Young Driver is the UK’s largest pre-17 driving school.

The school is celebrating the fact that it has delivered its 1.5 millionth lesson.

Set up as a road safety initiative, it allows children as young as nine to get behind the wheel, aiming to improve the skills and safety of the next generation of drivers when they reach driving age of 17 and over.

A route to safety

Launched in 2009 with just one site, Young Driver now operates at 70 venues across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Over the past 16 years, the scheme has hosted nearly 9,400 events, and provided 750,000 hours of driving experience to young people.

The structured lessons take place on private property with realistic road layouts, including roundabouts and junctions, delivered by 430 Approved Driving Instructors in dual-controlled vehicles.

Nationally, one in five newly qualified drivers has a crash within six months of passing their test.

However, figures for Young Driver alumni reveal just 3.4%  have crashed in the same period after passing their driving test — an 84% reduction.

Taylor Deans Takes the 1.5 Millionth Lesson

The landmark 1.5 millionth lesson was taken by 10-year-old Taylor Deans from Wolverhampton at the Young Driver venue in Brierley Hill, Midlands.

His mother, Savhannah Deans, was thrilled with the experience: “I’ve wanted Taylor to try a driving lesson with Young Driver for a while, so we did it for his 10th birthday. I was blown away by how much he learned. We booked an hour, and he’s already desperate to come back! It has made him more aware of the road and how cars work, even as a pedestrian and cyclist.”

Ian Mulingani, Managing Director of Young Driver, emphasised what he believes is a dramatic positive impact on road safety: “Everything we do is about safety and helping young people realise the responsibility that comes with being behind the wheel. Our past pupils’ accident statistics prove that early exposure and structured learning make a real difference.”

Young Driver’s research also suggests that alumni require 58% fewer professional lessons when they turn 17.

On average, they take just 19 professional lessons before passing their test, compared to the national average of 45 hours.

Tailored Lessons for All Age Groups

While lessons begin at age nine, one in five Young Driver pupils is 16, preparing for official driving lessons.

A further 19% are aged 17 or 18, using the scheme to build confidence in a controlled environment.

It is believed that nervous pupils, or those with additional needs, may also benefit from the pressure-free setup.

Mulingani added: “There’s no pressure to pass a test or deal with aggressive road users. Pupils can focus on the mechanics of driving first, so when they get on the road, they are better prepared for real-world challenges.”

The company continues to go from strength to strength and is always looking for new ADIs to help deliver lessons.

For more information, visit www.youngdriver.com.