CHILDREN as young as ten will be able to learn basic driving skills during lessons on the top floor of the Broadway Shopping Centre’s car park.

The driver training course is aimed at 10-17 year olds, and will be taught on a specially constructed mock road system at the car park, away from the dangers of the city’s public roads.

It is the first time the nationwide scheme, intended to help train a generation of safer drivers, has come to Bradford.

The Young Driver events are run by Admiral insurance, and the first event was held this month. Young patients at Bradford Royal Infirmary were among the first to try it out on the day, thanks to the Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity, the chosen charity of the Broadway Centre.

One in five newly qualified drivers crash within six months of passing their test, and that figure is as high as 40 per cent for 17-year-old youths.

Only eight per cent of drivers are aged 17 – 24 and yet they account for 30 per cent of people who are killed in cars every year.

The rate of accidents in the first six months of those who have completed the courses and gone on to pass their tests is said to have dropped by more than a half the usual level, to fewer than one in ten.

The young people drive dual controlled Vauxhall Corsas, along with qualified driving instructors.

On a specially constructed road system with traffic signs, and specific areas for practising manoeuvres, the fresh faced motorists are encouraged to consider responsible driving and are given time to perfect the necessary driving skills without the pressures of public roads.

The young people have to be tall enough to see over the steering wheel and reach the pedals.

Hayley Collis, head of fundraising for Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity, said: “This was a lovely gesture by both Young Driver and Broadway Bradford; a unique opportunity for these young patients who all have chronic illnesses which means they often miss out on treats like this because they are in hospital receiving treatment.

"The parents who accompanied them on the day have told me it was an absolutely pleasure to see their smiles and the joy on their faces and to say a big thank you to all who helped make this a very special day for them.”

Laura White, head of marketing at Young Driver, said: “We have been looking for a venue around the Bradford area for some time, and the centre is perfect. It’s in a great location, making it very accessible to local people, and we’ll be able to set up an interesting course for keen young learners.”

Ian Ward, general manager at The Broadway, added: “This is a really exciting addition to The Broadway’s offering.”

The Young Driver sessions will run monthly with confirmed next dates on October 15 and November 26.