Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Andrew Rich from the Salvation Army, who have been engaged to deliver the Learner Driver Mentor Program.
The ACT Government has partnered with the Salvation Army to help disadvantaged learner drivers meet requirements to get their licence.
The ACT Government-funded initiative will be delivered as part of the Salvation Army’s “Drive for Life” program.
The Drive for Life program supports disadvantaged learner drivers to complete the requirements for eligibility to obtain an ACT provisional driver licence.
The program facilitates access to lessons with a qualified driving instructor and the option to complete learner driver programs such as the Vulnerable Road User Program and the Safer Driver Course.
The program also matches participants with volunteer driving mentors who provide them with more supervised driving experience before they get their licence. This can help them participate in education, employment and other aspects of community life.
Participants who meet the criteria for assistance are referred to the program through various agencies affiliated with the Salvation Army.
Local car dealership Gulson’s Cars Canberra has assisted by donating a Hyundai hatchback for participant use.
“Participants in the program will be matched with Salvation Army volunteer driving mentors and enhance their safe driving skills, working towards the 100 hours of supervised driving experience,” Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Services Manager Andrew Rich said.
“We anticipate that we will work with between 30 to 40 young people over the next 12 months, regardless of where they are at in their journey to obtain their licence.”
“Thanks Graham Gulson and Len Goodwin, a long-time supporter, for their shared donation of this vehicle. The donation of this car will enable young people to have a safe, maintained and insured vehicle in which to practise their driving skills,” Andrew said.
Graham Gulson from Gulson’s Cars Canberra and Andrew Rich from the Salvation Army.
Volunteer driver mentors needed
The program relies on volunteers to be driving mentors and Andrew urges Canberrans to consider becoming part of the program.
If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, applications can be made on the Drive For Life website. If successful, the Salvation Army will be in contact to start the process of becoming a mentor.
More information about the program and becoming a volunteer driver mentor can be found on the Salvation Army’s website: Salvationarmy.org.au
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