Learner drivers are the safest drivers on our roads, while the reverse applies to those holding red and green P plate licences.

The reason is simple - supervision as an L plater compared to going solo when drivers gain their Ps.

The Rotary Clubs in the Manning and Great Lakes, united some years ago to address this serious problem and this has resulted in a program that is a great asset to the community and to young drivers.

They run regular courses for year 11 students from local high schools who are about to get or have just got their licences.

Local organiser, Laurie Easter, tells me some 7000 students have passed through the program.

I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation from Rotary to observe one of these courses.

Running from 9.30am until 2pm the course contains six sessions. Speed and Stopping (practical demonstrations), Drive SOS, Road Choices, Crash Investigators, the "I" in Drive and Genevieve's Story.

Presenters include driving instructors, police and local Rotarians.

The Road Choices, Crash Investigators sections are especially moving and can be quite confronting.

Serious car accident victim Todd and his mother Sue speak of the trauma both physical and mental that followed Todd's near fatal accident.

This, or similar courses should be mandatory for all new drivers. It would certainly also be worthwhile for those of us who have held licences for many years.

Well done Rotary for this great service to the community and to our young drivers.

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