Free Road Safety Programme to Reach Thousands of Young Drivers
Road Safe NI Charity has announced an exciting new partnership with New Driver NI, expanding the reach of one of Northern Ireland’s most successful road safety education programmes for the 2025/26 academic year.
The partnership will see Road Safe NI take on the delivery and management of the award-winning New Driver NI programme, helping to educate thousands of young people about the dangers they may face on the roads as new and future drivers.
Building on a Successful Road Safety Partnership
During the previous academic year, Road Safe NI supported New Driver NI in delivering engaging road safety presentations to more than 100 post-primary schools across Northern Ireland.
Following the programme’s continued success, Road Safe NI will now lead the initiative directly, allowing the charity to expand its impact and bring vital road safety messages to even more young people preparing to begin their driving journeys.
The official launch of the 2025/26 programme took place at New Bridge Integrated College, Loughbrickland, marking the beginning of another year of road safety education in schools across Northern Ireland.
Educating the Next Generation of Drivers
The New Driver NI programme focuses on helping young people understand the risks associated with driving and the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel.
Through interactive presentations, students learn about key road safety issues including:
- Speeding
- Mobile phone use while driving
- Driver fatigue
- Drink driving
- Drug driving
- Seatbelt safety
- Passenger responsibility
The programme encourages students to develop safe driving attitudes before they become fully qualified drivers, helping to create safer roads and reduce collisions among young drivers.
Free Road Safety Presentations for Schools
Thanks to the continued support of sponsors and funding partners, all New Driver NI presentations remain completely free for schools throughout Northern Ireland.
Students participating in the programme will also receive a copy of the New Driver NI magazine, packed with practical driving advice, road safety guidance and real-life stories designed to encourage safer motoring behaviour.
New Driver Pledge Offers Students the Chance to Win £2,000
As part of the programme, students can also sign the New Driver Pledge, supported by Road Safe NI, CRASH Services and JMK Solicitors.
The pledge encourages young people to commit to five key road safety principles:
- Respect the Speed Limit
- No Mobile While Mobile
- Never Drive When Tired
- Not a Drop, Not a Drag
- Belt Up, Front & Back
Students who sign the pledge will also have the opportunity to win prizes worth up to £2,000.
New Driver NI Welcomes the New Partnership
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.”
He added that the partnership reflects New Driver NI’s ongoing commitment to providing free, high-quality road safety education to schools throughout Northern Ireland.
Reaching More Than 32,000 Young People
Davy Jackson, Chair of Road Safe NI Charity, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to build on the brilliant work New Driver NI has been doing for the past 12 years.
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.”
CRASH Services Continues to Support Young Driver Safety
Paula Mahoney, Marketing Director at CRASH Services, highlighted the importance of educating young motorists:
“As Northern Ireland’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 presentations, 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 commit to safer driving habits and helping them make life-saving decisions behind the wheel.”
Supporting Safer Roads Across Northern Ireland
The New Driver NI programme continues to be made possible through the support of sponsors including:
- CRASH Services
- JMK Solicitors
- AB&C Insurance
- DriveTech UK
- Used Cars NI
- Local Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs)
Together, these organisations are helping ensure that thousands of young people across Northern Ireland receive essential road safety education before they begin driving independently.
Book a Free Road Safety Presentation
Schools interested in arranging a free New Driver NI presentation can contact:
info@newdriverni.com
