Sponsored by Shell, the program involves students from many parts of Victoria, including those from the Charlton Driving Centre and South West Education in Warrnambool, as well as students selected from over 50 schools in metropolitan Melbourne. Students will face a range of questions on their road safety and road law knowledge, as well as a practical ‘on road’ drive which will involve parking, backing, steering, accident avoidance and stopping skills exercises. The manager of METEC, Neill Sheldon explained that the Young Driver of the Year competition consolidates the learning that has been achieved by students through participation in its driver education programs. “Students see these exercises as tests, but they are really part of the ongoing learning and training that will help students develop higher order safety and hazard perception skills, assisting them to become better and safer drivers,” Neill said. Shell donated more than $2000 worth of prizes to the first three place-getters and their schools. Shell’s National Social Investment Manager Jenny Odgers explained that Shell was keen to be involved both because it has a commitment to investing in the local community and because safety is the number one priority in everything that Shell does. “Supporting the Young Driver of the Year program is a practical way that Shell can contribute to a safer community by supporting access to quality driver education and training opportunities,” said Ms Odgers. Metec Driver Training Centre at 112 Colchester Road, Bayswater North has been providing practical driver training and education courses to schools around Victoria for more than 30 years.
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