It is still fairly difficult to pass a driving test.
It is still fairly difficult to pass a driving test.
It has never been so hard to pass a restricted driver's licence.
That is why this week there has been a special celebration to acknowledge the 13 People Potential students and their volunteer mentors who have together achieved a pass.
In the few months since the community driver mentor programmecommenced in Whangarei not only have these young drivers gained their restricted licence, but a further nine will sit the test next week and 20 more are expected to be ready by the end of the month.
This highly successful community initiative has been made possible by the generosity of Kelly and Tracey Illerbrun of IC Motors who have provided the brand new Hyundai car which mentors and learners use daily to undertake their supervised practice (up to 120 hours is recommended) and also by Caltex, who supply the fuel.
The team of 20 dedicated volunteer mentors are indeed special people who so generously give their time, skills and expertise to the young drivers they help and the students themselves who work hard to maximise their opportunity.
Completing the process are AA Driving School, which trains the mentors and provides lessons and assessments for the learners and the professional team at People Potential led by Andrea Ross and Carly Lammers. Guided by the Transport Agency, they manage the whole process of running training sessions, matching learners with their mentors, arranging timetables and facilitating the journey from start to licence.
One of only five programmes nationally, Northland is indeed fortunate to have won this opportunity and to have an organisation so committed to the advancement of young drivers and the safety of the whole community.
