Driver mentors needed to put youth on road to success

The Salvos are seeking volunteers for a new program that helps young people get their driver’s licence, which then opens a world of possibilities.

More than just a right of passage, getting a driver's licence provides many opportunities for young people; not only greater mobility and freedom, but it’s also incredibly important — if not essential — to getting a job.

Unfortunately, for some the barriers to getting a licence are much more than just passing a test. There is the financial cost and having access to a vehicle, plus needing a licensed driver willing to help you achieve the 120 logbook hours required before you even attempt your provisional licence.

This is where the Salvation Army’s Drive for Life program comes in, says Youth Driver Mentor, Gavin Smith.

Founded in 2008 and now running in more than a dozen locations, Drive for Life helps young people, aged 16–25, overcome those financial and practical impediments stopping them from getting behind the wheel.

“We help them in a very practical way, whether it's to overcome financial barriers and being able to access driving lessons — we facilitate that,” says Gavin, who is working to establish the program here in Orange.

“We’ll help young people prepare for their learner driver’s licence test, particularly when young people have literacy and numeracy challenges… or complex issues in their life like mental health, or simply finances and that lack of family support.”

The local program does not receive any government support and is funded wholly by the Salvation Army, thanks to a generous individual donation during the Salvo's major Red Shield Appeal fundraiser.

According to Gavin, finding young people who would benefit is the easy part but, for the program to be a success, he really needs volunteers to help mentor the young drivers and help them get them experience behind the wheel.

“We help with professional lessons then we connect the young people with volunteer mentors who then help them along with their log book hours and follow-up what they've learnt at the driving schools,” says Gavin.

“They need 120 hours. So that in itself is a huge barrier, particularly if you don't have a car at home or a supervising driver.”

Drive for Life has a vehicle volunteers can use, but Gavin needs people who are willing to commit to regular weekly or fortnightly hours.

“Volunteers would need to be able to commit to up to six months and, preferably, a year and be available for an hour or two a week or fortnight,” he says.

“We try to match as best we can the young person and the supervisor and foster that relationship… The role is first about supporting and modelling safe driving and helping young people practise the skills they've learnt from their professional driving instructor, but also modelling respectful communication, patience, and demonstrating empathy, consistency, and reliability.”
Training is provided and COVID-safe practices will be in place, says Gavin, who is happy to chat with anybody about just what is involved in becoming a volunteer.

“I just want to get it out there that there is this awesome opportunity for young people, but really the community needs to get involved with it,” says Gavin.

“To help young people overcome the barriers to getting their licence is such a huge thing.

“It has a profound practical and tangible benefit and opens-up employment opportunities and opportunities to engage and access the community… so in order for this program to help as many young people as possible, we really need volunteer drivers.”

To find out more about the Drive for Life program visit: www.salvationarmy.org.au/driveforlife or contact Gavin on 0419 846 333 or email gavin.smith@salvationarmy.org.au