MOTORISTS in the borough over the age of 60 are being offered the chance to brush up their driving skills at refresher courses.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Road Safety Team has joined forces with Frodsham Town Council to offer a ‘ Drive Safely for Longer’ seminar taking place in Frodsham on Friday, April 5 from 10am to 2.30pm.

The course is designed to give reassurance, helping older people to continue to drive confidently, improve their driving skills, and provide advice on changes in road traffic law, road layouts and traffic signs.

The council will also be promoting ‘Safely for Longer’ driving assessments which mature drivers who live in Cheshire West and Chester can access free of charge once they have attended the seminar.

These are two-hour sessions out on the road with an approved driving instructor, helping them brush up on their skills and learn some techniques for safer driving.

Requirements such as eyesight and insurance will be discussed with the driver before setting off on a drive and advice and tips are provided to enhance their driving skills along the way. The driving instructor will look at the how the driver deals with various traffic situations on familiar roads and make recommendations to help ensure continual safety.

The session will be arranged at a time and place convenient to participants who prefer to use their own vehicle. This is an informal and confidential session which simply aims to enhance current skills. It is not a driving test, so there is no pass or fail.

The council’s cabinet member for environment, Cllr Karen Shore, said: “These free sessions will ensure that mature drivers are given additional skills to keep themselves independent for as long as possible. It is important that people continue to drive and feel confident and safe whilst doing so.”

The Drive Safely for Longer seminar will be held at Frodsham Golf Club, Simons Lane, Frodsham, WA6 6HE from 10am on Friday, April 5. There will be a range of speakers, including an officer from Cheshire police an expert in driver training, Road Safety officer and there will be lots of information and advice provided. A light lunch will also be provided.

Places are limited, so booking is essential.

To book, or for more information about the Drive Safely for Longer assessments, email: Roadsafety@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or call 01244 976713.