Disadvantaged learner drivers get a leg up with Driving Access and Equity Program in the Great Southern

A “life-changing” program that helps people who face “geographic, social and financial barriers” to get their driver’s licence is coming to the Great Southern after a multi-million-dollar cash injection from the State Government. The Government has committed $15.7 million to continue the Driving Access and Equity Program, expand it to the Great Southern and South West and run a two-year pilot in the metro area with the McGovern Foundation. The expansion came after local service providers sent multiple requests to the Department of Transport to bring the program to their region after its success in other parts of the State. The money will pay for qualified instructors, driving supervisors, training, safe vehicles, and client support from licensing administration to supervised training and driving tests. Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the “life-changing” program helps people in regional communities who don’t have the “luxury” of access to a safe vehicle or a family member or friend who can supervise their driving. “We know access to a driver’s licence is fundamental to so many employment and training opportunities, but it’s not a simple process for everyone,” she said. ”The reality is that while many of us have access to a safe vehicle and a family member or friend that can help with our driver training and education, there are a lot of people that don’t have that luxury. “The Driving Access and Equity Program is changing the equation and transforming the lives of thousands of Western Australians by helping them access a driver’s licence for the first time.” The program, which has operated in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid West, Gascoyne and Goldfields-Esperance regions since 2022, has so far helped 626 people get their driver’s licence. A DoT spokesperson said more than 120 past participants secured employment as a direct result of the program. Member for Albany Rebecca Stephens said the program helps “level out the playing field” for regional communities. “Providing access to a practical program which improves equality of access for those who may be disadvantaged in gaining a driver’s licence will make a big difference to the lives of some people who simply don’t get the same opportunities as others in the community,” she said. Information on when the program will open to new clients and grant applications is available on the Department of Transport’s website.