Our Y drive program helps new drivers get their Learner or Provisional licences. The support comes in many forms but the Y drive mentors are absolutely vital.
These generous souls provide time, expertise and access to a Council vehicle, ensuring P platers can clock up their required 120 hours behind the wheel and become fully qualified drivers.
Given most Y drive participants have very little experience, and 20 driving-practice hours must be done at night, mentoring is not for the faint of heart. Mentors need the calm patience of the Buddha combined with the grit and determination of Mad Max.
So what a delight to see Roger McMillan – one of our longest-serving Y drive mentors – recognised as NSW Youth Sector Volunteer of the Year.
"I read the article and thought I could do that, so I've been with the program since the beginning. It wasn't that I was sitting around with nothing to do, more that I could help kids be safer on the road," says Roger.
With previous military experience teaching people how to drive, Roger starts his new drivers off with very basic skills.
"Of course, they do their formal driving lessons with qualified instructors, but I still need to be confident we will all be safe. So we begin with two hours in the carpark navigating two cones while holding the steering wheel correctly, doing head checks, not relying on the reversing camera, then running through different patterns – turn in sharp and leave on a gentle curve, then turn in gently and leave on a sharp turn."
A week later – the second lesson – Roger takes his drivers up a forest track.
"They need to learn how to brake hard without sliding. They're usually reluctant at first but they need to learn should a roo jump in front of them. From then on, it's street work, getting in the hours and practicing different scenarios."
Based in Narooma, Roger has gradually developed a strong relationship with the high school, providing ten driving hours to students each week – six hours on Fridays plus additional hours of night-time driving. He makes it a goal to meet parents early on.
"It's been hugely successful, and the parents are always so appreciative."
Y drive mentors must be over 21 with a current licence and no driving offences in the last five years. We provide the vehicle and training, you provide two or more hours for driving practice each week. Contact Zoe Morgan on 4474 7470 to sign up.
- This story was first published in Council's quarterly newsletter for residents, Living in Eurobodalla. A printed edition is delivered to Eurobodalla's 26,000 households.
