LEARNER DRIVER VEHICLE
Statistics show that drivers aged 17 to 24 have the highest risk of being involved in crashes resulting in death or injury so the more time a learner spends behind the wheel, the more they are exposed to different driving scenarios, road conditions, and traffic situations and the accumulation of hours helps new drivers become more comfortable and competent on the road.
QLD Blue Light Association introduced a Learner Driver program with the assistance of mentors from QLD Police to assist young people in completing their logbook hours so they can obtain their provisional driver’s licence. By providing access to vehicles and trained mentors, the program not only assists in overcoming the logistical challenges of obtaining a licence but also ensures that new drivers gain valuable supervised driving experience.
Moreover, the program's broader impact should not be underestimated. Having a driver's license is often essential for employment opportunities, and removing the barriers to obtaining a license can contribute to the economic and social well-being of young individuals. The Learner Driver program is a commendable effort to promote road safety, empower young drivers, and contribute to the overall development of smaller communities.
The logistics of achieving this has been problematic for many young people, and not just those that are disadvantaged. Some families have no vehicle or a work car that insurance doesn’t allow for learner drivers. Imagine being a family with teenage triplets – that’s 300 hours of driving to complete! Having a driver’s licence isn’t just a matter of convenience; it is often a requirement of employment. Young people face enough obstacles when trying to gain meaningful employment, and logging the necessary hours to gain their licence shouldn’t be one of them.
Learner drivers identified by the program will have the use of these vehicles under the supervision of trained volunteer mentors. Anyone who has sat in the passenger seat while a teenager learns to drive will appreciate their commitment!
The program is currently being run in Cunnamulla and Charleville and anticipate it being introduced into other smaller communities.
Statistics show that drivers aged 17 to 24 have the highest risk of being involved in crashes resulting in death or injury so the more time a learner spends behind the wheel, the more they are exposed to different driving scenarios, road conditions, and traffic situations and the accumulation of hours helps new drivers become more comfortable and competent on the road.
QLD Blue Light Association introduced a Learner Driver program with the assistance of mentors from QLD Police to assist young people in completing their logbook hours so they can obtain their provisional driver’s licence. By providing access to vehicles and trained mentors, the program not only assists in overcoming the logistical challenges of obtaining a licence but also ensures that new drivers gain valuable supervised driving experience.
Moreover, the program’s broader impact should not be underestimated. Having a driver’s license is often essential for employment opportunities, and removing the barriers to obtaining a license can contribute to the economic and social well-being of young individuals. The Learner Driver program is a commendable effort to promote road safety, empower young drivers, and contribute to the overall development of smaller communities.
The logistics of achieving this has been problematic for many young people, and not just those that are disadvantaged. Some families have no vehicle or a work car that insurance doesn’t allow for learner drivers. Imagine being a family with teenage triplets – that’s 300 hours of driving to complete! Having a driver’s licence isn’t just a matter of convenience; it is often a requirement of employment. Young people face enough obstacles when trying to gain meaningful employment, and logging the necessary hours to gain their licence shouldn’t be one of them.
Learner drivers identified by the program will have the use of these vehicles under the supervision of trained volunteer mentors. Anyone who has sat in the passenger seat while a teenager learns to drive will appreciate their commitment!
The program is currently being run in Cunnamulla and Charleville and anticipate it being introduced into other smaller communities.
