NEW drivers are being invited to a free driving skills course at the Trafford Centre.

The Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) training programme is aimed at new drivers aged 18 to 24.

Sessions include a series of practical training allowing drivers statistically more likely to be involved in an accident on UK roads to experience real-world situations and learn invaluable skills from a first-hand perspective.

The experience includes:

• Learn to control a skid

• Perform an emergency brake at speed

• Experience Ford’s unique ‘drunk suit’

• Tackle a driver-distraction obstacle course

• VR experience

A spokesman added: "As a new or inexperienced driver, there is nothing more exciting than getting in your car and going for a drive — and why shouldn’t it be?

"However, statistics have shown that this is also the time that you’re most vulnerable on the road and likely to make small mistakes with potentially tragic consequences.

"In 2013, 2,144 teenage car passengers were either killed or injured in accidents on UK roads.

"Of those killed or seriously injured, 68% were passengers in cars driven by someone who was aged between 17-24 (RAC Foundation, 2013).

"The only aim of Ford DSFL is to further improve your driving skills and awareness in a fun and safe environment, so you are further prepared for real-life situations that you might otherwise not experience until it is too late."

Northwich Guardian:

You must be aged 18 years or older to attend the event and only those with a full valid UK driver’s licence will be able to take part in driving a vehicle.

Provisional driver’s licences will not be accepted.

Sessions take place between 10am and 9pm on Saturday, May 4 or 12pm to 6pm on Sunday, May 5.

A number of sessions are already fully booked so anyone interested should book soon.

You can register for one of the events by clicking here