New initiative puts Aboriginal communities in the driver’s seat
After helping nearly 27,000 people overcome barriers to obtain their driver licence, Transport for NSW is launching a new initiative to train Aboriginal driving instructors, boosting access to culturally safe licensing support in communities across the State.
Established as part of Transport for NSW’s successful Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP), this Australian-first initiative supports Aboriginal people to become qualified instructors, enabling them to help people in their communities learn to drive and gain their licence.
Local knowledge and cultural understanding
The first cohort includes 20 Aboriginal participants from the Far West, Western, Northern and Southern regions of NSW. Once training is complete, the initiative will expand to more communities across the State.
Aboriginal driving instructors bring local knowledge, cultural understanding and trusted relationships that can make the learning experience more accessible and supportive for people working towards their licence.
By investing in Aboriginal leadership, the initiative will strengthen access to culturally safe driver licensing support, while creating qualifications that provide pathways to long-term employment.
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said this Australian-first initiative will help more Aboriginal people access culturally safe support from within their own communities.
Reinvestment of revenue from road fines
“By training Aboriginal driving instructors, we’re investing in local leaders, employment and helping break down barriers that prevent people from getting their licence,” she said.
“For more than a decade, the Driver Licensing Access Program has helped thousands of people build the skills and confidence they need to drive safely. This initiative builds on that success by putting communities at the centre of licensing support.”
For more than a decade, the Driver Licensing Access Program has helped remove barriers to licensing by supporting people build the skills, confidence and driving experience needed to obtain a driver licence.
Funded through the NSW Community Road Safety Fund, the program reinvests revenue from road fines into road safety initiatives that help keep communities safe.
Since the program began, almost 27,000 people have been able to achieve their driver licence through more than 258,000 hours of free supervised driving lessons across 19 community-based providers.
For information about the Driver Licensing Access Program, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/driver-licences/driver-licensing-access-program
