Department of Transport Driver and Vehicle Services Manager Steve Mitchinson with Driving Mentors Nicole Carey and Inti Mason and Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett.
Camera IconDepartment of Transport Driver and Vehicle Services Manager Steve Mitchinson with Driving Mentors Nicole Carey and Inti Mason and Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Regional Youth Driver Education trial launched in Cockburn to help learners log 50 hours of driving

Bronwyn DonovanCockburn Gazette

LEARNER drivers finding it hard to log the 50 hours of supervised driving needed to qualify for their WA driver’s licence have a new option to consider.

The City of Cockburn’s Youth Services launched Perth’s second Regional Youth Driver Education (RYDE) program for a 12-month trial.

In November 2012 the State Government increased the number of supervised driving hours needed by learner drivers to qualify for their licence from 25 to 50.

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The RYDE program will enable eligible learner drivers to book a 90-minute session with a trained mentor in an automatic vehicle for $15.

Volunteer driving mentor Inti Mason said he joined the program to help young people who are struggling and might not have a lot of opportunities to get their licence because of not having a vehicle or not having a qualified driver to help them learn.

“For me learning how to drive was something that I’ll never forget and when I got my licence it was one of the first steps towards independence,” he said.

“My first car was an old purple Hyundai Excel which got handed down to me from my mum.

“It wasn’t the most stylish car on the road but I cherished it dearly and still remember learning how to drive in it.”

The City is Cockburn is seeking more volunteer mentors and drivers.

For more information, call 9411 3888 or visit ryde.org.au.

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