• 'Start Off‑Road' gives youngsters the opportunity to get ahead of the game from behind the wheel of the Range Rover Evoque
• Driving lessons include climbing and descending hills, negotiating ditches and ridges, and water crossings
• Helps to develop a strong foundation of driving skills for future years

Whitley, UK, September 26 2013 ‑ Land Rover has developed a unique new driving programme for youngsters ‑ Start Off‑Road.

The scheme allows 11‑17 year olds to get behind the wheel of a Range Rover Evoque and experience true off‑road driving, teaching them skills and techniques that they will go on to utilise throughout their future years both on and off road.

Participants have the chance to experience driving techniques including basics such as steering, braking and reversing, as well as more advanced skills such as climbing and descending hills, crossing ditches and ridges, negotiating ruts, wet grass and mud, and even crossing water.

Statistics show that younger drivers pick up new skills easier and are more open to learning good driving habits. By instilling the basics in them at an early stage it is hoped that they will gain invaluable experience for later in life.

Each student receives a personalised Log Book in which to record progress so that when they come again ‑ to the same venue or another venue ‑ they pick up where they left off.

As well as providing participants with an invaluable set of skills the course is also unique in offering youngsters the chance to experience the renowned capability of the Range Rover Evoque, lauded for both its off‑road and on‑road ability.

Each Range Rover Evoque is fitted with dual controls for safety as well as an automatic gearbox, and a dedicated team of instructors are on hand to take participants through every scenario. Parents can also take part in the activity.

Pilot courses are being run at four locations throughout the UK:

• Chavenage House ‑ Gloucestershire ‑ Sunday 13th October
• West London Shooting School ‑ Middlesex ‑ Saturday 2nd November
• Duncombe Park ‑ North Yorkshire ‑ Sunday 29th September; Sunday 27th October; Sunday 24th November
• Rockingham Castle ‑ Leicestershire ‑ Sunday 6th October; Sunday 10th November
• Ragley Hall ‑ Warwickshire ‑ Saturday 19th October; Sunday 17th November

David Saunders, General Manager Land Rover Experience, commented: "The Land Rover Start Off‑Road programme is designed to offer youngsters something unique that they wouldn't usually be able to experience. Not only is it a fun day out, it also teaches an invaluable skill set to youngsters before they can even obtain a license. It helps instill confidence in them, gives them a head start and should help make for proficient driving in the future."

For further details visit http://startoff‑road.com/

ENDS

For further information log onto www.uk.media.landrover.com or contact:

Lucy Reynolds                                                          
PR Manager, Land Rover UK                                   
T: 02476 564 161
M: 07801 699928                              
E: lreyno25@landrover.com

Kim Palmer
Senior Press Officer, Land Rover UK
T: 02476 564 129
M: 07795 666169
E: kpalmer@landrover.com

Rachel Murray
Press Officer, Land Rover UK
T: 02476 564 127
M: 07780 494282
E: rmurra73@landrover.com

Jack Hutchinson
The Brooklyn Brothers
T: 02072926200
E: jack@thebrooklynbrothers.com

Laura Hind
The Brooklyn Brothers
T: 02072926200
M: 07917108187
E: laurahind@thebrooklynbrothers.com

Editors Note:

• Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true breadth of capability across the model range. Defender, Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's 4x4 sectors. Land Rover products are currently sold in approximately 180 global markets.