Young Borders motorists improve their driving skills

Gaving McQuarrie from Duns was among the group of successful young drivers to complete an advanced driving course

Over 100 young people in the Scottish Borders now have improved skills to help them become safer drivers.

The number of 17 to 25 year olds from the region to have passed the Scottish Borders Council sponsored advanced driver course reached the three-figure mark this month when the latest group successfully completed the course.

A total of 13 young people from 11 Borders communities negotiated the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) initiative in December, two of them - Sarah Dagg and Elspeth McLachlanboth achieving class one passes.

The next courses begin in March 2016 with dates also available throughout the year.

The training usually costs £149 but is offered free in the Borders thanks to council funding, one of the first local authorities in Scotland to offer such sponsorship.

Paul Richardson, SBC’s community safety officer, said: “The aim of the advanced driver course is to reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths involving young drivers on the region’s roads.

“Having more than 100 young people with improved driving skills can only help in achieving this goal.

“Former British Touring Car champion John Cleland supports the benefits of the scheme, which also offers potentially cheaper car insurance.

“There are plenty chances to sit the course during 2016, with details on the council’s website.”

Anyone wishing to sign up on the advanced driver course can visit www.iam.org.uk/skillforlife, phone 0300 303 1137, or go to www.scotborders.gov.uk/skillforlife.

The young drivers to pass in December are: Gavin McQuarrie (Duns), Nathan Dakin (Peebles), Beth Young (Kelso), Sarah Dagg (Newtown St. Boswells), Caris Cummings (Cardrona).