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Information, Advice and sources of support for young people in Suffolk

Getting Around Suffolk

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  3. Getting Around Suffolk

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Finding your way around

Got a new job? Want to visit a friend? “How am I going to get there?” – Google Maps is your friend!

1) Enter the address into Google Maps
2) Click ‘directions’ and choose a starting point for your journey (e.g. your house)
3) The route will appear, and you can select the option to drive, walk, cycle or use public transport, and see how long it will take for each option.
4) The public transport icon will give you the different routes for train and bus services.

- Remember the quickest route doesn't always mean the cheapest! 
- If the train looks like the easiest option, you should check the cost for the train journey. 
- Buses are often a lot cheaper than trains.

Getting to School

Apply for transport under the Post 16 Travel Scheme – There is no free travel for students in year 12 or 13 so this scheme might be an option.

What does this mean?

It means you can receive a travel pass for £200 per term which will allow you to travel to and from your place of study.

To be eligible you must:

  • Attend your nearest school, sixth form or post 16 centre
  • Be between 16-19 years old (or are completing a course that started before your 19th birthday)
  • Be doing an approved full-time further education course
  • Live in Suffolk
  • Live at least 3 miles from your nearest college, sixth form or post 16 centre

In most cases you will need to be attending your nearest college or sixth form to receive the travel pass.

If you are studying something specific that isn’t available at your nearest college or sixth form, you might still be eligible for the scheme. You can still apply, but you may have to explain why you want to do the course and how it will benefit you.

What if I don’t receive any help?

Spare seats – If you’re not entitled to post 16 transport, spare seats might be an option for you.

This is when if there are spare seats on a school bus, they can be made available to young people living on route who don’t qualify for free home to school or post 16 transport. 

To find out more about spare seats and whether this could be an option for you, take a look at the Suffolk on Board website.

“How can I save money on travel?”

Note: Most bus companies in Suffolk accept the Endeavour Card, but there are some that don’t so it’s best to check with your local bus company first.

  • A Young Person’s Railcard – Aged 16-25 or a full time student aged 26 or over? Save 1/3 off most standard class rail fares throughout Great Britain with a 16-25 Railcard – National Rail Enquiries – 16-25 Railcard.
If you are a disabled young person you can apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard, which entitles the holder to 1/3 off train travel and one person travelling with them.
I’d like to be more independent, what about Travel Training?

To date over 350 young people and adults have completed their training and become independent travellers!

Travel Training teaches young people and adults with special educational needs, disabilities or learning disabilities, a safe way of travelling independently.

It’s FREE. There is no cost for this training.

For more information watch the video and look at Suffolk on Board – Travel Training information.

“I want to learn to drive!”

If you live in Suffolk, you probably want to learn to drive!

Apply for a provisional license

To starting driving lessons, you will need to apply for a provisional license. This does cost some money, but you can then use this provisional license as ID too. You need a provisional license to book your theory test.

visit: GOV.UK website

Information and advice about driving and road safety

Prepare for your driving test, visit: Learn to Drive revision (BBC)

For tips on protecting yourself on the road, visit: Suffolk Roadsafe website

If you have passed your driving test and want to improve your driving skills, visit Safe Driving for Life Website 

Advice about different road safety risks for drivers and passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists, visit THINK!Education website

How to drive responsibly:

  • Always where a seat belt, 
  • Never drink or take illegal drugs before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.
  • When planning a night out with friends where you will be drinking choose who in your group is going to be the designated driver. 
  • If you do drink be aware you may still have alcohol in your system in the morning, which means it will be unsafe to drive.
  • if you know that you need to drive the next day, it’s probably safer not to drink at all.

Get into Gear programme

Passed your test already? Newly-qualified young drivers can take part in a ‘Get in Gear’ course in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich or Lowestoft to help build their confidence and improve their skills.

The Get in Gear course is being run by Suffolk County Council, giving young people aged between 17 and 19 who have passed their test within the last year, the chance to benefit from the course, worth £150, for just £30.

You will receive two hours learning in a classroom and four hours with an instructor on the road. 

Can I apply?

You can take part if you have passed your test in the last year. To sign up to the Get in Gear course, visit Suffolk Roadsafe website 

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Page updated on October 3rd, 2023 at 02:37pm