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What is a Drive Safely for Longer Session?
A Drive Safely for Longer session gives drivers aged 60+ practical support and guidance on their driving. We are pleased to be able to offer Drive Safely for Longer sessions in Wirral as part of a pilot scheme to support residents, thanks to funding from Merseyside Road Safety Partnership.
Over the years, there have been changes in road traffic law, road layouts, traffic signs and vehicle design. The natural ageing process can affect individuals in different ways, including eyesight, mobility and reflexes.
A Drive Safely for Longer Session provides an opportunity for drivers to update their knowledge, improve their hazard awareness and their driving skills.
Accessing a session could be all it takes to give reassurance, increase confidence and ultimately help to keep people driving safer for longer.
How much does it cost?
Drivers are required to pay a reduced fee of £20 towards their session. This is paid direct to the Driving Instructor on the day of the assessment.
The total cost of a Drive Safely for Longer session is £60. Merseyside Road Safety Partnership (MRSP) fund £40 towards the session to make this an affordable option for residents. MRSP also provide a range of other resources to support the scheme and this trial would not be possible without their support.
Who can attend?
This course is aimed at Wirral residents aged 60 years and over. Applicants must hold a current driving licence and be actively driving e.g. have not had more than 12 months break from driving.
People register for a driving session for a variety of reasons. Some drivers wish to update their driving knowledge or skills, to receive honest feedback on their driving, support in adapting to a new vehicle or to gain more confidence on a specific manoeuvre or route.
What does the session involve?
Each driver receives 2 hours with a Driving Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Approved Driving Instructors. Instructors have a good understanding of the needs of experienced drivers and the session is tailored to the drivers’ personal requirements. The session is a mixture of discussion and practical driving assessment.
The session is not a driving test, so there is no pass or fail. The driving assessor will make recommendations to help you drive safely for longer.
If the Instructor feels there are elements the driver needs to work on a discussion will take place during the two-hour slot.
If the instructor feels that the driving is at a standard which poses a risk to their safety or the safety of others this will be clearly communicated to the driver.
It can be reassuring for drivers to have honest feedback from a professional driving instructor.
Why is this only suitable for Wirral residents?
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wirral Council administered Drive Safely for Longer sessions across the Liverpool City Region. We delivered close to 2500 sessions for drivers within three years, unfortunately the project closed during the pandemic due to social distancing and driving instructor availability.
Thanks to funding from Merseyside Road Safety Partnership, we are looking to pilot a scaled-back version of the project with a reduced administrative function. If this works, the hope is that we can get the project back up and running across the Liverpool City Region soon.
How is the session organised?
Once a driver registers online, they will join the waiting list - this can take approximately 2 weeks, depending on the driving instructor’s availability in the area.
Once a driver is allocated to an instructor, the instructor will make contact to arrange a mutually convenient date and time for the session to take place.
Is a vehicle provided?
Most drivers prefer to use their own vehicle and experience shows it is better for the driver to have the session in a vehicle they are familiar with. A check for the legal status of the drivers own vehicle will be made prior to starting the session. The instructor will undertake document checks (the driver is advised which documents to bring in advance and digital copies are also accepted. A basic vehicle check will be completed to ensure the session can go ahead. A basic eyesight check will also be completed to ensure the driver meets the minimum standards for driving. If you need to use corrective lenses for driving, please make sure you have these with you on the day.
If for any reason the assessment cannot take place we may not be able to offer a second assessment (see cancellation policy below).
If you have any questions on this, please speak to the Driving Instructor when they telephone you to arrange the time and date of your session.
An appropriate fully insured vehicle can be provided in certain circumstances but this would need to be requested at the time of booking.
Special Requirements
We would need to be informed of any special requirements that need to be taken into consideration to ensure drivers can fully participate in the course. Every effort is made to accommodate requests.
How long is the course?
The session lasts around two hours and is a mixture of discussion and practical driving.
Cancellation Policy
There is only one assessment per person and cancellations with less than 48 hours will result in the scheme being charged (although you will not personally be charged). If this is the case, we cannot offer a second session to make sure that we can meet the demands of this popular initiative.
How to book
Booking a Drive Safely for Longer session is very easy using the form below. We ask you questions to assess eligibility e.g. that you are a Wirral resident, and you are aged 60 and over. Then a few short questions so we know how to contact you to arrange a session.
You can request a session for yourself or on behalf of someone else. If you are completing a booking on behalf of someone else, please make sure you have permission from them first.
If you need any support making a booking, you can contact the team on the details below. Please note that the phone line is not staffed, if you leave your name and number we will return your call as possible (between office hours).
drivesafelyforlonger@wirral.gov.uk