Getting one’s driver’s license is a vital step toward adolescent independence, but some children find it more difficult to complete the required driving hours than others.
Whatever the reason may be, programs like Burdekin PCYC’s Braking the Cycle (BTC) assist those kids to complete their hours and gain that independence.
BTC is a volunteer driver mentor program supporting learner drivers without access to a supervisor or registered vehicle to complete their logbook hours by pairing them with a volunteer driving mentor.
“The target group we work with are 16-25 and people who are in situations where they need urgent support, they don’t have that parental support, the parents might not have a vehicle or a license, they’re the number one category,” said Burdekin PCYC Youth Club Manager Andrew Sherrington.
“It’s not only them getting their hours up and getting support, but the other component is also building on a relationship with their mentors.
“You can see where over time they’ve got to know these people and they become like part of the family to some degree, so building on those relationships are important.”
The BTC program fits into a network of programs at Burdekin PCYC, including Lessons for Learners and Get Set for Work.
BTC Program Coordinator Gavin Neal leads a team of five volunteers but is always looking for more mentors.
He said the program has had seven children go through to get their license on the first occasion since the program’s introduction to the region just over a year ago.
“We’re not a driving school but we’re certainly a notch or two above the average mum or dad,” he said.
“We don’t just want to see kids get their hours up and get their license, we want to see them do that and be safe drivers at the same time.”
The program is also open to learner drivers outside the age bracket who have difficulty achieving their driving hours.
For more information and to volunteer, visit contact Burdekin PCYC on 07 4783 1009 or email burdekin@pcyc.org.au.
L-R Burdekin PCYC Youth Club Manager Andrew Sherrington and BTC Program Coordinator Gavin Neal. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
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