Supporting the work of the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership, the Pathfinder Initiative is helping young drivers in York and North Yorkshire get a safer start behind the wheel, thanks in part to funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Community Fund. Aimed at 15 to 17-year-olds, the programme seeks to reduce numbers of collisions involving young drivers.
In 2023* across York and North Yorkshire, 460 people were killed or seriously injured on our roads, with 44 people tragically losing their lives. 117 of those who were killed or seriously injured in 2023, were between 16 and 24 years of age.
While 1 in 5 new drivers are involved in a first-year accident, data collected by the Pathfinder team shows that this figure drops dramatically to just 1 in 20 for those who complete the Pathfinder programme.
“By giving young drivers a head start in a safe environment, we are helping them build confidence and essential skills before facing the pressures of public roads,” said John Beckford, co-designer of the Pathfinder Initiative. “This results in a safer start and a better long-term driving record.”
Jo Coles, York and North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said;
“Mayor David Skaith and I are committed to delivering safe places for everyone in York and North Yorkshire and with more than 6,000 miles of roads in our area road safety, and the vital work of our road safety partnership is a major part of that.
This year the community fund has this year already awarded £386,000 to support vital projects across York and North Yorkshire. The Pathfinder programme has already had a really positive impact, reducing the number new drivers involved in road collisions and accidents so we’re delighted to be able to provide additional funding to enable them reach more young drivers.”
A £6,500.00 grant provided through the Community Fund will enable three courses over 12 months, and will support up to 100 young people. Supported by Volunteer Instructors from IAMRoadsmart and The Under 17 Car Club Charitable Trust, the course is addressed to all young people including those identified as marginalised, at risk of offending, excluded young people, and those in care. The intensive 5-day, pre-licence programme is delivered in school holidays.
The programme combines extensive practical driving experience with classroom-style learning covering essential skills such as vehicle control, hazard perception, and road safety awareness.
In addition to the hands-on experience, Pathfinder offers free online resources through The Lunchtime Sessions. These videos provide further insights into driving safety, car maintenance, and the psychology of driving—supporting continued learning even after the course ends.
Participants in the Pathfinder Initiative offered some thoughts on their experiences:
- “Pathfinder was an excellent experience I’d recommend to anyone. It built my confidence in driving and meant I was equipped with necessary knowledge when it came to passing my test.”
- “Excellent course that gave so much more than just practical driving experience. Everyone should do this course prior to taking their test.”
- “This course was amazing, it was fun but most importantly I leant to become a safe driver on this course. Because I did this course I needed minimal driving lessons and I passed my test 26 days after my 17th birthday.
- “Staff were lovely, my Dad and I had a great time doing this together over the 5 days. It was well worth it. Would defo recommend this course!!”