadusers@kent.gov.uk