Transport for NSW is launching an Australian-first initiative to train Aboriginal driving instructors, expanding access to culturally safe licensing support after helping almost 27,000 people overcome barriers to obtaining a driver licence through its Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP).
Established under the DLAP, the initiative will support Aboriginal people to become qualified driving instructors, enabling them to help people in their communities learn to drive and obtain their licence.
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the initiative would help ensure more Aboriginal people could access culturally safe support close to home.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to gain their licence, and this Australian-first initiative will help more Aboriginal people access culturally safe support from within their own communities.
“By training Aboriginal driving instructors, we’re investing in local leaders, employment and helping break down barriers that prevent people from getting their licence.”
The first intake 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 learning to drive more accessible and supportive for people working towards their licence. By investing in Aboriginal leadership, the initiative also creates qualifications that provide pathways to long-term employment.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the program would create employment opportunities while strengthening communities.
“This empowering initiative will provide meaningful jobs and give Aboriginal people opportunities to deliver driver education for their communities, enabling more people to be independently mobile.
“This is another community-driven solution from the Minns Labor Government that will leave a lasting impact of educational and cultural strength and economic and social independence, supporting our efforts to close the gap for Aboriginal people.”
For more than a decade, the Driver Licensing Access Program has helped remove barriers to licensing by supporting people to 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 obtained their driver licence through more than 258,000 hours of free supervised driving lessons delivered by 19 community-based providers.
Minister Aitchison said the initiative built on the Driver Licensing Access Program’s long-standing success.
“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.”
Transport for NSW Director of Aboriginal Outcomes Jaymee Beveridge said Aboriginal instructors would play a broader role than teaching people to drive.
“By supporting Aboriginal people to become qualified driving instructors, we’re creating meaningful employment opportunities while ensuring communities have trusted local people delivering culturally informed driver education.
“These instructors won’t just be teaching people how to drive. They’ll become mentors, role models and leaders who are creating opportunities for others while building stronger communities for the future.”
More information about the Driver Licensing Access Program is available at:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/driver-licences/driver-licensing-access-program.
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