Young adults from Merton will have the opportunity to get five free driving lessons worth £100.

As part of Merton Council’s initiative to encourage young adults aged between 17 and 25 years old to drive more safely and sensibly on the roads, the council will open its doors to two evening sessions where young people in the borough can learn the responsibilities of driving and sign up for the practical learner driver course.

The two-hour sessions on Wednesday 27 and Friday 29 May from 5-7pm will cover driving behaviour, advice on car ownership and road skills. The youngsters will need to attend both sessions to receive their vouchers for five free driving lessons. The vouchers are valid for three months and can be used at Blakes Driving School.

Spaces are limited to 20 so anyone wishing to take advantage of this offer should apply now by contacting the council’s Road Safety Team on 020 8545 3206.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for planning and traffic management, Councillor William Brierly said: “This is a terrific opportunity for Merton’s young people especially in the current economic climate. Providing these free courses is a practical way in which we are putting the needs of our young people first.

“As many of these youngsters will either be going on to further or higher education, or work, courses like these provide them with independence and a valuable and useful skill for their adult life. The advice and training they will receive will also help them to develop safer and sensible driving techniques.”

Note to editor

Anyone wishing to sign up for training will need to provide a provisional licence to have the driving lessons.