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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

The Extraordinary Legacy of a Trailblazing Female Driving Instructor

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Margaret Greenslade, who died in February, is being remembered for her pioneering work as one of Australia's earliest female driving instructors.
  • She began her career in July 1963 and may have been the first licensed female driving instructor in South Australia, teaching an estimated 43 others.
  • Beyond teaching driving, Greenslade assisted migrant families with integration, helping them navigate government offices and fill out documents, embodying a spirit of community service.

Margaret Greenslade, who passed away in February, is being celebrated for her extraordinary legacy as a trailblazing female driving instructor in Australia. Her son, John Greenslade, reflects on her pioneering spirit and significant contributions, noting she began her career in July 1963.

I would speculate she'd certainly be one of the first women to be a licensed driving instructor, maybe the first.

— John GreensladeJohn Greenslade's belief about his mother's pioneering status as a driving instructor.

While early records are scarce, John Greenslade believes his mother may hold a significant place in Australia's automotive history, potentially being one of the first, if not the first, licensed female driving instructors in South Australia. She obtained her license as the 43rd instructor, indicating a small number of teachers at the time. People in her hometown of Renmark often recall her teaching them to drive years later, a testament to her enduring impact.

She was the living epitome of that saying, 'If you want to get a task done, give it to a busy person.' She was a trailblazer in many respects.

— John GreensladeJohn Greenslade describing his mother's character and pioneering nature.

Greenslade's work extended far beyond teaching driving skills. In the late 1960s and 1970s, she actively supported migrant families settling in the Riverland area. She not only taught them how to drive but also accompanied them to government offices and health authorities, assisting with paperwork and helping them integrate into the community. This selfless dedication highlighted her commitment to being a good citizen.

I got my driving instructor's licence, and I was number 43, so there were only 42 other drivers teaching in various places in South Australia.

— Margaret GreensladeMargaret Greenslade reflecting on her position among driving instructors when she started.

Heather Saunders, CEO of Women Can Australia, an organization supporting women re-entering the workforce through driver's licenses, emphasized the rarity and importance of Greenslade's efforts. Saunders noted that difficulty obtaining a driver's license remains a barrier for employment, particularly for migrant women. She highlighted that women, especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, still seek learning environments with female instructors, underscoring the ongoing need for more women in the profession.

If I go back to Renmark, I find people will say, 'Hello, Mrs Greenslade. Do you remember you taught me to drive in such and such a year?' I found it a very satisfying time, being able to help people by way of being a good citizen.

— Margaret GreensladeMargaret Greenslade recalling the satisfaction of teaching people to drive and contributing to the community.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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