Mercedes hits First Gear

MERCEDES-BENZ Australia/Pacific has introduced a driver training course aimed specifically at young drivers.

Open to licenced drivers under the age of 24 and available free of charge to Mercedes-Benz customers and their children, First Gear is an extension of the brand's existing driver training program, the Active Safety Experience.

The managing director for Mercedes-Benz Cars at Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific, Horst von Sanden, said the new initiative is centred around the core element of safety and aims to keep Mercedes drivers accident-free.

“As an automotive manufacturer, we have numerous important obligations,” he said. “One of these is safety, and our company has arguably the richest history in leading this important area of vehicle development.



“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 programs First Gear and Active Safety Experience,” said Mr von Sanden.

According to Benz, First Gear course participants will learn to: understand how the car operates, recognis risks before and when driving, identify and avoid dangerous situations, apply safe vehicle spacing when driving and identify the problematic, attitudinal and behavioural issues often encountered by young and inexperienced drivers.

Practical exercises will include: basic vehicle maintenance, techniques for correct vision and steering when driving, afe spacing when driving and distance demonstrations that illustrate the dangers of ‘tail-gating’, emergency braking on wet and dry surfaces, evasive steering manoeuvres, swerve-and-avoid exercises demonstrating the operation of ABS braking, and experiencing a vehicle in slippery conditions both with and without the aid of ESP stability control.