A GROUNDBREAKING new driver training course for youngsters will be launched at Prenton Park later this month.

Aimed at 10 to 17 year olds, the first Young Driver event will be held on Sunday, January 21 at Tranmere Rovers ground to give anyone over the age of 10 the chance to drive a car in a safe but realistic environment.

The Young Driver course hopes to cut the number of accidents involving young drivers by allowing children to take lessons off the public road in a specially constructed road system with traffic signs with areas to practice manoeuvres and specialist driving instructors.

The scheme has now given more than 500,000 lessons at more than 50 venues across the UK.

Learners will also receive a personalised 'Drive Diary' to see how they do.

Laura White, head of marketing at Young Driver, said: “We are really excited to be launching in Birkenhead for the first time.

"It’s a great site and I think both our instructors and the pupils are going to love it.

"The space we’ll be using at Tranmere Rovers is very large, providing the opportunity for youngsters to try lots of different driving activities, and the room to allow them to practice getting up through the gears as well.

"It will hopefully be more convenient for new people looking to give it a try, but also we always recommend our pupils try different venues to get a different experience – so those who have previously been to Chester and Aintree can come along too.

"There’s plenty of onsite parking and an indoor café for parents, which is always a hit, especially in the winter.

“With one in five young people crashing within six months of passing their test, it is vital something is done to help our youngsters become safer drivers.

"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 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.”

Driving tuition is available for disabled youngsters and Young Driver can also cater for birthday parties.

Thirty or sixty-minute lessons must be booked in advance. Lesson prices start from £34.95.

For more information, to book a lesson or to buy vouchers visit www.youngdriver.com or call 0844 371 9010.