North Devon motorists invited to join new advanced drivers course

Motorists who would like to brush up on their skills or learn more are invited to join a new training course starting mid-February run by a North Devon road safety group.

North Coast Devon Advanced Drivers, which formed last summer, will meet at Barnstaple Rugby Club at 6.45pm, starting on Tuesday February 17.

The course will include a series of talks and practical driving sessions with experienced tutors. 

The group is affiliated to RoSPA, (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) and offers training for RoSPA’s advanced driving test and there is the option to take the RoSPA Advanced Driving Test as part of this year’s course.

READ MORE: North Coast Devon Advanced Drivers launched to promote safer motoring

Speaking when the group launched last year, chairman Mark Knibbs said: “Every time you put the radio on, every time you put the TV on, you hear about a death or car accident, somebody seriously injured, or a bike accident and this is what we want to prevent.

“We want to hopefully train the car driver to the point where they can see it before it happens and keep themselves safe.

“Also, it builds their confidence for them to go further. So we're even quite happy to take youngsters who have just passed their test.”

Indeed, the group believes new drivers can make the best candidates for advanced training.

Mark added: “Basic beginner is fine. The beauty of taking them on when they've just passed their test is they've got no faults or bad habits. So you've got a clean sheet to start on with them and it's a case of just changing things.

“If you've been driving for 25 or 30 years, you tend to get the bad habits.”

The training course costs £35 and is open to drivers of any level of experience and any age.

For more information or to sign up, contact Mark Knibbs on 07933 277263 or visit https://www.northcoastadvanceddrivers.com

READ MORE: Passenger group calls for solutions after Tarka Line closed for third day in row