Independent travel training

There are 7 steps to independent travel training.

1. Referral

A referral is when somebody puts themselves forward or their parent or carer recommends them for travel training.

The form can be filled out by yourself or your parent, carer or school.

2. Assessment

Once the young person has applied or been recommended for training, they will be assessed.

This assessment will help the trainer understand which skills the young person needs help with.

3. Classroom

The young personwill spend time in the classroom learning the skills needed to travel on their own.

This includes safety, problem solving, time management and communications skills.

4. Group travel

The young person will then have the opportunity to travel out and about as part of a small group.

This will improve their skills in real life situations such as using public transport and reading timetables.

5. Accompanied travel

The trainer will then work with the young person to find a route between their home and school.

Every step of the plan will be explained, and the trainer will assess the young person's understanding of it.

6. Repeating and shadowing

The young person will then travel with the trainer following a short distance behind them.

This step will be repeated as it will help the young person build confidence.

7. Independent travel

The young person will then have the skills to travel on their own.

This will only happen once everybody is comfortable with the young person's skills.

It will happen slowly to avoid any stress and make sure the young person is ready.