Driver training
About this service
Wiltshire Council is committed to the training and education of all motorists on Wiltshire's Road's. Promoting and offering the Pass Plus Scheme, Safer Driving with Age (SAGE), the National Driver Improvement Scheme, and Bike Safe, the national motorcycle rider refresher Scheme. A range of advice leaflets and some resources are available from the team.
Pass Plus is a scheme backed by the Government's Driving Standards Agency and Insurers to encourage newly qualified drivers to become better drivers. It offers extra experience and positive driving skills that would otherwise take a long time to acquire. Pass Plus provides six specially designed training modules to cover in town, out of town, all weathers, at night, dual carriageway and motorway driving.
Safer Driving with Age (SAGE) is designed to help people keep on driving for as long as it is safe to do so. A SAGE assessment has three stages consisting of confirmation from your G.P that there is no medical condition that would prevent you from driving, an eyesight check and finally an assessed drive. Any Wiltshire driver can apply for a SAGE assessment, or can be referred to the Scheme by their G.P.
The National Driver Improvement Scheme (NDIS) - is a course that has been developed by the Association of National Driver Improvement Service Providers, and approved by the Home Office. It was devised in response to the North Report by Dr. P. North, who suggested that it would be better to educate rather than punish lapses and errors in driver's behaviour, to improve responsibility and driver safety. Wiltshire County Council's Road Safety Unit is the Service Provider for the Scheme to Wiltshire Constabulary. (It is not available openly to members of the public, only by Police referral).
Bike Safe is a National initiative for all motorcyclists who hold a full motorcycle licence, run in partnership with Wiltshire Police by the Road Safety Units from Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council. The one day programme includes theory and attitude advice, especially on the correct use of appropriate speed. The day culminates with each participant receiving an 'on the road' assessment of their riding, by a Police Advanced motorcyclist.
The Young Driver Programme is running in partnership with various schools. It is a three-part programme. Further details are available.Minibus/MPV
Assessment for drivers of these vehicles and advice to users/owners of these vehicles available from the team.
A valid Full Driving Licence for the type of vehicle you drive or ride.
Payment
Pass Plus - Wiltshire Council in partnership with the Driving Standards Agency, are offering the first 300 applicants per year, £70.00 towards the cost of Pass Plus. You would pay £80.00 towards it for the total cost of £150.00.
Safer Driving with Age (SAGE) is available at the cost of £18.50.
Bike Safe is available free for motorcyclists holding a full licence, and providing their own motorcycle.
National Driving Improvement Scheme (NDIS) is available at the cost of £170.00 via police referral ONLY.
Minibus/MPV prices are bespoke to requirements.
Eligibility
Pass Plus - You can take part in the Pass Plus grant scheme if you live within the Wiltshire Council boundary and have successfully passed your test within the last 11 months.
SAGE- Older Drivers - No age limits.
National Driving Improvement Scheme (NDIS) is ONLY available by Police referral.
Bike Safe is available free for motorcyclists holding a full licence, and providing their own motorcycle.
Contact Details
Email: roadsafetyeducation@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01225 701970
Postal Address:
Wiltshire Council
Road Safety
36 Lancaster Road
Bowerhill
Melksham
Wiltshire
SN12
6QT
Last updated: 26 August 2009