Hundreds of students from five high schools in Jakarta participated in a defensive driving course at Sirkuit Gokart in Sentul, Bogor, West Java, on Saturday.

On the occasion, 250 students were given theoretic and practical lessons on driving, including basic knowledge of driving preparation, introduction to vehicles, knowledge of tires, correct driving position, driving equipment and safe driving procedures. They were also taught traffic rules and road safety.

“During the event, we found that several participants, specifically motorbike riders, didn’t realize the importance of using safety-ensured driving equipment. For example, how to wear a helmet properly,” said Nugroho Respati, a course instructor from Michelin Safety Academy, in a press release. 

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Participants who passed the tests in the defensive driving course are slated to take their driver’s license test at the Vehicle Document Registration Center (Samsat) in Daan Mogot, West Jakarta.

“We also want to create awareness that having a driver’s license is compulsory to drive and that [it is important] to be a responsible driver,” said tire manufacturer PT Michelin Indonesia marketing director Putu Yudha.

The defensive driving course is part of the company's safety academy program targeting youths. During the program's closing event on Nov. 5, all participating students will be invited to a sharing session with Rio Haryanto, who will give safe driving tips and tricks as well as share his experiences as a Formula One racer. (kes)