FirstCar Academy aims to 'make new drivers smarter'
FirstCar has launched a new, free-to-use, e-learning platform aimed at pre-learner, learner and newly qualified drivers aged 15-21 years - and is encouraging road safety teams to promote the resource in their area.
Unveiled on Friday (29 Sept), the FirstCar Academy comprises a series of 14 short videos (modules) designed to raise awareness of important road safety issues including how to be a good passenger, hazards, motorway driving and driver distractions.
Candidates need to correctly answer one question per module in order to progress to the next level. In total, it takes around 60 minutes to complete all 14 online modules. A pass, merit or distinction is awarded based on the number of attempts taken to answer all the questions.
On completion of the final module, the candidate can download a certificate which gives access to a series of exclusive offers. On the month of ‘graduation’, the candidate is automatically entered into a monthly prize draw for £100 - as well as an annual prize draw through which one person will win the use of a car for year. A runner up prize of £1,000 is being supplied by the headline sponsor Adrian Flux Insurance.
To mark the launch, FirstCar has produced a short introductory video explaining how the new Academy works.
FirstCar is encouraging road safety professionals to promote the resource to new drivers in their area - and has produced promotional flyers which are free to order.
James Evans, founder of FirstCar who has developed the FirstCar Academy, said: “For over a decade FirstCar has been at the forefront of providing new driver resources, predominantly publishing specialist printed magazines for these high-risk drivers to make them safer road users.
“In this digital world, it is only right that FirstCar looks to engage further with these drivers online.”
Gerry Bucke, general manager at Adrian Flux Insurance said: “Learning to drive and owning your first car can be expensive, and this is an excellent free resource available online.
“The courses are thorough, informative and helpful. It’s essential new drivers have a solid foundation of skills, knowledge and understanding - and the topics covered will support them with safely navigating the roads.”