Parent

The harsh reality...

  • 1 in 5 new drivers will crash on the road in their first year of driving. (Cranfield University)
  • In 2008 almost 10,000 young drivers were killed or seriously injured on UK roads. (Department for Transport, 2008)
  • 19 out of 20 road crashes are contributed to by attitude and behaviour (showing off, poor hazard detection, excitement seeking etc) rather than any lack of vehicle handling skills.

What next?

a²om, a software company specialising in driver education, is aiming to make the next generation of young drivers safer, more responsible and fully equipped to deal with 21st century life on the road.

a²om provides highly interactive software (a²om mind and a²om highway) which is internet based, done online and supports in-car novice driver training. Based on 20 years of scientific research and development into driver behaviour, it is the most innovative and modern supplement to learning to drive available.

Northern Bank has partnered a²om to provide sponsorship for every 16 year old in Northern Ireland (via their school) to have free and total access to a²om mind and a²om highway software (normal price £24.99). They are also offering a £100 discount off the normal cost of £175 for the BTEC (contact us for more details).

Challenge yourself and do the software with your child. Learning about the rules and risks is something that can be started from a younger age right through to grandparents!

Please encourage your child to complete the software at the very leastand where possible to opt for a BTEC in Driving Science when they start to learn to drive.

Good in-car tuition is NOT enough to keep a driver safe. Go even further and sign up for a BTEC in Driving Science.

The extra mile: BTEC in Driving Science*

The BTEC in Driving Science is the most comprehensive driver education programme in the UK. Integrated into normal driving lessons and delivered by a specially trained driving instructor, the BTEC is a qualification (equivalent to a GCSE) and through a process of learning and assessment combines the right attitude to driving with safe car control skill.

Over the course of 5 units of study (including a post-test unit covering motorway driving, driving at night and driving on rural roads) your child will learn how to anticipate hazards, make decisions and manage risk. Not only will this make your child more likely to pass first time, but they will be trained beyond test standard and will be fully aware of the risks they face when they take to the road.

* Completion of the BTEC will make your child eligible for a highly competitive insurance discount. Please contact Driving Science Northern Ireland (DSNI) for more information.

Do you drive for your work? The law has changed...

If you drive your own car for work purposes (ie to meetings, between offices etc) your boss may not be aware that the new Corporate Manslaughter Legislation Act now affects him.  Please take a look at a²om doc and make sure you and your employer are properly protected.

If you have any questions, check out our downloads for parents

FAQ - BTEC in Driving Science

DSNI BTEC Parents Information Flyer