Young residents at Banbury Foyer could be given help with learning to drive, thanks to a link with the Prince's Trust and the British School of Motoring.

Under the scheme, Foyer residents are being offered driving theory tuition, and those with a 100 per cent attendance record for the ten-week course will be able to sit the theory part of the driving test free of charge.

Those who pass will be eligible to apply for support from the Prince's Trust to pay for driving lessons provided by BSM. A similar project is happening at Worcester Foyer.

Paul Harding, Worcester's programme development manager, said: "Many youngsters have a lack of self-confidence and something like this gives them a real boost. It offers them something they might have thought impossible.

"It's a fact that young people with a driving licence are more employable than those without."

Banbury Foyer was launched in 1999 by Banbury Homes Housing Association to tackle homelessness among 16 to 25-year-olds and to provide residents with education, training, and employment opportunities.

Mr Harding said: "This course also helps youngsters consider some of the wider implications of becoming a road user. We observe traffic behaviour at busy junctions like Banbury Cross and you'd be amazed at the amount of bad driving."

The course also uses computer software to increase awareness of speed, driver behaviour, and the need to look out for vulnerable road users such as children and horse riders.

David Gould, special projects manager at Banbury Homes, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this scheme which we hope will result in residents becoming safe and conscientious drivers."