Young drivers offered cash for enhanced training

A council is offering funding towards an advanced driving course in a bid to reduce the number of young people killed and seriously injured on the road.

Westmorland and Furness Council is offering a £150 subsidy towards the Pass Plus scheme aimed at developing young drivers' skills and confidence.

Cabinet member Peter Thornton said young drivers were disproportionately represented in road traffic collisions and the council hoped the scheme would "make our roads safer for everyone."

Those aged between 17 and 24 in the local authority area who passed their practical driving test within the last 12 months will be able to apply for the help.

Pass Plus is a practical training course offered after drivers have passed their initial test.

It includes at least six hours of additional training and covers a range of situations including rural roads, night driving, poor weather and higher-speed routes, but there is no test at the end of the course.

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