Older drivers in Dudley can put themselves on the road to success with a free safety course.

The Driving Safer for Longer course, which will be held at Brockmoor Community Centre next month (March) aims to boost safety for drivers aged 50 and over.

The informal, friendly session will offer help and advice about driving to give people confidence to continue driving “safer for longer”, and dispel some of the myths surrounding older drivers.

Dudley Council will lead the event, which is supported by speakers from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the West Midlands Fire Service.

The course will focus on a range of safety and awareness skills and refresh drivers’ knowledge of the Highway Code and general driving skills. Each driver will receive an information pack which will include a current Highway Code.

Councillor Judy Foster, cabinet member for transportation, said:

“This course aims to help ensure older people have the confidence to continue to drive safely for as long as possible. The session will also help dispel myths surrounding older drivers and give all participants free information packs to take away with them.”

In 2011 813 drivers from the West Midlands aged 50 and over were killed or injured on the roads, 18 per cent of the total number of drivers from the West Midlands who were hurt during 2011.

The free course will run on Saturday March 2 at Brookmoor Community Centre from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Light refreshments will be available.

Places, which are limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis, can be booked by calling Dudley Road Safety and Travel Awareness Team on 01384 815433 or e-mailing rsafety.due@dudley.gov.uk