VALUABLE skills essential to passing a driving test will be taught as part of a free new course for youngsters aged between 15 and 17-years-old.

The ten-week pre-learner driving training programme, First Gear, will take place in Milnthorpe to teach young people about responsible road use before they start driving lessons or take their test.

The course, run by voluntary organisation Young Cumbria, starts this Tuesday, November 1 and will cover attitudes to driving and the responsibilities that come with being a road user, the basics of vehicle care including a visit to a local garage and a practical lesson behind the wheel of a car to help develop basic manoeuvring skills.

The project was set up because of the number of young people involved in accidents on roads around the county, said Lyn Williams, Young Cumbria project organiser.

"Young Cumbria has set up workshops and courses to encourage youngsters to come along and improve their driving skills.

"The First Gear course will provide new drivers with all they need to know about becoming a driver, from the cost of driving to taking the test to becoming safe and responsible on the roads."

The course will take place at the Cross Keys Hotel in Milnthorpe between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Anyone who would like more information should contact Lyn Williams on 01539 536032.