City of Joondalup seeking car donation for Regional Youth Driver Education program

THE City of Joondalup is seeking the donation of a newer-model automatic vehicle to help young drivers gain practical experience behind the wheel.

The City will co-ordinate the Regional Youth Driver Education (RYDE) program in the second half of 2019, which involves volunteer mentors taking young drivers out on the road for supervised driving experience.

Last year, Cr John Logan requested City officers investigate options to provide a pathway for financially and socially disadvantaged learner drivers to be mentored by experienced, mature-aged volunteers.

He said research had indicated 52 per cent of young people had difficulty getting their licence and completing the required 50 hours of supervised driving, for reasons including not having easy access to a vehicle or mentor or not being able to afford lessons.

“The average cost for a 45-minute lesson is $60, which adds up if all 50 hours need to be supervised through paid instruction,” he said.

He also said helping young people to get their licence could in turn help them with employment, education and training opportunities.

Earlier this year, the report was presented to Joondalup councillors, who unanimously supported the implementation of the RYDE program in the 2019-20 financial year, subject to a vehicle being donated.

Young people aged 16-25 who have completed enough driving lessons to be competent behind the wheel can apply to take part in the program, which is likely to involve a small fee of about $15 for 90 minutes to cover running costs.

The City is likely to use the Joondalup Volunteer Resource Centre and partner youth agencies to recruit mentors and learner drivers.

Donors with a suitable vehicle can call 9400 4000.

The City will fit out the vehicle with extra driver pedals for the instructor.

The RYDE program already operates in the Town of Bassendean and City of Cockburn.