A road safety scheme which aims to create a safer next generation of drivers has delivered a landmark 1.5 million lessons.

Young Driver teaches people to drive from the age of nine, and is the largest scheme of its kind in the UK.

Research shows that teaching youngsters to drive over a longer period of time can help to improve the safety of drivers when they go on to pass their test.

On average, one in five newly qualified drivers in the UK has an accident within the first six months of passing their test - but for Young Driver alumni that reduces to less than one in 25 (3.4 per cent), an 84 per cent reduction.

Having launched in 2009 at just one site, Young Driver now operates at 70 venues across England, Scotland and Wales.

Over the 16 years the scheme has been operating, 9,384 events have taken place.

Realistic road systems are created on private property, with roundabouts, junctions and areas to practice manoeuvres.

Lessons are taught in dual controlled Suzuki Swifts or similar cars, by a roster of 430 Approved Driving Instructors.

Youngsters learn as they would on the road at 17, mastering the skills of clutch control, braking, steering and observation, with a drive diary tracking their progress.

Under nines can even have a lesson in the specially created electric Firefly, a two seater car for younger children.

Ian Mulingani, the managing director of Young Driver, said: "Everything we do is about safety and helping young people realise the responsibility that comes with being behind the wheel of a vehicle. Practice really does make perfect and the accident statistics for our past pupils prove this is a positive way to improve the safety of young people behind the wheel. But it's still something they have fun doing!"

Whilst children can begin learning from age nine, one in five of the scheme's pupils is aged 16, and looking to ramp up their experience before lessons on the roads.

Young Driver's research has shown that past pupils are likely to require 58 per cent fewer professional lessons on the road before passing their test. Alumni took, on average, only 19 professional lessons at 17 before they passed their test - a big reduction on the national average of 45 hours.

A further 19 per cent of pupils are aged 17 or 18, and are looking to build up their confidence in a safe and secure environment.

Young Driver recently unveiled a brand new fleet of 170 Suzuki Swift cars. Youngsters can also have lessons in classic and luxury vehicles, and even a fire engine.