Learner driver gets a safe practice area

L-platers now have the option of mastering their driving skills before hitting the open road with a new program at Perth Motorplex.

The house of speed has turned its attention to helping teenagers become confident drivers with the Learner's Driving Experience Program.

The program offers parents the chance to teach their teenager the ins-and-outs of driving their vehicle in a safe and controlled environment - with an area to conquer the gears and clutch and a circuit to emulate being on a public road.

Driver behaviour consultant Pete Ramsay, who initiated the program, said parents were coming from as near as Kwinana and as far as Butler and Chittering to teach their teenager's how to drive at the Motorplex, to avoid unnecessary risks.

He said pushing a young driver onto public roads could often turn pear shaped and risked ruining a young driver's confidence.

"My passion is to provide a safe environment for learner drivers," Mr Ramsay said.

"Yes, they are going to have to go out on the road, but at least when they do go out on the road they will know what it's like to brake and have a feel for the dynamics of the vehicle."

Kwinana 16-year-old Kaitlin Ruck said she felt relieved when she found out she could learn to drive at the Motorplex, having experienced a driver's road rage when she stalled her car at a roundabout.

"Knowing you're in a vehicle that can kill people makes it a little bit scary," she said.

"I don't freak out as much (at the Motorplex) because if I stuff up I learn how to fix it without being in the way of other drivers or putting myself or others in danger."

Her father, Colin Ruck, said it was a great option for young learner drivers who would otherwise have to deal with the added pressure of busy roads, drivers who were in a rush and road rage.

Mr Ramsay said he was always on site during booked sessions to offer tips and expertise.

South Metro Traffic Enforcement Group acting officer in charge Peter Janczyk said in general any company or service which encouraged road safety was a benefit to the police in addressing the road toll.

"Our role is to enforce traffic law, but having people out there teaching good practices on the roads is a bonus," he said.