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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Participants say driver mentor program is life changing, but the waitlist is long

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Hobart PCYC's Learner Driver Mentor Program pairs learner drivers without supervisors with volunteer mentors for free.
  • The program has a long waitlist of over 100 young people, with some waiting more than a year for a mentor.
  • Participants describe the program as life-changing, removing barriers to employment and providing independence.

For many young people in Hobart, obtaining a driver's license is a significant hurdle, often blocking access to employment and independence. The Hobart PCYC's Learner Driver Mentor Program aims to bridge this gap by connecting learner drivers who lack a supervisor or vehicle with trained volunteer mentors.

It's been a very big barrier in my adult life. So it's going to be really rewarding to finally be able to drive on my own.

— Taylor AllieDescribing the impact of not having a driver's license and the program's assistance.

Retiree David Laskey, a volunteer mentor, has helped four learner drivers so far. He expressed surprise at the lengthy wait times, noting that some individuals have waited over a year, with one even approaching two years. "I think that's a real problem," Laskey said.

Taylor Allie, a 27-year-old learner driver, waited a year for a mentor. She described the lack of a license as a "very big barrier in my adult life" and expressed her eagerness to finally drive independently. Allie, who hopes to work in community services, highlighted that many jobs require a driver's license, making it a crucial step towards employment and freedom.

I was quite shocked when my first learner driver told me that she'd been waiting for over a year. In fact, my most recent learner driver has been waiting almost two years. So I think that's a real problem.

— David LaskeyHighlighting the significant wait times for the learner driver program.

Another participant, Hannah Robinson, also 27, moved to Hobart and found it difficult to get around without a license. Relying on friends proved challenging due to their limited time and the cost of fuel and vehicle use. Robinson emphasized the importance of a license "to be able to live my life" and found professional lessons too expensive.

When I came here, I realised that having a licence was really important to be able to live my life.

— Hannah RobinsonExplaining the necessity of a driver's license for mobility and daily life in Hobart.

Despite its life-changing impact, the program faces a critical shortage of volunteer mentors. Currently supporting 24 learners, the program has a waitlist exceeding 100 young people, underscoring the urgent need for more volunteers to meet the high demand.

It's a step forward to finally being able to have a job.

— Taylor AllieOn how obtaining a driver's license will improve her employment prospects.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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