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.
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.
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
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
“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.
“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.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“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.”
Transport for NSW Director of Aboriginal Outcomes Jaymee Beveridge said:
“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.”
