A lack of a drivers licence is a significant barrier for young people who are looking to gain
employment, undertake further education or maintain connections to their community
through social activities, sport and recreation.
Since 2013, The District Council of Grant has long recognised the importance of helping
disadvantaged learner drivers gain essential driving experience and skills to obtain a provisional
licence. Through the Youth on Wheels program, mentor drivers are matched with driving
participants to undertake the required 75 driving hours to achieve a provisional licence.
The current team of volunteers have achieved almost 1,000 hours of on-road driver supervision
over the past two years, mentoring 27 participants and attaining 10 provisional licences. Youth on
Wheels is fully funded and managed by Council and supported by the Barry Maney Group as well
as a dedicated team of volunteers.
Council are now seeking more volunteer mentors to join the program and make real difference in
the lives of many young people. The minimum commitment is two hours per week and volunteers
must be over 25 years of age, have held a full South Australian drivers licence for a minimum of
two years, and are able meet other requirements of the program.
Mentors develop a trusting and supportive relationship with participants and help young people
become safe and confident drivers. Mentoring with Council provides volunteers with the
opportunity to meet new people and develop new skills.
Applications are now open and Council are looking to recruit new volunteers to commence in 2019.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with the Youth on Wheels program should contact
Council on 8721 0444 or info@dcgrant.sa.gov.au or access a copy of the Position Description,
Application Form and Councils Volunteering Handbook which can be found at
www.dcgrant.sa.gov.au/volunteering.