The Department has provided the majority of funding for the End to End Young Driver Training Program, which had been overseen by the South West Development Commission.
The funding comes under the Department’s driver training and education program for regional and remote communities.
Delivered by Bunbury-based not-for-profit Investing In Our Youth, the program gives 16 to 25-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds mentorship and supervised driving practice.
It removes some of the financial and social barriers which can prevent young people from getting a driver’s licence.
More than 60 people have been supported in obtaining their driver’s licence since the initiative began three years ago.
The switch in management to the Department’s Youth Justice Services ensures the program engages youths who are either in contact with the justice system or at risk of doing so.
Magistrates and police can directly refer young people to the program.
Helping them obtain a driver’s licence is part of strategies to develop healthy and positive behaviours that reduce the risk of offending.
“This initiative gives young people the opportunity not only to drive safely and legally on our roads but to help make education and employment attainable,” Department Director General Dr Adam Tomison said.
“In regional areas in particular being able to drive can be a necessity for getting on in life and supporting your family,” Dr Tomison said.
Program Manager Semara Murphy of Investing In Our Youth said many vulnerable young people didn't have an adult who could supervise the necessary 50 hours of compulsory logbook driving and couldn't afford an instructor.
"We are so grateful to our volunteers who supervise the young drivers," she said.
Ms Murphy said the process of obtaining a licence could take longer than 12 months for participants who faced challenges and setbacks in their personal lives.
"Our role in supporting participants goes far beyond paying for driving lessons.”
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