The kids are alright behind the wheel at the age of only 10 in Leeds

A new Young Driver training course at Leeds East Airport at Church Fenton will give children and teenagers aged between 10 and 17 the chance to get behind the wheel of dual controlled cars in a safe and monitored environment.

Already up and running in places such as Sheffield and Manchester, the scheme aims to address figures that show two out of every 10 newly-qualified drivers have a crash within six months of passing their tests.

The accident rate is under one in 10 for those that have taken the course.

Young Driver’s Kim Stanton said: “We’re thrilled to be opening this new venue and bringing the Young Driver programme to more people in the Leeds and York areas.

“The airport provides us with a huge space that will allow drivers to try their hand at a wide range of driving skills and techniques.

“It’s a great opportunity for us and we hope that youngsters based in the region will enjoy taking part in the fun-filled lessons.

“We will also be able to provide snacks and drinks in the on-site café so mums and dads can relax and enjoy watching their youngsters behind the wheel.

“We believe it is important to train drivers over a longer period of time and that catching youngsters when their attitudes towards driving are still developing is the key to producing a safer driver.

“By starting at a younger age you can more easily focus on attitude and behaviour and you have a better chance of tackling a young person’s sense of invulnerability.”

Participants will follow a specially-created route at the airport that includes T-junctions, roundabouts and parking zones.

Tuition is provided by highly-qualified and CRB-checked driving instructors.

The Young Driver courses will initially run once a month at the airport, with bookings now open for August 21, September 17 and October 30.

For further information, visit www.youngdriver.eu or ring 0844 371 9010.