Free driving and road safety training boosts confidence of local school students

In partnership with the NRMA, HumeLink is funding one-on-one professional driving lessons and Safer Driving Courses for Year 11 and 12 students attending Batlow, Gundagai, Kooringal, Mount Austin, Tumbarumba, Tumut and Wagga Wagga high schools.

Transgrid HumeLink Program Director Jeremy Roberts said the initiative will equip students with essential skills to build confidence and independence and help keep them safe on the roads.

“The cost of driving lessons can be prohibitive for some families, compounded by the time and expense of completing the required logbook hours to sit their P-plate test,” Mr Roberts said.

“These free driving lessons ease the burden on the household budget and family car while teaching young drivers everything from basic controls to advanced skills like reverse parking and navigating rural roads.

“Once learners reach 50 hours on the road, we fund their participation in the Safer Drivers Course, five hours of training to build skills like hazard awareness, gap selection and managing distractions – with the added bonus of 20 logbook hours.”

The initiative, rolled out by Transgrid’s HumeLink delivery partners UGL and CPB Contractors, is delivered by the NRMA Safer Driving School in Wagga Wagga.

Kooringal High School student Rachael Dughetti said the program has boosted her confidence and will help her pursue her career ambitions after finishing school.

“The program is great, and I already feel more confident in my driving skills,” Miss Dughetti said.

“When I get my driver’s licence, I’ll be able to travel to TAFE and work once I get my first job.”

Fellow student April Goodhew said the free driving lessons have given her greater independence and practical skills.

“I enjoy being a part of the program because it boosts your confidence. I feel less anxious and more in control now that I’ve completed a few driving lessons. It’s lovely to have the opportunity,” she said.

NRMA Safer Driving School’s Christine Hills said the partnership is making a real difference for young people in regional NSW.

“Driving training funding from HumeLink is going to change so many young lives,” Ms Hills said.

“It greatly boosts a young person’s self-confidence, empowers them to gain employment and makes them better and safer drivers on our roads.

“A licence is essential to help kids make a difference. It’s great that Transgrid is putting money back into our local communities and the many kids that they’re helping. It’s a good thing to do and it’s a great thing for the Riverina and Snowy Mountains.”

NRMA Driving Instructor Francene Carroll said the program helps participants navigate the dangers of rural roads.

“On our winding rural roads, sadly, crashes often end in significant injuries. In the towns, we may have many more crashes, but they are the ones people typically walk away from. If we’re not empowering young drivers with the correct information, how can they do better if they don’t know any better?”

HumeLink West Project Director Tim Burns said UGL and CPB Contractors are delighted to provide a boost for young drivers and their families.

“It’s rewarding to see students gaining confidence and practical skills that support further education, training and job opportunities,” Mr Burns said.

HumeLink is delivering wide-ranging benefits for regional NSW, including jobs, support for local businesses, education and training programs, community grants and partnerships. It will create up to 1,600 jobs and drive $6.3 billion in direct and indirect investment into the regional economy.

To learn more, visit: https://www.transgrid.com.au/projects-innovation/humelink/

Media enquiries: Jaryd Ramsey – 0407 132 406