In order to achieve these objectives, the multi-agency partnership behind DriveStart are utilising a range of channels for delivery including:
‘DriveStart Experiences’ – each 7 hour experience day includes a variety of activities that are designed to utilise a wide range of behaviour change techniques (BCTs). Based on our qualitative research, attendees made clear that they respond to skills based training. Experience events therefore use extensive skills based tasks such as incident scene management, vehicle maintenance, emergency braking and simulated commentary driving to deliver BCTs such as ‘Behavioural practice/rehearsal’, ‘Problem Solving’, ‘Identification of self as role model’ and ‘Information about others’ approval’. The partnership to deliver these events is being further expanded in 2016 and now includes 5 highway authorities, Reading Football Club, Admiral Insurance, Kwik Fit, Berkshire Youth, Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service, Blue School of Motoring and Road Safety Analysis.
Pre-pass Support Scheme (PPSS) – DVSA recommend that a learner receives 25 hours of private practice alongside their formal professionally led training from an ADI, however, many accompanying drivers feel ill-equipped to help as it is often 30 years since they were a learner themselves. The PPSS offers an evening of training, advice and support from one of our partners, Blue School of Motoring, and a road safety team member to update accompanying adults on current best practice, more recent changes in the Highway Code and some of the best tips for helping a learner to progress.
Social Media – Utilising the marquee social networks, DriveStart creates an ongoing community around the direct engagement activities. Social Media activity is intensified around the time of experience events and other high profile campaigns (such as Safe Drive Stay Alive) to build audience engagement and maximise the investment of complementary programmes.
Website – underpinning advice for young drivers and their accompanying adults is the website which is consistently updated with news and advice on issues such as telematics insurance, advanced vehicle safety features, changes to the testing regime and seasonal vehicle maintenance.