Media Release:  18 November 2013

Free driving lesson to benefit drivers on quake-damaged roads

Ever changing roads and major works ensure learner drivers in Christchurch have a more challenging environment in which to develop their skills than most Kiwis. This cements the need for a greater focus on professional driving training according to the NZ Automobile Association (AA).

Today the AA begins the latest phase of its free driving lesson programme rollout in Christchurch and urges new learner drivers to take advantage of it.

AA Driving School General Manager Nigel Clark says a legacy of the earthquakes in Christchurch in late 2010 and early 2011 is significant damage to roading infrastructure.

“Drivers in Christchurch face a more challenging urban environment than most of us in New Zealand. There are road cones creating changes to road systems and road works are pervasive.

“Because of this we’re very pleased to be able to extend the AA Driving School’s free driving lesson programme to Christchurch.”

Mr Clark says a free professional driving lesson will assist new learner drivers with a better understanding of how to deal with a road system that is always changing.

The AA announced the national roll out of the free driving lesson programme last month in Wellington following a three-month pilot.

The free driving lesson is now available to AA Members and their children who have held their learner licence for less than two months in Whangarei, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Wanganui, Nelson, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch from today.

The programme will continue to roll out to other centres where AA driving instructors are available into 2014. Once the roll out is complete, the AA expects to provide a free driving lesson to about 500 new learner drivers each month.

“Driver education is a cornerstone of the AA and forms one of our strategic priorities. This commitment reflects our belief that professional driving training improves the skill set and attitude of learner drivers, which will make them safer motorists.

The hour long lesson will provide the student with an introduction on key driving skills, how to set up a car for driving, an explanation on instruments, gauges and vehicle controls, moving off, stopping, steering, gears and basic intersection types.

To apply for a free driving lesson call 0800 223 199 or go online at aa.co.nz/free-driving-lesson

ENDS

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