STUDENTS were given the chance to get behind the wheel after driving lessons were added to their school's curriculum.

The 15 and 16-year-olds from Sunnydale Comprehensive School, in Shildon, took turns to drive around a slalom course in the school car park in a dual-control car provided by the BSM driving school yesterday.

The lessons are part of a key skills course in which the students have already spent the autumn term learning about the realities of car ownership.

They have also been taught driving theory and been warned of the consequences of behaving recklessly when in control of a car.

Teacher Allan Fletcher said: "The school is keen to

give its students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the sorts of skills they will need in their adult lives, as well as providing them with a first class academic experience.

"Learning the necessity of being a responsible driver, and the results that can flow from being irresponsible is a key life skill."

Instructor Chris Lowe said: "What we do in these sessions is about basic perception.

"We're not teaching them to drive, but to get a feel for the car and discover how the handling changes at different speeds and when you go around corners.