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There are three key area’s to the programme, each delivered using a mix of discussion, video’s, guest speakers and practical sessions:
In the mind - This section covers subjects such as young people’s attitudes, rights and responsibilities towards driving and is based on providing information that will enable young people to make a positive choice regarding decisions they make about their driving.
Under the Bonnet - This section covers the basics of car care and provides young people with a practical experience at a local garage to look at how to change a wheel and what to look for when buying a second hand car. The session also encourages young people to get involved in looking at oil/water levels, which is now part of the test.
 Behind the Wheel - This is a practical session involving young people participating in a driving lesson with an Approved Driving Instructor to learn basic vehicle manoeuvres.
In addition to the obvious benefits that can be gained from participating in the programme, such as exploring road safety, the law and vehicle related crime, insurance and accident reduction, the programme can also be used as a tool to engage young people in topics such as alcohol and drug use, the environment, employment and training, personal safety, image and peer pressure and the development of self confidence and social skills.
Methodology
First Gear Courses
Full First Gear courses run over 10 - 12 weeks, and involve up to 30 hours of learning time. The programme covers a wide range of topics relating to road safety, with an example plan covering;
WEEK 1 Exploring the cost of owning a car
WEEK 2 Exploring and pricing up insurance
WEEK 3 Presentation of Road Safety (BRAKE! or Cumbria Constabulary)
WEEK 4 Presentation on the effects of driving whist under the influence of drugs & alcohol (CADAS)
WEEK 5 Looking at the different types of licenses
WEEK 6 Road sign Quiz
WEEK 7 Input from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service
WEEK 8 Visit to a garage looking “under the bonnet”
WEEK 9 Short First Aid Course
WEEK 10 Driver theory test (official DSA)
WEEK 11 Practical driving lesson
WEEK 12 Conclusion and evaluation
This is an example programme, which can be adapted to meet the needs of individuals and local communities. Full courses can also be delivered in full week blocks or as part of a residential project.
The programme can be accredited through an OCN Award, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or Youth Achievement Awards.
Detached Youth Work
Detached Youth Work is a distinct form of work with young people which uses youth work principles and practice to engage with young people in places where they meet, i.e. on the street. As with all youth work, a positive relationship between youth workers and young people requires time to develop, but once in place enables discussion and development around a range of personal and social issues. The nature of detached work allows projects to ‘reach’ a broad range of young people, including those who may not otherwise engage with centre based provision.
This approach can be utilised within the First Gear programme to reach a wide range of young people, and particularly those already engaging in risk taking behaviour such as ‘car cruisers’. The work enables informal road safety discussions to take place with those young people already able to drive and those who are passengers of young drivers, and the ability to signpost appropriate young people on to First Gear courses.
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