First Gear and On Two Wheels are run over a minimum of 30 hours and use the combined skill of a youth worker, a qualified rider/driving instructor and an experienced mechanic. Participants are expected to have at least three hours supervised driving/riding experience. Programmes may be longer, if this suits local circumstances. Shorter programmes may be run as a means of introducing the concept. The structure and format of the programme can be varied to suit the needs of participants and the resources and skills available.
The First Gear and On Two Wheels training framework (training day and manual) provides a comprehensive range of resources/training for workers. The programme’s three elements cover attitudes, rights and responsibilities, the basics of vehicle care and the basics of good vehicle control. Within the requirements and aims, the design and structure of the programme can be adapted to suit local needs. Given this we hope that individual training teams will adapt the framework and develop their own activities using their skills and knowledge of the participants.
There are three sections to First Gear and On Two Wheels:
Section 1: IN THE MIND - a group work approach is used to encourage young people to consider the many issues surrounding motor vehicles and their use.
Following the completion of this section, learners should be able to:
- Describe the personal, social and environmental impact of vehicle use and the responsibilities this implies.
- Display positive attitudes towards safe and considerate driving/riding practices.
- Explain the requirements of the law for road users, including the documentation required.
- Explain the immediate and long term effects of vehicle related crime.
- Be aware of the employment opportunities within the motor industry.
Section 2: UNDER THE BONNET/TANK- a practical group work approach is used to enable young people to gain some basic skills in vehicle maintenance.
Following the completion of this section, learners should be able to:
- Carry out basic vehicle care and maintenance and understand the importance of obtaining appropriate assistance when necessary.
- Explain the costs involved when becoming a vehicle owner and understand the relationship between this and choice of vehicle.
Section 3: BEHIND THE WHEEL/HANDLEBARS- this section includes a minimum of three hours practical driving/riding experience.
Following the completion of this section, learners should be able to:
- Perform a cockpit safety check
- Start and stop the vehicle safely and be familiar with basic driving/riding procedures.
- Understand the fundamental principles of road safety.
First Gear and On Two Wheels are not intended to be substitutes for formal training in car or motorcycle use. The prime purpose of the programmes is to raise awareness and challenge attitudes, rather than to teach driving or riding skills at anything other than a 'basic' level. The training framework offers an introduction, with the hope that young people will progress on to formal driver/rider training or vocational training in the automotive industry.
Below are some of the recommended templates of training for First Gear and On Two Wheels:
- Bi-weekly sessions - classes taking place twice a week over a six-week period have been found to be very effective.
- Over a short period (1-2 weeks) – combining evening meetings and weekend sessions has advantages for informal groups. For an example of a First Gear course ran over a week, click here.
- Intensive (over 5 days) – delivering the programme over an intensive period can have many advantages as it builds group concentration on the content. It does however require that all the resources are in the same place at the same time.
UK Youth’s National Activity and Residential Centre, Avon Tyrrell in the New Forest offers the opportunity for groups to stay for 5 days and complete the course. At Avon Tyrrell you will be provided with fully qualified Approved Driving Instructors and mechanics, insurance cover and full support. To arrange a visit to Avon Tyrrell, please contact Mike Payne at Avon Tyrrell.
Assessment of First Gear and On Two Wheels participants will be undertaken by the workers involved and certificates are requested from UK Youth accordingly. Evaluation tools are included as part of the First Gear and On Two Wheels Manual to support the recording, reporting and evaluation of the two programmes.
