Road Safe NI Charity is excited to announce a brand-new partnership with New Driver NI, bringing the award-winning road safety programme to even more young people across Northern Ireland, for the 2025/26 academic year.
Last year, Road Safe NI supported New Driver NI to deliver their hard-hitting and engaging presentation to over 100 post-primary schools. This year, they’re proud to go one step further. Road Safe NI will now manage the initiative directly, a move that will help grow its reach and aim to keep even more young drivers safe on the roads.
The official launch event for the new school year took place at New Bridge Integrated College, Loughbrickland. The programme will continue to focus on educating new and future drivers on key road safety issues, including speeding, mobile phone use, fatigue, drink or drug driving, and seatbelt use. Using interactive and engaging presentations, the initiative aims to instil responsible behaviours in young drivers.
Thanks to the ongoing generosity of funding partners and sponsors, the presentations remain free of charge to schools across Northern Ireland. Every student participating in the programme will also receive a copy of the New Driver NI magazine, which offers practical tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to inspire safe driving practices.
Additionally, students will have the chance to win up to £2,000 by signing the New Driver Pledge, an initiative backed by Road Safe NI, CRASH Services, and JMK Solicitors. The pledge encourages students to commit to five key road safety rules:
- Respect the Speed Limit
- No Mobile While Mobile
- Never Drive When Tired
- Not a Drop, Not a Drag
- Belt Up, Front & Back
Stephen Savage from New Driver NI said: “We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Road Safe NI Charity, who will be delivering the award-winning safe motoring presentations to students across NI. This exciting collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to educate young drivers and passengers on the critical importance of road safety.
Through engaging, interactive talks, Road Safe NI will help students understand their personal responsibility behind the wheel and as passengers, ensuring they make safe, informed choices on the road. Together, we’re providing valuable tools to empower the next generation of drivers to drive safely and responsibly. This collaboration is a key part of New Driver NI’s ongoing commitment to promoting road safety and delivering free, high-quality educational content to schools across Northern Ireland.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to build on the brilliant work New Driver NI has been doing for the past 12 years,” said Davy Jackson, Chair of Road Safe NI Charity. “By joining forces, we’ll be able to visit more schools, speak to more young people, and share vital safety messages with over 32,000 pupils who are about to start their driving journey.
Getting behind the wheel for the first time is a huge milestone for young people. We want to make sure they’re prepared not just with the skills to drive, but with the knowledge to make safe choices. Together with New Driver NI, we’re determined to make a real difference for the next generation of drivers.”
Paula Mahoney, Marketing Director at CRASH Services commented: “As NI’s leading accident management company, we understand how crucial it is to educate new drivers and passengers on making responsible motoring choices. The New Driver magazine, along with the safe motoring presentation, provides invaluable advice and guidance, offering young people essential tips from learning to drive to staying safe on the road. We’re also proud to sponsor the New Driver Pledge, encouraging young drivers to sign up and commit to safer driving habits, helping them make life-saving decisions behind the wheel.”
Thanks to the generous support of sponsors like CRASH Services, JMK Solicitors, AB&C Insurance, DriveTech UK, Used Cars NI, and local Policing and Community Safety Partnerships, the programme remains entirely free for schools.
For more information or to book a free presentation, schools can contact info@newdriverni.com.
