Street Smart Young Driver Traning Programme Grows To Meet Demand
Thanks to generous funding from programme partners, the hugely popular Street Smart driven by Tony Quinn Foundation Road Safety programme, which typically sells out, has expanded to meet growing demand. To date, more than 2,500 young drivers plus their parent / guardian have taken part in this hands-on programme. With more and more young people keen to boost their driving skills, additional training days have been added with training days now taking place at motorsports parks in Hampton Downs, Taupō, Cromwell and Invercargill.
Since 2021, over 350 individuals under the age of 25 have tragically lost their lives on New Zealand roads, highlighting the critical need for targeted driver education. The Street Smart driven by Tony Quinn Foundation Road Safety programme addresses this challenge by offering a unique, hands-on learning experience for young drivers and their parents or guardians, giving new drivers essential skills to navigate New Zealand's roads more safely.
The programme sees participants move through seven carefully designed activities that focus on key aspects of safe driving. These hands-on techniques are designed to enhance participants' knowledge in areas such as decision-making, understanding road environments, and managing distractions— all while driving in a safe, controlled environment.
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'We're very excited to see so many young people taking up the mantle and attending this life-saving programme,' said Hayden Dickason, Street Smart Programme Director. 'Young drivers face significant risks on New Zealand roads, where life-changing moments can occur in an instant behind the wheel. That's why Street Smart is so important. We aim to equip our least experienced drivers with the skills and awareness to stay safe, reduce their risk, and ultimately save lives.'
Greg Murphy, Street Smart Trust Chair and Ambassador, shared his enthusiasm for the programme: 'I'm incredibly passionate about saving lives through improving driver awareness, and I'm incredibly proud to have been involved in Street Smart since its inception. This programme has been designed by experts for Kiwi teens, and it's making a difference in helping young people become more aware and responsible behind the wheel.'
The Street Smart programme is open to young drivers and their parents/guardians. Registration details and additional information are available on the Street Smart website www.streetsmart.nz
Event Details:
HAMPTON DOWNS:
When: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 13th July and 24th August 2025
Where: Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, 20 Hampton Downs Road, Te Kauwhata
TAUPŌ
When: 30th June and 1st July
Where: Taupō International Motorsport Park, 463 Broadlands Road, Taupō
INVERCRAGILL:
CROMWELL
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