SIXTH form students at Newent Community School have received certificates to mark completing an online safe driving programme.

Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martin Surl and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Officer Stewart Edgar attended a special sixth form assembly to present the certificates.

Some 73 students, aged 16-17, successfully completed the Gloucestershire version of the Drive iQ safer driving course.

Safe and social driving and helping young people become responsible adults are two of the PCC’s priorities.

Mr Surl said: “There are now 41 schools and colleges engaged in Drive iQ Gloucestershire and a total of 1,862 students registered. That amounts to a third of the Year 12 population and is a fantastic reflection of how the programme has taken off.

“The biggest threat to young people is in a car. I’m pleased they not only recognise that, but that they are also taking advantage of the opportunity Drive iQ offers for better training.”

Both Mr Surl and Mr Edgar told the students how their own children were involved in car crashes and were lucky to escape without being seriously injured.

Mr Edgar said: “All of these young people will more than likely find themselves behind the wheel of a vehicle before very long and we must do all we can to help protect them when they are at their most vulnerable. 

“Drive iQ is a well-researched and dynamic education online platform specifically designed for novice and newly-qualified drivers.”