Selwyn Times: April 28, 2021

MOTORCARE PROFESSIONALS
Wednesday April 28 2021 Selwyn Times 27
New community driver
mentor program launching
Selwyn District Council, in partnership
with Proactive Drive, is launching a new
community driver mentor program aimed
at supporting disadvantaged learner
drivers. Road Safety Co-ordinator Jessica
Fairbrass said, “More volunteers becoming
mentors means we can support more
drivers across the district. And it’s crucial
support.”
Why we need the program
Disadvantaged learner drivers usually
don’t get the support they need to become
good, safe drivers. They then don’t
progress through the licencing system,
with statistics showing many have been
on their learner licence for five or more
years. However, when learner drivers are
successful and they become licenced, they
typically gain confidence, become more
independent, and it can aid employment
opportunities.
There’s plenty of learner drivers ready
and waiting to be matched with a mentor
who will guide them from start to finish—
there’s even a graduation session. A
similar program run through the Salvation
Army in Christchurch has been highly
successful, with mentors thrilled at being
able to give back to their community. And
they get emotional at having contributed
to such a needed program and seeing
young people successful.
With plenty of positive feedback so far,
training events have been organised to get
the program up and running. Interested
people should contact the council directly.
Want to be a mentor? Here’s
what you need to know.
Mentors don’t need to be driving
instructors, but they are supported by
qualified instructors at all times. The
program aligns with similar national
programs and requires you to be a good
driver (though you’re not assessed and
will always be in the passenger seat), be
a good coach, encouraging, help people
stay focused, patient, and passionate about
helping.
Often, these learner drivers won’t have
parents or caregivers in the position to
help, don’t have a suitable vehicle, or
may be simply to nervous or anxious to
drive. If you’re interested in becoming
a Community Driving Mentor, contact
Selwyn District Council through
roadsafety@selwyn.govt.nz.
Advice for new learner drivers
Selwyn District Council recommends
learner drivers download the Drive Go
app. It’s the only app based on the correct
information for New Zealand drivers. It’s
free, you can save your progress and it
covers all areas. Other apps can misinform
you and lead to failing your test. So when
you’re 16 and get your learner permit,
download Drive Go and you’ll be starting
on the right foot.
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