Work Drive

Local scheme to get you back in the driving seat

An innovative driver re-training scheme funded by the Northern Rural Partnership with practical help from Lancashire County Council's Road Safety Group has proved a resounding success.

Beacon Council - 2003-2004 Supporting the Rural Economy

The 'Work Drive' scheme allows people who have not driven for some time to regain their confidence to drive. The Northern Rural Partnership has funding to assist people in rural areas, providing help and encouragement, and the driver re-training forms part of this.

Jean Gorst, 56, part of a Ribble Valley farming community got involved in the Work Drive scheme after finding driving on motorways a "scary" prospect. Jean explained:

"I usually only drive around the Gisburn and Skipton area. I enjoy driving but I wasn't that confident on motorways and roundabouts.
I feel a lot better for doing the Work Drive scheme. I have refreshed my knowledge of the Highway Code and can anticipate things more easily when driving. I can't understand why more people haven't done it. I would definitely recommend it."

Work Drive course members - click for full image

The Work Drive initiative aims to give confidence to vulnerable drivers and is ideal for people in rural areas who are looking to travel further afield. It ultimately allows people in rural areas to seek employment outside their immediate travelling environment. This is increasingly relevant in light of the foot and mouth epidemic as some members of the farming community seek alternative employment.
Gill Roberts, Lancashire County Council Road Safety Adviser and Approved Driving Instructor said:

"I thoroughly enjoyed working with these women and seeing the improvement in their driving and therefore their quality of life."

Jenny Woodward, Northern Rural Partnership highlighted the flexible nature of the course, stating:

"The course is tailor-made to the client, people come at it from different angles so contact is made with them to find out their needs and at their convenience. It gives the opportunity to fit it into their own schedules."

Sandra Brooks, 58, from Clitheroe found the course a useful way to get back on the road after not driving for over 25 years. Sandra said:

"I lacked confidence and found driving in general difficult. My husband would usually drive if we had to travel anywhere. Work Drive seemed a good way to get me back in the driving seat."

The course consists of two 3-hour sessions on a one to one basis with an approved driving instructor, provided by Lancashire County Council. A further group theory session also considers the issue of driver vulnerability. Sandra said of the sessions:

"The 3-hour sessions were good and I really got into it. To learn with a female instructor was important to me. The refresher course is ideal to adapt to changes. I now have no problems and I found the scheme extremely useful. The instructor was patient and I felt relaxed. I even had the confidence to carry on in bad weather."

Members of the rural community are looking forward to trying to expand this unique service in the future through the Rural Women's Springboard Project. For more information contact Lancashire County Council Road Safety Group on 01772 531348 or the Northern Rural Partnership on 01200 444020 or visit the Northern Rural Partnership website via the external links.

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