Warwickshire scheme tackles young drivers’ garage fears

A Warwickshire mum has launched a project to help young drivers overcome "garage anxiety" after her teenage son was wrongly quoted more than £2,500 for repairs on a recently purchased car. Sharon Hilton, from the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership, said the experience highlighted fears among young motorists that they could be overcharged or persuaded to pay for unnecessary work.

The scheme, called Garage Anxiety, teaches 16 to 19-year-olds practical vehicle maintenance skills, including tyre safety, MOT requirements and what to do after a breakdown or collision. Delivered in partnership with emergency services and automotive experts, the programme has already reached more than 2,500 students across six colleges in Warwickshire. Organisers hope it will boost confidence, reduce the risk of young people ignoring vehicle faults and improve road safety.