Drivers

Mature Drivers

Mature drivers are statistically less likely to be involved in a road crash than younger or less experienced drivers. Research shows that mature drivers tend to make fewer and shorter journeys than other age groups and travel on familiar roads, mainly during daylight hours.

However, the inevitable effect of the ageing process can affect your sight, hearing and judgement and you may not be aware of these gradual changes. If you would like to update your driving skills ring the Road Safety Centre, Tel: 029 2078 8521. for a free leaflet, Advice for Older Drivers.

Mature Driver Refresher Course 2012

The Road Safety Centre has been organising Mature Driving seminars since 2006. Each seminar lasts for approximately 2 1/2 hours and aims to refresh your practical driving skills and knowledge of the Highway Code. Topics will deal with:

  • The effects of speed
  • Stopping distances
  • Dealing with junctions
  • Driver observation
  • Accident causation and health

Details for Mature Driver Refresher Seminars in 2012

How to get to the Road Safety Centre

Pass Plus Cymru – Young Driver’s Improvement Scheme

Cardiff Council’s Road Safety Unit in conjunction with Road Safety Wales, MAC Driver Training and other local authorities across Wales are again promoting this project called “Pass Plus Cymru”.

The project is aimed at young drivers who’ve recently passed their test and aims to help them improve driving skills, gain extra experience, and obtain a discount on their car insurance.

The project will require young drivers to attend a three hour theory session, which is conducted at the new Road Safety Centre, Maindy on a Saturday morning and followed by an eight hour ‘on-the-road in-car’ session (split between two drivers) with a Pass Plus-registered Approved Driving Instructor.

The Pass Plus scheme comprises of six specially designed modules which cover:

  • Driving around town
  • Driving out of town
  • Driving in all weathers
  • Driving at night
  • Driving on dual carriageways
  • Driving on motorways

Also covered are defensive driving, hazard awareness, concentration, speed, drugs and drink driving, safe attitudes and behaviour.

Because the participants will be trained by a professional driving instructor, they’ll gain valuable extra experience and positive motoring skills that would otherwise take a long time to acquire.

All the young drivers who take part will have the opportunity to improve their driving skills on this enhanced Pass Plus scheme, which is also supported by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Why should young drivers consider Pass Plus Cymru

As well as reducing the risk of your being involved in a road crash, the scheme will enable you to gain valuable experience and skills. Upon completion of the course each candidate will be issued with a Certificate of Achievement as well as the Pass Plus Certificate. The cost of the course, which has been accredited by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), is just £20, a significant discount from the normal cost of between £120 and £150

Course dates

Date of course Facilitator
Sat 12 May 2012 Steve
Sat 9 Jun 2012 Steve
Sat 7 Jul 2012 Anthony
Sat 11 Aug 2012 Steve
Sat 8 Sept 2012 Anthony
Sat 6 Oct 2012 Steve
Sat 3 Nov 2012 Anthony
Sat 1 Dec 2012 Steve
Sat 12 Jan 2013 Anthony
Sat 2 Feb 2013 Steve
Sat 2 Mar 2013 Anthony

To be eligible for the course you must be: Aged between 17-24, hold a full driving licence and live in Wales

To obtain further details or register on-line, visit the dragondriver website address below or alternatively phone 0845 050 4255 to make a booking.

http://www.dragondriver.com

Mobile Phone Law

It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone when driving and the penalties went up from 27 February 2007. You will now receive a £60 fine and three penalty points on your licence.

Switch off before you drive off.

Mobile phones and driving don’t mix

Mobile phones have many benefits. They provide security and can be a great help in an emergency. But tests have shown a driver cannot help being distracted by a phone call or text message. If you are distracted, you will not register hazards or react quickly. A conversation on a hands-free phone is no less distracting than using a hand-held one.

You can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free mobile phone if you are not in proper control of your vehicle. Then penalties will be the same as for using a hand-held phone and the penalties for driving carelessly or dangerously when using a phone can include disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment.

For a free copy of the leaflet ‘Dying to take the call’, please contact the Road Safety Centre.