Driver Training Courses

Small photo of mature driver receiving advice on a one-to-one training session
Wigan Council's road safety team, in partnership with local organisations such as Wigan Driving Standards Agency and the Institute of Advanced Motorists, are offering innovative and popular training courses on aspects of driving.  The sessions are free.  The course for mature drivers, who passed their test more than 30 or so years ago, and the session for parents of newly qualified drivers, are an important step in addressing hard-to-reach groups and improve road safety for everyone. They form an important part of the partnership work carried out by the borough's road safety forum.
Picture of teenage driver being waved off by her mother

Advice for Parents of New Drivers

The first course for parents of drivers who have passed their test in the last couple of years will be on 11th September 2008 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Wigan Investment Centre.

If you are concerned that your son or daughter may be picking up bad habits, or that they are under pressure from their peers, then this friendly and informal one-off session may be ideal.  The issues covered include:

  • Stopping bad driving habits
  • Drugs driving
  • High risk driving
  • Peer pressure
  • Vehicle design and technology

Launching the advice session, the council’s Road Safety Manager explained:

“There are many pressures on young people when they get into a car. Most young people develop and mature into good road users, but some are tempted to take risks. They can come under pressure to have just one more drink, or even drive under the influence of illegal substances.

“They’re not going to admit any of this to their parents but if we can help parents spot potential issues, it could save lives. Our course for parents is designed to help them support their children and be on the alert for any problems.”

Mature Drivers' Training

These highly successful and friendly sessions, run with Advanced Motorists and Driving Standards staff, continue at various locations around the borough.

Many drivers find that the road conditions have changed drastically since they took their tests in the 1960s or 1970s.  Some have never even taken a test, having been drivers on military service.  Others may have lost a loved one who gave them confidence to drive on motorways or at busy times. 

An informal morning with experts discussing these issues, followed by an opportunity for a personal one-to-one session on the roads with an expert, tailored to your particular driving needs, may just be the answer.

The next course is in the morning of 24th September 2008 at Wigan Investment Centre.  There will also be a session at Leigh Library on the morning of 12th November.

Find out more

These sessions must be booked in advance.  Please contact the road safety team for booking details or advice about future sessions and for details of education for other age groups such as pre-drivers.

Contact Details

Road Safety Team
Opening Hours 8.45am - 5pm, Mondays to Fridays
Phone Number 01942 488250
Fax 01942 404210
Address Wigan Council, Civic Buildings, New Market Street, Wigan, WN1 1RP
Location