PUPILS are being offered the chance to get behind the wheel of a car before they start learning to drive.

Year ten pupils at Eastbourne Comprehensive School, Darlington, were visited by experts from driving tutors BSM, and were given a talk about sensible motoring.

The 14 and 15-year-olds also had the chance to try out a driving simulator.

The motoring simulator was the pupils' first experience of what it is like to drive a car and they were shown what happens if they drive too quickly or do not pay attention behind the wheel.

A school spokeswoman said: "The event is aimed at promoting safe and careful motoring when our young people finally do get behind the wheel."

She added: "Many of our pupils are excited about learning to drive and this will give them a little bit of practice and show them some of the hazards that motoring can present."