Headstart - building skills for life, not just passing a test
How Pre-17 Driver Training prepares young drivers for the road
At Roadwise, we believe learning to drive should be more than just passing a test—it should be about building safe, confident, and responsible drivers for life. That journey doesn’t have to wait until a teenager turns 17. Thanks to pre-17 driver training, young people in the UK can start gaining vital skills long before they’re eligible for their provisional licence.
What Is Pre-17 Driver Training? Pre-17 driver training gives young people—usually aged between 14 and 16—the chance to learn essential driving skills in a safe, off-road environment. These sessions are led by qualified instructors using dual-controlled vehicles, and take place on private land or dedicated driving venues. At Roadwise, we’re proud to support young learners on this journey, and we’ve seen first hand how beneficial an early start can be.
The benefits of starting Early:
- Confidence Behind the Wheel. The first few times behind the wheel can be nerve-wracking. Pre-17 sessions help take the fear out of driving. By the time a learner turns 17, they’re already familiar with how a car works—accelerating, braking, steering, and even gear changes. That confidence makes formal lessons far smoother.
- Strong Foundations in Road Skills. Rather than rushing through the basics, pre-17 training allows young drivers to build solid habits—checking mirrors, scanning for hazards, controlling speed, and positioning the vehicle correctly. These core skills carry over to real road driving, making for a more competent driver from the start.
- Improved Road Safety Awareness. Many programmes—including those supported by organisations like Roadwise Driver Training CIC—focus not just on car control, but on why road safety matters. Lessons often include discussions about risk, distraction, and responsible behaviour behind the wheel. Early exposure to these concepts helps shape a safer attitude to driving.
- Cost Savings Later On. Time spent in pre-17 training often means learners need fewer lessons once they hit 17. Because they already understand the basics, instructors can concentrate on real-world road experience. That often translates to quicker progress—and money saved.
- Reassurance for Parents. All pre-17 training takes place in a safe, structured, off-road setting. This means there’s no traffic, no risk from other drivers, and plenty of room for mistakes and learning. It’s the ideal way for young people to gain experience without the usual pressures of the road.
Instructor Neil Robertson says:
"I’ve been an instructor with the Roadwise Under 17 programme for over three years now, and it’s something I’m genuinely proud to be part of. Watching young drivers grow in confidence, learn the basics in a safe environment, and take those first steps toward independence—it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s more than just driving; it’s about giving them the tools for a safer future.”
Final Thoughts from Roadwise
Pre-17 driver training isn’t just about fun or curiosity—it’s a serious opportunity to develop safe habits, boost confidence, and give young people a head start on their driving journey. At Roadwise, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of road users.If you have a young person who’s eager to learn, or if you’re a parent wanting to prepare your teen safely and sensibly, get in touch with us today to learn more about our pre-17 sessions. Let’s build the drivers of tomorrow—today.
