Safer Driving Experience

Below is a note from Denis Minnitt outlining his recent experience of the Safer Driver Programme.

On 10th August, I attended the U3A meeting and thought the “Safer Driving” programme very interesting – and encouraging for mature drivers to update their driving skills and confidence. Following that meeting I have benefited from 3.5 hours of guidance, videos, questions and answers at the Lincoln Road Safety Partnership HQ – all very lighthearted and relaxed, but very informative!

I also opted for an assessed drive by a regular, Institute of Advanced Drivers, Observer, who took me in my own car in and around Lincoln and he described me as a “competent driver”

A month after the theory session, two of us had an accompanied drive in a professional driver’s car (ADI – Approved Driving Instructor). On the appointed date, we took turns to be assessed in the ADI’s dual-controlled vehicle: one driving whilst the other sat in the back seat as an observer.

Whilst we all like to think of ourselves as capable drivers, most of us haven’t read a Highway Code or been tested for, probably, decades and need our knowledge of new rules and procedures updating. Anyway, after this experience, I was encouraged by my Driving being described as “fantastic”. Praise indeed for a 91-year-old and very encouraging as I, like many others, look upon driving as freedom!

I have no hesitation in recommending any driver over 60 to take advantage of this FREE (in our area) opportunity to obtain guidance in “Driving for Living”. It is not a driving test. It is to encourage all of us to drive better and more safely… for drivers, passengers and all road users. Just think… your decision to participate in such a scheme could very easily be a “life saver” – maybe YOURS.