Thirteen years after four Lismore teenagers were killed in a car accident, a driver training centre established in their memory - and intended to prevent more such tragedies - has been officially opened.

Stage One of the $1 million Southern Cross Lads Driver Education Centre at Gundurimba, just south of Lismore, features a 500m track where drivers will be able to practise in a real-world environment.

The facility is set to offer learner driving courses as well as advanced training and refresher courses with 5,000 people expected to make use of it each year.

A ceremony on site this morning was attended by family members of the four teenagers - Corey New, Paul Morris, Bryce Wells and Mitchell Eveleigh - along with donor representatives and dignitaries including Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith and Page Federal MP Kevin Hogan. Paul's brother Tyler spoke a welcome to country to begin the proceedings.

Bryce Wells’ father, Rob Wells, told those gathered that in the wake of the accident he took on two missions.

One was to have laws introduced to restrict the number of passengers young people could have in their cars - which were enacted in 2007 and have since saved hundreds of lives.

The other mission was to work with a new organisation Southern Cross LADS to establish the Driver Education Centre.

“Finally we've got this facility on the ground,” Mr Wells said.

“It's almost ready for people to use and what we've got to remember is that the community owns this facility.

“Anything that goes into it stays here in this region and it's for the region of the Northern Rivers to use. It's been built by the community for the community.”

The track features ‘wet’ conditions, roundabouts for vision and steering training, corners of various radii, a straight sufficient for vehicles to accelerate to 80km/h, sand traps and a spectator viewing area.

Southern Cross LADS chairman Paul Rippon thanked the community and all those who had donated - including a generous benefactor who put in $400,000, Newcastle Permanent who put in $110,000 and the Federal Government who provided $250,000 - for their support.

Mr Rippon said training courses would begin in a few weeks after Lismore City Council signs off on an occupation certificate.

Stage two of the development will include construction of a training room and an amenities block, he said.

Down the track, the organisation is keen to add facilities for 4WD and all-terrain driving on some of the remainder of the 50ha site.

“Many people have worked hard for this occasion, and it is very exciting we are finally here,” he said.

“The community has been incredibly supportive of Southern Cross LADS and has helped keep the dream alive. We are excited this very important day has arrived.”

Mr Hogan said any life lost on our roads was “far too many”.

“This facility will help reduce the tragic loss of life by fostering better hazard-perception skills and providing a safe environment for young drivers to learn the skills of low-risk driving,” he said.

“The facility is good news for learner drivers and people who want to update their driving skills, as well as older drivers and people with disabilities.

“Around 5,000 people will use the facility each year and take their skills home where they will contribute to safer roads in their communities.”

For more information about the Driver Training Facility and driver training courses see the Southern Cross LADS website and Facebook page.