Training puts more women in the driver’s seat to teach safe driving habits

Training provided through the Department of Transport’s Driving Access and Equity Program (DAEP) has helped more women from the Kimberley and Pilbara obtain their driving instructor’s licence.

To date, seven people have completed the requirements to become licensed, professional driving instructors after attending a recent driving instructor training course held in Broome. Six of those are women, which supports a key pillar of the program to increase cultural and gender diversity amongst driving instructors.

All participants were from organisations funded through DAEP who help disadvantaged people obtain their driver’s licence by supporting them through the licensing process, including providing driving instruction and supervision in a suitable, safe vehicle.

Staff from Broome-based organisations Kullarri Regional Communities Indigenous Corporation (KRCIC) and Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) attended the training, along with staff from Wunan Foundation and Kimberley Group Training (KGT) based in Kununurra, and Ngarliyarndu Bindirri Aboriginal Corporation (NBAC) based in Roebourne.

DAEP Director Katherine Drakeford said the training would boost the number of licensed driving instructors in areas where there were limited or no professionals available. It was also a great opportunity for the women involved.

“Through this training we’re providing upskilling opportunities and employment pathways for local women in an in-demand field,” she said.

“The organisations we work with made a conscious effort to recruit more females into these roles as without women instructors, some people for cultural or other reasons, don’t feel comfortable being taught what are important lifelong techniques and habits for safe driving.

“For people in regional and remote areas, having a driver’s licence is a necessity for independent living and is often a launch-pad to secure a job. This training is another way we’re helping people achieve those things,” said Ms Drakeford.

Noelyn, from Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) was one of the people who obtained her driving instructor’s licence through the training and said it had increased her passion for helping people.

“I want to spread the word to everyone that if this opportunity comes knocking at your door, take it. It’s so good to be able to help people,” she said.

Catterina from NAC also obtained her driving instructor’s licence and said DAEP was important to her community.

“This program is great. It’s important for our mob and the young ones. We’ve got to help the next generation,” she said.

DAEP has delivered driving instructor training sessions resulting in 44 driving instructor licences being issued since the program began in February 2022, with 20 of the licences issued to women.

For more information on the Driving Access and Equity Program, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/accessequityprogram

Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au