IAM RoadSmart launches first ever Young Drivers Skills Day this summer

• Drivers aged 17-30 will learn new skills and boost confidence for an affordable price
• Tickets now on sale for the chance to drive a sports car or go off-road in a 4x4

The UK’s leading road safety charity IAM RoadSmart is delighted to announce a partnership with Thruxton racing circuit to host a new Young Drivers Skills Day on 22^nd August 2024 at the Hampshire track.

Tickets for this half-day experience are open to any young driver aged 17-30 and go on sale from today at a special price of £149. Sessions are split into a morning or afternoon gathering and attendees can get behind the wheel of a variety of vehicles, including the latest Porsche Cayman^ on-track or a Land Rover for some off-road experience.

This new event builds on our existing experience in delivering popular Skills Days across the country. Young drivers will learn new driving techniques with some of the country’s most experienced instructors including:

• Circuit Driving (Porsche Cayman): Experiencing a 2.9ltr Porsche Cayman on one of the UK’s most advanced circuits which also hosts British Touring Car Championship races.
  
  
• Skid Pan: In a safe and controlled environment, we will help you develop the skills needed to correct and control a sliding car, a situation that you may encounter on public roads. Not only is this great fun but more importantly it’s a hugely worthwhile investment in your own and your passengers' safety.
  
  
• 4x4 off-road: Develop skills of patience, caution and controlled aggression as you take on the 4x4 course tackling steep inclines and declines, rocks and tricky terrain.
  
  
• Autotest: Using control, precision and speed to navigate around a course of markers in a Mazda MX5 to achieve the fastest lap time with the fewest penalties.
  
  

According to latest Department for Transport (DfT) figures, younger drivers in Great Britain experience* higher rates of injury in road collisions compared to motorists of other ages. IAM RoadSmart recognises the importance of early intervention in shaping responsible and skilled drivers. By providing practical experience in a controlled environment, this exclusive event will equip younger drivers with the tools they need to help them stay safe on our roads.

The sessions are open to full licence holders, whether you’re an IAM RoadSmart member or not.

IAM RoadSmart Chief Executive Antony Kildare said: “We’re hugely excited to be launching this scheme for younger drivers which will not only be immensely enjoyable, but crucially will help them develop key driving disciplines. We’re proud to be working with an established partner like Thruxton to deliver this.”

Thruxton Circuit Sales Manager Lorne Mitchener said: “Thruxton Circuit is not only a place associated with great days out, but it is also a place where we can help make younger drivers of today better drivers of tomorrow. We’re delighted to partner on this scheme with the UK’s leading road safety charity.”

Tickets can be purchased here: www.iamroadsmart.net/yd-skills-day

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Notes to editors:

* Reported road casualties in Great Britain: younger driver factsheet, 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
^ Subject to availability

Press contacts:

Press office – +44 (0) 20 8996 9777 – press.office@iam.org.uk
Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and Standards, IAM Roadsmart
Rebecca Dundon, Press officer, IAM RoadSmart

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About IAM RoadSmart

IAM RoadSmart is the UK’s largest road safety charity. It has a vision of a society where all road users can safely and sustainably use the public highways together. It does this through a range of means including through the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart was formed in March 1956 and has around 75,000 members that supports its campaigns on road safety. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit: www.iamroadsmart.com

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