Pcyc Helping Young People Get Their P’s

Disadvantaged learner drivers are being given the opportunity to complete their mandatory logbook hours with the support of a volunteer driver mentor program.

PCYC Zillmere and PCYC Sandgate are providers of the Braking the Cycle (BTC) program, where young people without access to a supervisor or registered vehicle can prepare for their provisional licence by driving with trained mentors.

BTC coordinator for PCYC Zillmere and PCYC Sandgate, Mandy Cotterill, said many young people could not afford driving lessons with an instructor, which could cost thousands of dollars.

“They are also unable to regularly access a vehicle or supervisor to help get the 100 hours needed before they can go for their open licence,” Mandy said. “Therefore obtaining a driving licence for many young people was something that was impossible.

“This program enables young people to develop a core life and employment skill that supports further opportunities in the workplace, training and education environments. Young people are empowered to break the cycle of disadvantage, unemployment, and anti-social behaviour thereby reducing crime and traffic incidents.”

BTC was developed in 2012 by PCYC Ipswich and PCYC Logan in response to a study that identified 180,000 young people were unable to reach the 100 hours of certified supervised driving experience required to apply for their provisional licence.

The program gives participants the chance to drive vehicles provided by the PCYC and pairs them with mentors who offer encouragement and promote road safety.

“The program coordinator will match a mentor with a young person depending on level of skill and experience and consider if there are any mentor/participant preferences,” Mandy said.

The program has proven a great success with 48 participants engaged at PCYC Zillmere in the last 12 months, and 22 graduating. 

“We have helped many young people find employment in trade positions that require a licence as well as increasing the employment opportunities for many others,” Mandy said.

“We have graduates with young families who are now able to drive their children to day care, school, and doctors and hospital appointments. We have a partnership with Domino’s Pizza who have helped BTC financially and provided an employment path for our participants and graduates.”

To participate in Braking the Cycle or to become a mentor contact your local PCYC or visit pcyc.org.au/youth-and-community/personal-and-leadership-development/braking-the-cycle