Learning to drive is a daunting task for many, but when you’re learning to drive and understand the road rules in a new country, the process is much more difficult.

To prepare students from non-English speaking backgrounds to drive safely and confidently on New South Wales roads, TAFE NSW Loftus has partnered with Gymea Community Aid and Information Services to offer its 17th DriveTime Program from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 July.

Delivered to members of the local community and newly arrived refugees, the four day program prepares students to study for their L plates in English,  the hazard perception test and teaches them about Australian road culture.

TAFE NSW Loftus Head Teacher Literacy, Carol McKirdy said, “What most people don’t realise is that knowing how to drive not only gives people a sense of freedom, it also opens doors for them to pursue training and employment opportunities in Australia.

“As part of the DriveTime program, the students complete a Statement of Attainment in Learn the NSW Road Rules, which teaches them the English required to drive safely in Australia, focusing particularly on the NSW Road Rules and being a safe driver.

“Combining the theoretical side of driving with the practical, the program gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience as well as develop their English language skills.”

Across the four days, students will have the opportunity to practice driving on a car simulator and use goggles to simulate what it is like driving under hazardous conditions, such as the influence of alcohol.

They will also learn basic car maintenance, work with the Sutherland Shire Council Road Safety Officer and do a Safer Drivers workshop. At the completion of the course, successful students are referred to Gymea Community Aid and Information Service who offer them a car provided by Gymea Tradies Club to use for driving practice, subsidized driving lessons and driving lessons with volunteer mentors.

The next DriveTime program will take place at TAFE NSW Loftus from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 July.

To find out more information about completing the Statement of Attainment in Learn the NSW Road Rules visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call Gymea Community Aid and Information Services on 9524 9559.

Media contact: Emma Cawley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, emma.cawley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile: 0412 478 415.