Following the success of a pilot project that helped older drivers’ confidence and gave practical driver refresher sessions, Dorset County Council is offering older residents across Dorset more chances to take part.
The council is offering drivers aged 70 and over, a chance for just £5 to take part in a friendly discussion session about driving issues.
This session does not involve any driving and covers subjects including staying fit to drive, car adaptations, new driving techniques, changes to the Highway Code, negotiating roundabouts and junctions safely, and dual carriageway and motorway driving.
There is also an option for a practical refresher drive at a later date. This 90-minute one-to-one practical driving session takes place on local roads and includes town and country driving. This aims to improve defensive driving techniques, hazard awareness and better road positioning, as well as providing tips that can help reduce fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear.The practical session is being offered free of charge for a limited number of people on a first-come, first served basis. The normal cost of a practical refresher session is £37.50.
Cabinet member for environment and economy, Cllr Peter Finney said: “In a rural county like Dorset, driving is the most common way for people to get around, giving them access to work, loved ones, shops and health services.
“Research suggests that human error plays a part in almost all collisions and nearly half the people killed or seriously injured on Dorset’s roads are in a car.
“We could all do with a refresher from time-to-time, however long we’ve been driving. I’m going to have a go at this course. It will give me a chance to brush up on my driving skills.”
Dates for the theory sessions:
- Poole Upton House Mon 20 October 2pm
- Gillingham Gillingham Hub Fri 24 October 10am
- Weymouth Fire Safety Centre Wed 12 November 2pm
- Bournemouth Strouden Community Hall Thu 20 November 10am
- Dorchester County Hall Fri 21 November 2pm
- Beaminster The Public Hall Tue 2 December 10am
- Wimborne Allendale Centre Thu 4 December 10am
- Poole Upton House Wed 10 December 2pm
- Bournemouth LV Streetwise Tue 16 December 10am
For further information and to book a place on the theory discussion session visit www.dorsetforyou.com/roadsafety/gold or call the road safety team on 01305 224558
