3AW to help younger drivers

Melbourne talkback radio station 3AW has teamed up with Mercedes-Benz Australia to give young drivers the opportunity to improve their driving skills with the First Gear Program, taking place on Monday April 29 at Sandown raceway.

Normally a $110 training program, the radio station is offering a number of young drivers aged 25 or below (and who have their probationary or full driver's licence) a chance to partake in the driving training program, which is designed to increase younger driver's awareness of risky situations.

Young Australians are required to complete a fairly basic test to gain their driver's licence, as opposed to some European countries where new drivers undergo mandatory defensive driver training sessions before they're handed their licence.

Talkback announcer Neil Mitchell is getting behind the push to improve the driving skills of younger motorists in Victoria and will be broadcasting live from the event at Sandown raceway, not far from Melbourne.

The broadcast will coincide with the event from 8.00am on Monday April 29, and young drivers interested in taking part in the event have to explain in 50 words or less why they want to be involved in the driver training scheme. Go to the Neil Mitchell web page to enter.

The Mercedes-Benz First Gear Program aims to give younger driver a better understanding of vehicle capabilities, but also to recognise risks and avoid dangerous situations while driving. The training program also teaches young drivers how to deal with what the company call "critical driving" scenarios.

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