Mercedes Benz Young Driver Training Program

It is open to licenced drivers aged 24 or younger and is free to both Mercedes-Benz customers and the children of Mercedes-Benz customers who fulfil this criteria. The programme has several aims, all derived from one core element: safety. "As an automotive manufacturer, we have numerous important obligations," said Horst von Sanden, managing director for Mercedes-Benz Cars at Mercedes-Benz Australia. "One of these is safety." "Yet, maximising on-road safety is not the sole responsibility of our engineers and helping to achieve this important goal is something many of us can contribute to, hence our driver training programmes First Gear and Active Safety Experience," said von Sanden. First Gear seeks to introduce and enhance many of the important fundamentals of driving for its young attendees, with a specific focus on attitudes and awareness.

The learning objectives and areas of awareness targeted at the course's participants include:
-Understanding how the car operates
-Recognising risks before and when driving
-Identifying and avoiding dangerous situations
-Safe vehicle spacing when driving
-Identifying the problematic attitudinal and behavioural issues often encountered by young and inexperienced drivers

Practical exercises undertaken by the course's participants include:
-Basic vehicles maintenance
-Techniques for correct vision and steering when driving
-Safe spacing when driving and distance demonstrations that illustrate the dangers of 'tailgating'
-Emergency braking on wet and dry surfaces
-Evasive steering manoeuvres
-Swerve and avoid exercises demonstrating the operation of ABS braking
-Experiencing a vehicle in slippery conditions both with and without the aid of ESP (Electronic Stability Programme).

Every exercise undertaken is realistic and simulates commonly encountered obstacles. Some even incorporate adverse weather conditions which serve to heighten the level of difficulty in critical situations. First Gear is an initiative of the long standing Mercedes-Benz Active Safety Experience. It does not seek to introduce 'high performance' (that is, 'race track oriented') driving skills to participants but instead places a distinct focus on basic driving attitudes and behaviours when behind the wheel, a critical necessity for drivers who are young and comparatively inexperienced.