Young Drivers
Helping Young People Stay Safe on the Road
Young drivers continue to be over-represented in road traffic collisions, particularly during the first few years after passing their driving test. We are committed to reducing collisions involving young drivers in the county, through a programme of education, engagement and early intervention in secondary schools, colleges and community settings.
Our work supports the Welsh Government's Road Safety Partnership Plan and the Safe System approach, helping young people understand risks, build safer driving habits and make informed choices before and after they begin driving.
Mega Drive
Mega Drive is our premier young driver education programme and the cornerstone of our work with young people.
Designed for year 12 students and college learners, Mega Drive brings together emergency services and other partner agencies to deliver a powerful road safety experience.
Participants hear first-hand accounts from professionals who deal with the consequences of serious road collisions every day and explore topics including:
• Speeding and inappropriate speed
• Distraction and mobile phone use
• Drink and drug driving
• Seat belt use
• Passenger influence and peer pressure
• Vehicle safety and maintenance
• First Aid
• Manoeuvring around HGVs
• Driver responsibility and decision-making
Participants also have the chance to drive a car in a safe, controlled environment.
By combining real-life experiences with interactive learning, Mega Drive encourages young people to think beyond passing their test and become safer, more responsible road users.
Working with Secondary Schools and Colleges
Road safety education starts long before a young person gets behind the wheel.
We work with secondary schools across Carmarthenshire to provide age-appropriate road safety education that helps pupils understand key risks as pedestrians, cyclists, passengers and future drivers.
Our school/college-based activities include:
• Road safety presentations and classroom workshops
• Support for national and local road safety campaigns
• Resources for teachers and parents
• Attendance at college fresher's fairs
These sessions help build knowledge, encourage positive attitudes and support safer travel choices throughout adolescence. The events provide an opportunity to speak directly with young drivers and learners about the risks they face on the road and the support available to help them stay safe.
Meeting Young Drivers Where They Are
In addition to schools and colleges, our team organise and attend a range of events throughout the year to engage with young drivers in informal settings.
This includes:
• Community events
• Vehicle and driving-related events
• Multi-agency road safety campaigns
• Local awareness campaigns
These opportunities allow us to share important safety messages, discuss common driving risks and signpost young people to further support and training.
Support for Parents and Carers
Parents of Young Drivers Course
Parents and carers play a crucial role in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of young drivers.
Our Parents of Young Drivers Course has been developed to help parents understand the risks faced by newly qualified drivers and provide practical guidance on supporting young people as they gain experience behind the wheel.
The course covers:
• Why young drivers are at greater risk of collisions
• The impact of inexperience and peer pressure
• Safe driving behaviours
• How parents can positively influence driving decisions
• Practical ways to support and supervise new drivers
The aim is to help parents and carers become informed, confident role models who can support safer driving habits and reduce the likelihood of collisions among young drivers.
Get Involved
Whether you're a pupil, student, parent, teacher or youth organisation, we can help you access road safety education and resources tailored to young road users.
For more information about Mega Drive, school visits, fresher's fair attendance or other young driver initiatives, contact:
Road Safety Team
📧 roadsafety@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Together, we can help the next generation of drivers make safer choices and reduce the number of young people killed or seriously injured on our roads.
