The new program is designed to save young lives on New South Wales roads, according to local MP Adam Marshall.

The program will be available in Glen Innes and a number of other New England TAFE campuses in 2017.

“Apprentices studying at the Armidale, Inverell, Glen Innes, Moree and Boggabilla TAFE campuses would learn vital road safety lessons from early next year,” Mr Marshall said.

“Young drivers continue to be over-represented in serious crashes in NSW, especially in regional areas.

“In the five years from 2011 to 2015, 193 young drivers were killed on NSW roads, with 85 per cent of the fatalities occurring in country areas.

“This program has been specifically developed for young drivers.

Mr Marshall said the workshop will focus on key areas that often cause accidents on NSW roads.

“The program will give students an overview of some of the main issues affecting road safety on regional roads, he said.

“The workshop will cover five key issues including speed, driver fatigue, animals on rural roads, driver distraction – particularly the use of mobile phones – and alcohol and drugs.”

Mr Marshall said the local project was part of the Towards Zero: TAFE Road Safety Partnership.

“The project is a collaborative initiative between Transport for NSW, Roads and Maritime Services and TAFE NSW,” he said.

The Nortern Tablelands MP said the program has been a success in other areas of NSW.

“Hundreds of TAFE Western apprentices at Dubbo and Orange have already benefited from the pilot program,” he said.

“It is great to see the program being extended to our local area.”

A Glen Innes TAFE spokesperson said the course will be available to locals next year.

“We will make an announcement when it becomes available so that locals can register,” the spokesperson said.