Ford helps ease parental stress with young-driver safety course

As any of us who has a driver’s licence knows, the real learning started when we slapped the P-plates on the car and went solo.

Getting through that initial period unscathed was usually more a matter of luck than design, which makes being the parent of a new driver a stressful experience now that you're not required to sit in the left seat.

If your kid still listens to you, you might want to sign them up for Ford Australia’s Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program. The free course offers new and young drivers hands-on training delivered by professional instructors at various locations around NSW, South Australia and Victoria. If they don't normally listen try mentioning that there's some skid pan action involved.

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Now in its fifth year, DSFL focuses on techniques not taught during L-plate driver instruction and aims to increase the use of safe, calm driving as well as teach handling techniques. Participants are taught about the dangers of distraction, and how to share the road with other vehicles and cyclists.

Safe driving around cyclists is a central theme of this year’s event, with Ford teaming up with the Amy Gillett Foundation to help participants respect and share the road with cyclists safely and confidently.

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DSFL combines hands-on cycling with VR simulations and tests the limits with ABS and Stability Control in a controlled environment using vehicles supplied by Ford.

The program also includes the Ford Impairment Suit which mimics the effects alcohol has on our bodies and how it contributes to 30 percent of fatal road accidents.

"By helping new and young drivers to develop safe driving techniques, we’re hoping to make the road safer for everyone and give participants the best possible start to a lifetime of driving,” said Ford Australia CEO Kay Hart. “While each year cars get safer and safer, Australia’s road toll has increased over recent years, which indicates the importance of teaching safe driving techniques to the next generation of drivers.”

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Driving Skills for Life is a free course funded by Ford and provided by professional driving instructors in Ford vehicles at seven locations around Australia. The course is open to Learner (with at least 40 hours in logbook), provisional and fully licensed drivers.

Registrations are now open at FordDSFL.com.au.

Driving Skills for Life 2019 locations

• Saturday, September 21 – Geelong at Geelong Go Kart Track
• Sunday, September 22 – Melbourne at Todd Road Go Kart Track
• Sunday, October27 – Adelaide at Adelaide International Raceway
• Saturday, November 9 – Newcastle at Newcastle Showgrounds
• Sunday, November 10 – Sydney at Sydney Motorsport Park
• Sunday, November 24 – Orange at Orange Go Kart Track

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