A course is available in north Jefferson County this spring that is geared toward helping teenagers become better, safer drivers.

The Alabama Region of the Sports Car Club of America (ALSCCA) is hosting three Teen Driver Clinics at the Gardendale First Baptist Church south campus: April 20, May 11 and June 8.

The course fee is $120 and includes lunch for the teen and one parent or guardian.

Ron Hardiman, ALSCCA director of Teen Driver Clinics, said one in four teens will be involved in a car wreck during their first year of driving, and that more than 80 percent of those wrecks are caused by driver error.

ALSCCA instructors, all of whom have a motorsports background, teach teenagers defensive driving skills including brake, steering and eye management.

Students should bring the vehicle they will be driving most often. Those in attendance should be 15 or 16 years old and have a learner’s permit or driver license; parents should email Hardiman if they want an older child to participate.

The entire course will take place in the church parking lot, which will be closed off to other drivers; there will be no instruction on streets.

In the event of rain, the course will still be taught. Hardiman said teens will drive in rain and other dangerous conditions, so a safety course in the rain is appropriate.

The driving clinic includes about six hours of combined classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.

Class sizes are small, and pre-registration is required.

For more information, email Hardiman at teen.driver@alscca.net.