After seeing successful driver training programmes throughout the district, a Hauraki School has developed a similar approach.
Hauraki Plains College has shifted into gear with the launch of a new driving initiative called the Restricted Ready Programme.
Principal Sharon Moller said they first got the ball rolling with the help of Julie Stephensen at Gr8 Job Hauraki “connecting us” with a car to use from Valley Toyota.
“And then we were off.”
The school has eight students who are going through the programme, and two on the waiting list.
The driving sessions take place in Kōpū, Thames and around the Ngatea district.
“We are always on the lookout for new volunteer coaches and are hoping to continue growing our numbers,” Mrs Moller said.
Driving instructor Corina Simpson said it was very rewarding to help students with their training.
“Although I have taught my own two sons to drive, this has been a new experience for me to help other young drivers.
“I am only a few lessons in but it feels great to know you are helping young people become safe drivers.”
Anyone who was a good driver and felt they would be able to guide others to learn should “give it a go”, Corina said.
And for students who felt like they might need some extra guidance and more time driving, Corina said “definitely get involved”.
Sixteen-year-old student Amelia Austin was part of the driving programme and told The Profile it made her feel “more confident and prepared”.
Amelia was motivated to not only gain her restricted licence, but also develop her driving skills, she said.
She was doing “more practice” in areas like parallel parking and three point turns with the support of her driving instructor, Corina.
The driving sessions were enjoyable because “we work together as a team”, she said.
“Corina is so supportive, patient and has always provided more than enough resources and instructions for me to learn how I can drive to the best of my ability.”
When she was behind the wheel, Amelia liked to focus on a phrase that Corina taught her: Men In Black – Mirrors, Indicator, Brake.
She said it was used to symbolise checking the mirrors, using the indicator and then braking.
It’s easy to “go with the crowd”, follow friends and apply for your restricted licence on your own, she said.
“But if you are unsure about your driving skills or are nervous about certain aspects within the test, the Restricted Ready Programme can provide you with all the support you could possibly need.”
Turning up to the driving sessions with the right attitude and a willingness to learn “really goes a long way”, she said.
“The driving instructors that take time out of their own day to come and help you are lovely people that will go above and beyond to see you succeed.”
Mrs Moller wanted to say a huge thank you to Valley Toyota, Haurakian Charitable Trust, Townshend Thomas Charitable Community Trust, Gr8 Jobs Hauraki and the community volunteer coaches.
