Young drivers are to be offered free assessments to improve their confidence and awareness on York’s roads.

Up to 300 drivers aged 17 to 26, who live or work in York, could benefit from the York Momentum scheme over the next two-years.

The Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM) course will officially be launched this week (1 August) by representatives from the road safety charity and council staff in the road safety team.

For more details about the course please visit www.york.gov.uk/transport/Road_safety/ or email momentum@york.gov.uk

The road safety team staff will be driving forwards to be the first to sign up to the free course, to encourage not only individuals in York but businesses to sign up and help promote this opportunity to their young drivers.

The IAM’s Momentum course is specially designed for 17-26 year olds who have passed their basic driving test, and incorporates two modules: an interactive online assessment, followed by an on-road session with an IAM examiner.

Momentum does not involve an exam and there is no risk of failure; it offers a quick option for young drivers to improve their confidence, awareness and safety.

The course usually costs £40 per person, but will be funded through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, which the council successfully bid for and received from the Department of Transport to help deliver wider social and economic benefits to the city, increase sustainable modes of transport and improve road safety.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “This initiative is a good example of the way councils can work in partnership with voluntary organisations to provide services that are increasingly more difficult to provide amidst budget cuts.

“City of York Council recognises the importance of safe driving and the safety of young drivers.”

Drivers who would like to develop their skills further could join the IAM Skill for Life programme, which helps develop road skills. This could provide some young drivers with significant savings on car insurance and will also offer free RAC roadside and recovery for the first year.