First Gear

First Gear is UK Youth's Vehicle Education programmes focusing on driving and the responsibilities of car use and ownership. It aims to encourage young people aged between 14 and 17 to develop positive attitudes towards the responsibilities inherent in the safe use of motor vehicles.

This programme has been developed by UK Youth with assistance from a range of organisations with expertise within the fields of road safety, driver and rider education, traffic management and the motor vehicle industry. They include: Association of British Insurers, Association of Chief Police Officers, Camrider, Department for Transport, Kawasaki Motor UK, Local Authorities Road Safety Officers Association, Motor Cycle Industry Association, Motorcycle Rider Training Association, Motor Schools Association of Great Britain, RAC, Thames Valley Partnership and Thames Valley Police.

The main aims of the First Gear programme is to:

• Challenge young people’s attitudes to vehicle ownership and use;
• Provide participants with the correct information to help them become safe and responsible road users;
• Provide an opportunity for participants to acquire basic practical skills in vehicle use and care;
• Provide an opportunity for young people to explore a range of issues using the motor vehicle as a focus.

In addition to the obvious benefits that can be gained from participating in the programme, engaging young people in this way opens the door to a much wider agenda. Issues such as road safety, the law and vehicle related crime, insurance and accident reduction can be underpinned with other important messages such as those concerning alcohol and drugs, the environment, employment and training, personal safety, image and peer pressure and the development of self confidence, a sense of achievement and social skills.

Avon Tyrrell has developed a residential first gear course, requiring 30 hours of led activity.  This includes use of our outdoor activities such as high ropes, which are used to examine the difference between real and perceived risk, that can then be transferred back to a driving situation.  In addition to the outdoor activities the young people are also able to get behind the wheel with a qualified driving instructor to experience driving first hand.

Young people who have taken part in First Gear and On Two Wheels have found the course:

• Increases confidence
• Increases self esteem
• Increases the ability to work as part of a team
• Increases organisation skills
• Builds decision –making ability
• Helps build relationships
• Encourages personal growth, challenge and initiative 

Avon Tyrrell Courses run Monday to Friday for a maximum of 12 people.

Prices for activities/driving/certification and course packs is £275 per person.  (Please note accommodation is additional)

For more information please contact us

Email - info@ukyouth.org

Telephone - 01425 672347

For more information regarding the general First Gear programme, or to find out how it can be run from your youth club please visit the First Gear pages of the UK Youth website.