To get a provisional license in NSW, learners require at least 120 hours of driving experience, which can be a real barrier for people who do not have family members with a licence or car.

Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Ydrive program pairs volunteer mentors with young learner drivers who don’t have access to a car or a supervising driver to accumulate the required 120 hours of driving.

Thirty new learners are completing orientation for the program and, following professional driving lessons, will be ready to hit the road.

However the council’s Ydrive Coordinator Angie McMillan said the program was in desperate need of more mentors.

“All our original 10 mentors from the pilot found Ydrive so rewarding they’ll all be continuing on – however with the program’s expansion we really need more mentors to come on board,” she said.

“Being a mentor requires one to two hours of your time sitting in the car with a young learner who, due to circumstances out of their control, wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity.

“We supply the car and training – all you need is a bit of time, patience, and a willingness to share your driving knowledge.

“In return you get the opportunity to drive real positive change in the lives of young people.

“Our graduates have a newfound independence – they’re able to maintain study and employment, which was impossible before, while others can provide transport for their families who were previously quite isolated.”

In April this year, Summa-Lee McFarlane Potts was the first learner to achieve her P1 provisional license through the Ydrive program.

She said she could not have achieved her license without her volunteer mentor Annette Greer, who supported and encouraged her throughout the journey.

“I am truly thankful for all Annette’s help. Having my licence will change my life so much,” Summa-Lee said.

Ydrive is funded thanks to the NSW Government.

For more information or to sign up visit the council’s website www.esc.nsw.gov.au and search for “Ydrive”. Alternatively, contact Ydrive Coordinator Angie McMillan on 0417 359 705, 4474 7456 or email angela.mcmillan@esc.nsw.gov.au