Young drivers

Edinburgh Young Drivers Event for schools - September 2024

Young drivers aged between 17 and 24 are at a much higher risk of crashing than older drivers, with one in four being involved in a collision within two years of passing their driving test. 

This high level of risk associated with young drivers is due to a combination of youth and inexperience. It means they have less ability to spot hazards and are more likely to take dangerous driving risks such as speeding  and overtaking. 

Each year, we arrange for over 2,400 sixth year pupils from all schools in Edinburgh to attend our Young Drivers event.  The event runs over 4 days and each of the sessions includes presentations and exhibitions from The City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Lothian and various other organisations including Spinal Injuries Scotland, The Brain Injury trust, Lothian Buses, Police Scotland Safety Cameras, Brainkind, Trams, Cycling and Digby Brown. 

The event addressed the risks and responsibilities of becoming a new driver and in addition we also covered topics such as cycling safely, scooters and travelling by public transport.

All of our Edinburgh schools were represented, and we also had a good number of independent schools there too.

The feedback from schools has been amazing - here are some of the comments on our follow up with schools after the event.

'this event is so engaging and really gets the message across about being responsible on the roads'  Head Teacher

'so impressed by the emergency services - and everyone at the event for producing such a professional and well informed input for our sixth year pupils'  Teacher (Guidance)

There are further useful resources for young drivers on the Road Safety Scotland Website