Driving towards change

For many New Zealanders, getting a driver’s licence is a rite of passage in adolescence that signifies a step towards independence.

However, under the current Graduate Driver Licence Scheme, many people are unable to get the technical knowledge and experience needed to pass the Restricted Licence test due to the rising costs of driving lessons.

Jacob, a 43-year-old learner driver, was admittedly frustrated and dejected after attempting and failing his restricted licence test for the second time in 2022.

This experience is not an anomaly, as Testing Officers at VTNZ are almost failing as many drivers as they are passing.

The restricted driving test was redesigned in 2012 to make it longer and more technically challenging, to improve the safety of young and novice drivers as part of the government’s Safer Journeys road safety strategy.

prior to the test being redeveloped. Seemingly frustrated by the constraints of the licensing system, Jacob’s VTNZ Testing Officer offered an olive branch, and gave Jacob the suggestion to apply for the Community Driver Mentor Programme with The Salvation Army team in Christchurch.

Presently, more than 90 percent of those with the Salvation Army Driver Programmes will pass their test on the first attempt.

The Community Driver Mentor Programme is a life-changing initiative that empowers individuals facing obstacles to obtaining their driver’s licence to get the skills and experience needed to get their licence.

The programme pairs learner drivers, such as Jacob, with experienced and dedicated volunteer mentors, who, alongside the support of a qualified driving instructor, undertake free driving sessions in a Salvation Army car for up to 12 weeks.

The programme pairs learner drivers, such as Jacob, with experienced and dedicated volunteer mentors, who, alongside the support of a qualified driving instructor, undertake free driving sessions in a Salvation Army car for up to 12 weeks.

However, these changes have resulted in more people failing to pass their driver’s licence test. In 2020, only 58 percent of people who sat their Restricted Licence test would pass, as opposed to almost 80 percent

The Salvation Army strive to make a real difference in someone’s life whilst also enhancing road safety and promoting responsible driving in New Zealand.

By participating in this programme, learners not only obtain their driver’s licence, but also gain increased prospects for employment, education, and independence.

Thankfully for Jacob, he took the VTNZ testing officer’s advice, reached out to The Salvation Army, and was paired by the Driver Programmes Coordinator with long-time volunteer mentor Bob.

After completing the Community Driver Mentor Programme and passing his test with Bob’s support, Jacob admitted, “I didn’t think it would be that hard, I thought you’d just drive around and bingo. But it’s not, there’s a lot more to it.”

For many people, the cost of driving lessons is a major obstacle when it comes to obtaining their driver’s licence.

When asked about the challenges he faced, Jacob said, “I’m lucky because it’s $79 a lesson and I didn’t want to let Bob down cause this guy is here to help me”.

Jacob went on to say that having his restricted licence helps him “do what he has to do to keep his head above water” and makes it easier to support his family.

Christchurch Driver Programmes co-ordinator Andrew McWilliam said that the rapport and bond built between the two men in the car on their journey “was a thing of magic”.

Bob suggested “that many people don’t know what VTNZ is looking for” and paying for lessons is “out of reach for most people”.

There is no denying that Bob was the perfect person to help Jacob take that next step in his journey and has gone on to advise Jacob during the process of buying a new car.

Jacob was the 20th person Bob has helped get their licence, and suggested his success is built on his determination to “help people like Jacob” and ability to build a rapport that doesn’t interfere with being straightforward.

Volunteer with The Salvation Army Driver Programmes today and help disadvantaged people on their journey towards safer, more responsible driving.

No prior experience is necessary to mentor, the Salvation Army provide all the training and resources you need to get involved.

The Salvation Army strive to make a real difference in someone’s life whilst also enhancing road safety and promoting responsible driving in New Zealand.