Are you over 65 and driving regularly?

Would you like to brush up on your driving skills in a one-day refresher course?

Pembrokeshire County Council runs monthly ‘Drive for Life’ courses at Haverfordwest Fire Station.

The free course consists of a classroom-based session in the morning, followed by a practical session in the afternoon with an approved driving instructor.

The aim is to provide regular older drivers with an update on all aspects of safe driving. Helping to build positive changes in driving behaviour and confidence or positively reinforcing an individual’s own attitude driving ability.

Mrs. Cornelia Cornock, 70, from Plas-y-Fron in Fishguard, completed the course recently, along with her husband John, 76.

She said they both enjoyed it and would thoroughly recommend it to others.

“I think it’s absolutely great,” said Mrs. Cornock. “The morning session was very relaxed and you were able to ask questions without feeling intimidated.

“Then at the end, you are taken out by an instructor and they assess you on your driving abilities and let you know if you need to correct any bad habits you may have picked up.”

She added that it was useful for those who had passed their tests many years ago as some aspects of driving instruction have since changed - including which lanes to use at roundabouts, and the use of indicators.

“Things have really moved on,” she said. “It’s a great refresher course for our age group and it’s a good way to see how good your abilities are.”

The theory sessions covers topics such as the Highway Code, junctions and roundabouts, seasonal driving, hazard awareness and road signs.

The practical session covers the aspects of driving which the participant wishes to refresh, such as parallel parking or roundabouts, plus general safer driving techniques.

Attendees are invited to evaluate the course via a questionnaire, and are entered into a prize draw to win. Mrs Cornock was the latest winner and was presented with a £50 cash prize by road safety officer Kirstie-Anne Donoghue.

Kirstie-Anne encouraged anyone interested in the course to get in touch.

“Our feedback shows that drivers who have completed the courses are more aware and observant on the road environment and better equipped to deal with hazards and different driving situations.

“Candidates have reported an improved knowledge about the highway code, medical issues relating to driving, understanding the right time to retire from driving and how to keep driving safer for longer.”

Some of the feedback comments include:

“Cars receive an MOT every year. We need to too!”

“I felt the course gave me confidence that I was doing the right thing, especially approaching multi-road roundabouts.”

“Thought the course was well-balanced and gave me, as a very mature driver, confidence in my driving skills and assurance I am still capable of driving safely.”

For more information on the ‘Drive for Life’ course, or if you wish to book a place, please contact Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety Team on 01437 775144 .