Budding motorists as young as 10 will get the opportunity to experience life behind the wheel as part of a scheme to improve road safety.

Young Driver – the UK’s largest pre-17 driving school – is coming to Bluewater shopping centre next month.

Youngsters aged between 10 and 17 will get the chance to learn how to drive a dual controlled Vauxhall Corsa with a fully-qualified instructor.

It forms part of a half term event taking place at the Greenhithe mall on Thursday, October 28.

The course has been designed to enable learners to get to grips with junctions, roundabouts and parking while they learn how to steer, brake and change gear.

One in five newly-qualified drivers has an accident within 12 months of passing their test but this number is significantly reduced when early driver education takes place.

Research shows that learning to drive at an earlier age can help reduce the number of accidents for young drivers.

Young Driver was established in 2009 with the aim of helping to teach youngsters to drive over a longer period with a view to encouraging a safer generation of new drivers at 17.

Lessons take place on private property which has been developed into a realistic road system complete with road signs, junctions and car parks.

Sue Waterfield, head of marketing for the company, said: “It can be hard to find fun things to do in October half term.

"Many people are still nervous about going on holiday for obvious reasons and the weather in the UK at that time of year can be unpredictable.

"With lots of people looking to keep youngsters entertained, we thought we would put on some special half term events."

She added: "Learning to drive is something which is really fun for teens and pre-teens to do – but they’re also learning valuable safety lessons.

"It teaches them a healthy respect for what it takes to be a responsible driver, and it’s also a great confidence boost for them to be trusted to do something they wouldn’t usually be able to do.”

For more information click here or call 0333 577 9010.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford