Geared2Drive (G2D) is a pilot program developed to support young people aged 16 to 25 years in gaining their provisional driver’s licence.
The program’s main aim was to reduce accidents involving young drivers, and to reduce the barriers to obtaining a provisional license so that young people can increase their independence by accessing employment, education, and recreational and sporting activities.
The District Council of Grant attracted funding support of $40,380 from the Community Benefit SA program to implement and operate a 12-month pilot program. The program received widespread community support. The Council recognises major supporter Barry Maney Group, who offered a heavily discounted new Hyundai i20 vehicle and service maintenance for 3 years, and Scott Group of Companies for the supply of discounted fuel.
The pilot program is nearing its completion and has attracted over 30 young people and 22 volunteer mentors.
Learner drivers are required to undertake 75 hours of supervised driving with a licenced adult before they can qualify to apply for a provisional licence. But not all young people have the funds to apply for their learners permit and access professional driving lessons, or a responsible adult or reliable vehicle with whom they can fulfil their supervised driving obligation.
The G2D Volunteers are trained to support and mentor young participants to achieve their required hours of driving experience. Participants preferably have a minimum of three professional driving lessons, unless they have completed at least 20 hours of driving experience, with the minimum standard of one professional driving lesson to have a competency report signed off by the driving instructor.
Barriers to participation in the program identified during the year included a lack of financial support for young people to apply for their Learners Permit, pay for professional driving lessons and tests to achieve their Provisional Licence.
For disadvantaged youth, the costs associated with testing, lessons and fees can be daunting and be a real barrier towards gaining independence.
Staff at the District Council of Grant and the City of Mount Gambier have conducted fund raising activities and raised around $800 to support a LINK program to support youth with these additional costs. Other LINK Program partners include SA Motor Accident Commission $4,800 and Stand Like Stone Foundation $1000.
