Children as young as six were given the chance to get behind the wheel as part of the GasWorks’ initiative on Saturday.

The program focuses on teaching children to handle a vehicle in all sorts of conditions, on all sorts of terrains.

GasWorks has previously held demonstrations on the Illabo grounds, but weeks ago received the national approval required to begin the driver experience training course.

“The idea is, by the time they’re getting their licenses and getting on the roads, they’ll be equipped to deal with wet weather, slippery roads, dirt or unsealed roads, or really anything country driving can throw at you,” said event organiser Kerry Phelan.

Hundreds of people turned out for Saturday’s event, many having traveled from neighbouring Wagga, Cootamundra and Young.

Mr Phelan said he hoped the community would get behind the program, but did not expect the volume of interest for the first event.

“It was a very good day, we had a lot of families sign up for the program, and it really exceeded the rough idea we’d formed before the day,” Mr Phelan said.

“It really was a very good turn out, which is very exciting to see. It says the community is really serious about keeping young drivers safe on our roads.”

With the first event now successfully over, preparations are in the works for the next on August 18.