Thursday, 13 April 2017
FREE DRIVING LESSONS AVAILABLE FOR DISADVANTAGED YOUNGSTERS
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today welcomed a decision of NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to provide 1,000 free places each year for youth from Aboriginal communities and disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in the Safer Drivers Course.
The Safer Drivers Course is a combined theoretical and practical course for learner drivers under 25 years of age who have completed 50 log book hours. Mr Marshall said he expected many local young drivers in the region to benefit from the program and take up places in the free courses.
“These courses usually cost $140 and this is a lot of money for many young drivers, yet a drivers licence is essential to travelling and working in country areas,” Mr Marshall said.
“These free places will ensure the region’s learner drivers can affordably stay safe when progressing to their P-plates, with lessons on reducing road risks, coping with distractions and potential dangers and how to develop safe driving behaviour.”
Mr Marshall said the course was a valuable tool which improved the understanding of speed management, safe following distances and hazard awareness which parents or supervisors may not have covered.
“As well as becoming a safer driver, applicants can earn a bonus 20 hours of log book credit once you complete the course which means you’ll only need to finish 100 hours of supervised driving outside the course,” Mr Marshall said.
“So far more than 100 disadvantaged people have accessed the free Safer Drivers Course this year.” Mr Marshall said.
To be eligible for a free place, drivers must be under 25, hold a valid learners licence, have completed at least 50 log book hours and hold a current Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card.
Signup details and providers can be found on the RMS website.
For more information visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au or www.roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/drivers/youngdrivers/youngerdriverscourse.html