A driver training scheme which allows young people age 10 to 17 to get behind the wheel is launching its first Herts venue in Hatfield.

Young Driver will open at Angerland Park and Ride in Hatfield on Saturday, May 29, with the car park transformed into a realistic road system so young drivers can work on a range of skills and manoeuvres.

The mock road system has traffic signs, roundabouts and junctions, along with special areas to practice steering control and parking.

Lessons are designed to teach young people how to drive responsibly, giving them time to perfect skills without the pressure of public roads.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Young Driver is launching in Hatfield to help children and teenagers learn to drive in a controlled environmentYoung Driver is launching in Hatfield to help children and teenagers learn to drive in a controlled environment (Image: Young Driver)

Events will run on selected weekend dates throughout the year. With driving lessons restarting across the country as lockdown eases, Young Driver lessons can be rebooked if they need to be cancelled due to illness, self-isolation or lockdown restrictions.

Sue Waterfield, head of marketing at Young Driver, said: "We are really excited to be launching our first venue in Hertfordshire.

"The Angerland Park and Ride site gives us a large space, providing plenty of opportunities for youngsters to try out lots of different driving skills and techniques – whether they’re a beginner or have already had a few lessons at one of our other venues.

“Clearly something needs to be done to tackle the seriously high accident rates of our young drivers.

"Training drivers over a longer period of time allows youngsters to have a solid understanding of how to drive a car before they get anywhere near a real road. But the lessons are also lots of fun and they’re a great general confidence boost for teens and pre-teens, who take the responsibility very seriously.

"At the moment, it’s great to be able to offer a fun activity that young people can still safely take part in, as so much has been cancelled for them.”

Current confirmed dates Young Driver will be running in Hatfield are May 29, July 10 and September 18, with driving tuition also available for young people with disabilities.

COVID-19 safety measures are currently in place for pupils and instructors, including the wearing of masks, social distancing and hand and vehicle sanitisation.