Renfrewshire Council set to offer free driving lessons

Feb 2 2009 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

RENFREWSHIRE Council bosses are getting into top gear to offer free driving lessons to pupils.

Members of the council’s scrutiny and petitions board are likely to approve an investigation into whether the scheme, estimated to cost more than £1.8 million, could get the green light.

The council wants to conduct a review looking at the number of children potentially involved, whether the scheme would improve road safety and how much it will cost.

The report given to committee states: “As well as the issue of road safety and the reduction of casualties among young people, there is the issue of access to employment.

“For young people who are disadvantaged, the costs of lessons may prove prohibitive.

“Training through a council-led provision could assist these young people overcome this barrier to employment.”

Initial estimates of 30 lessons per pupil, at £22.75 each, together with the cost of the theory test, practical test and provisional licence, put the total cost at £1,871,091.

Last August, the board agreed to consider lessons for S5 and S6 pupils and at its meeting today the board will be presented with a report.

A list of potential interviewees has been drawn up including head teachers, representatives from the AA or British School of Motoring, Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, parent council representatives, pupil forums and road safety representatives. The timetable proposes council witnesses be interviewed by Monday, March 2 and others by Friday, March 6.

Then by Monday, April 27, all witnesses should have been interviewed.

Road safety forms part of pupils’ personal and social education programme but this would be the first time pupils would be given lessons as part of their curriculum.