News Release
Friday 14 March 2014

Rotorua and Taupo councils join forces with police to deliver Driver Directions programme

The popular Driver Directions programme is being launched this year under a new collaboration of Rotorua District Council, Taupo District Council, and NZ Police.

Driver Directions involves qualified people, including driving instructors and police, taking young participants through practical driving skills, accompanied by parents or caregivers. The free course includes gravel road driving, and braking and crash avoidance, amongst an array of hands-on work stations.

New Zealand Transport Agency funding for this year’s programme is being shared by the two councils, while the police will provide staffing and expertise.

Rotorua District Council road safety coordinator, Jodie Lawson, said it is important for young drivers to continue to have access to quality road safety programmes to help keep motorists and the community safe.

“The key benefits from this collaboration are not only cost savings by sharing staff and financial resources, but we’re able to strengthen the level of expertise through a consistent quality package.

“We’ve also been able to double the number of courses offered to each district, with seven being made available this year. Driver Directions isn’t a one-off event. In fact, we encourage young drivers to attend as many of the courses as they can while still in the graduated licence system.

“The new framework allows young drivers to book into multiple events, with each day-long course adding at least five precious hours of driving practice towards the recommended level of 120 hours practice prior to driving solo.”

The first 2014 Driver Directions course for Rotorua and Taupo district residents is on 23 April at Taupo Motorsport Park.

[ENDS]

© Scoop Media