Snowy Hydro and Driving Solutions are excited to announce the 2021 Snowy Hydro Young Driver Program is underway, with hundreds of students from seven local schools participating.

The Snowy Hydro Young Driver Program is a hands-on approach to driver training, specifically designed to prepare Learner and Provisional drivers in the Snowy Mountains for the driving conditions they face on the region’s roads.

The program has been running for 20 years and continues to demonstrate Snowy Hydro’s commitment to the safety and well-being of young people living in the Snowy Mountains.

Under the guidance of professional and experienced instructors from Driving Solutions, students drive current model vehicles while participating in exercises that teach emergency braking, control of understeer and oversteer, and allow students to feel the effects of vehicle safety features such as ABS and stability control.

They experience stopping on low-friction surfaces and learn techniques to improve their steering and vision. Students are also taught about driving conditions unique to the Snowy Mountains such as snow, ice and wildlife, as well as the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Since its inception in 2002, the Snowy Hydro Young Driver Program has provided more than 1,400 local students with the opportunity to improve their driving skills and become safer drivers.

After running a reduced program due to COVID in 2020, the 2021 program is fully booked, with close to 250 students planning to attend.

Snowy Hydro Managing Director and CEO Paul Broad said the company was proud to support and invest in initiatives which made a positive impact among the local community.

“We’ve been a part of this region for decades and we are committed to supporting youth, education for locals and the highest safety principles. This is reflected in the value we place in the annual Young Driver Program,” Mr Broad said.

This year the Snowy Hydro Young Driver Program coincides with National Road Safety Week (May 16-23), which it is hoped will further emphasise the importance of road safety in regional communities including the Snowy Mountains.

“With this year’s program being held in the lead up to, and during National Road Safety Week, we aim to bring to life those important messages around road safety and raise more awareness about the risks that regional communities like the Snowy Mountains face when driving on the roads.” said James Stewart, Director of Driving Solutions.

“Young Drivers in rural areas of NSW face unique driving conditions compared to their city counterparts, so it’s very important that these young people have the opportunity to learn valuable driving skills in a safe and controlled environment, before potentially having to test out their ability for the first time in a real life emergency scenario.”

“The Snowy Hydro Young Driver program helps students gain the skills they need to stay safe on the road, and we know that the training we deliver makes a positive difference to their attitude and behaviour behind the wheel.” said Mr Stewart.

Snowy Hydro Young Driver Program Dates:

● Corryong Secondary College: Tuesday 4 May

● Tumbarumba High: Wednesday 5 May

● Bombala High: Monday 10 May

● Monaro High: Tuesday 11 May

● Jindabyne Central School: Wednesday 12 May

● Snowy Mountains Grammar School: Thursday 13 May

● Tumut High: Monday 17 & Tuesday 18 May (National Road Safety Week)