Children as young as nine could be allowed to drive on roads thanks to new scheme

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Youngsters as young as nine-years-old could be allowed to drive on Scotland's roads thanks to a new scheme aimed at improving road safety.Suzuki GB said Young Driver, the UK’s foremost under-17s driver-training company, had recently taken delivery of its first batch of Swift Hybrid models.

This is part of a 170-car deal that will see youngsters being given more than 150,000 driving lessons per year.After 16 years and nearly 1.5 million lessons, Young Driver has been responsible for dramatically reducing accident rates among its alumni, with only 3.3% of former students being involved in accidents in the first six months after passing their driving test, versus the national average of 20%.The company, led by motor industry stalwart Ian Mulingani, provides lessons for 10-17-year-olds each year at 72 sites across the UK, with 4-10-year-olds being taught in Young Driver’s bespoke Firefly Sports EVs.Ian said: “After reviewing all our options to replace the existing Vauxhall Corsa fleet, the Swift was the clear winner.

Our decision was based around three priorities: product quality and durability; low C0₂ emissions and fuel economy; and – of course – driveability and ease of operation for our novice drivers. "The Swift stood head and shoulders above its other rivals so we’re now taking on a new fleet of mild hybrid cars that is significantly greener and more economical, easier to drive, better equipped, and, according to CAP HPI’s predictions, will retain an excellent 55% of its value after three years and 36,000 miles.Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.No one will be able to see