How to Start a Driving School in Australia

Transcription

1 Guidelines for Community Based Driver Training Programs

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 3 BEFORE YOU BEGIN 3 UNDERSTANDING THE DRIVER LICENSING PROCESS 4 ASSESS COMMUNITY NEED 7 KNOW YOUR TARGET GROUP 7 IDENTIFY SOURCES FOR ASSISTANCE 9 IDENTIFY FUNDING SOURCES 9 ENSURE LEGISLATIVE AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS ARE MET 10 WORKING WITH STAKEHOLDERS 12 COMPLETE OR PART PROGRAM? 12 PROGRAM SET UP 12 SELECTION OF PROVIDERS AND TRAINING 13 PROGRAM RUNNING AND EVALUATION 15 WHERE TO GO FOR MORE INFORMATION 20 APPENDIX A DRIVER TRAINING PROGRAM LIST 21 APPENDIX B LOG BOOK INSTRUCTIONS 22 APPENDIX C SAMPLE PROVIDER S APPLICATION FORM 22 APPENDIX C SAMPLE PROVIDER S APPLICATION FORM 23 APPENDIX D SAMPLE PROVIDER S TRAINING FORM 24 APPENDIX E SAMPLE PARTICIPANT S APPLICATION FORM 25 APPENDIX F SAMPLE DRIVING SHEET 26 APPENDIX G SAMPLE PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK FORM 27 Version /05/2016 2

3 INTRODUCTION In spite of the inherent legal and safety benefits of having a valid driver s licence, there are members of the community who do not obtain one for a number of reasons. For example, they may have challenges with: identification requirements (e.g. Birth Certificate); access to a roadworthy or registered vehicle; access to a licensed person to provide driving instruction and for the 'supervised' driving phase; access to professional driver training; and licensing resources and testing requirements. Community-based groups can provide valuable assistance to disadvantaged people in obtaining their driver s licence. Enabling people to get their licence will allow them to experience the many benefits that result from holding a licence such as an alternative method of travel, new employment opportunities and independence. The Department of Transport (Transport) has developed the following guidelines to assist community groups in establishing a program to assist people to overcome the challenges in obtaining a drivers licence. BEFORE YOU BEGIN When considering the establishment of a community program there are a number of issues that should be investigated before going ahead. Some of these are: having a good understanding of the driver licensing process; assessing the community need for a program; identifying and understanding the participants and the community providers; identifying possible funding sources to assist the program; ensuring that all legal and insurance requirements can be met; creating a positive relationship with relevant stakeholders; and determining whether it is beneficial or economically viable to provide a complete program or just a specific training component. The above issues are discussed in more detail in the following sections of this guide. Version /05/2016 3

4 UNDERSTANDING THE DRIVER LICENSING PROCESS The driver licensing process has been designed to ensure learner drivers get a wide range of driving experience under different road and traffic conditions over a longer period before being licensed to drive alone. It is designed to help young drivers acquire the practical driving skills, good driving habits and the responsible and courteous attitudes that are essential for safety on our roads. THE 6 STEPS TO GET A DRIVER S LICENCE The driver licensing system involves six key steps to get a provisional licence. They only apply where the person has not previously held a drivers licence (except a moped licence). Learner s Permit 1 2 Learning to Drive Practical 3 Driving Assessment 4 Gain Experience Hazard Perception Test 5 6 Provisional Licence An understanding of the steps involved in the system and the requirements of each phase is crucial to any program. Step 1 Learner s Permit Before applicants are issued with a learner s permit they must be at least 16 years of age and: provide proof of identity A combination of five original documents must be produced to prove an applicant s date of birth, identity and residential status. More information is at complete an application form pay any applicable fees Version /05/2016 4

5 pass a computerised theory test The computerised theory test consists of multiple choice questions on the road rules and safe driving practices. Applicants need to read the Drive Safe A handbook for Western Australian road users beforehand which is available at all Driver and Vehicle Services centres and regional agents or online at as the information will help them to answer the test questions. They can also practice the learner s test at this website to help them pass this test. be issued with a Log Book on completion of the theory test pass an eyesight test If applicants need glasses or contact lenses to pass the test, their permit and licence will be endorsed to show that these must be worn when they drive. have their photo taken pass a medical test (if required) If applicants have a medical condition and/or take medication, they MUST declare this on the application form when they apply for a driver s licence. The customer service officer will advise whether or not they will need to have a medical assessment before obtaining a learner s permit. Step 2 - Learning to Drive This is the stage where learners gain on-road driving experience to develop their vehicle, traffic and safety skills before sitting the practical driving assessment. Once applicants have their learner s permit they will be issued with a Log Book and they can begin lessons. They must complete and record a minimum of 25 hours supervised driving experience in a range of traffic and weather conditions. The person who teaches them to drive can be: (a) a person who holds an instructors licence issued under the Motor Vehicle Drivers Instructors Act 1963; or (b) a person who is an instructor in a youth driver education course conducted or supervised by a body authorised by the Director General for that purpose; or (c) a person who is authorised (licensed driver) to perform any driving of a kind for which the driving instruction is to be given and has had that authorisation for a period of, or periods adding up to (i) in the case of driving of a moped, at least 2 years; or (ii) in any other case, at least 4 years They must drive within the conditions shown on the permit, carry their permit with them when they drive, and display L plates on the front and rear of the vehicle when they are driving. The highest speed allowable for learner drivers is 100 km/h and learner drivers must not drive if they have a blood alcohol concentration greater than 0.00 per cent. Learners and their driving instructors should read the Department of Transport s publication Candidate s Guide to Passing the Practical Driving Assessment which provides valuable information to assist in preparing for the practical assessment. Step 3 - Practical Driving Assessment Version /05/2016 5

6 When learners have developed the ability to safely control a vehicle and they are at least 16 years and 6 months old and have completed the minimum 25 hours of supervised driving they can then undertake the practical driving assessment. Learners should gain as much driving experience as they can in various road conditions and environments to ensure they pass the first time and don't have to pay for another assessment. Step 4 Gain Experience When the practical driving assessment has been successfully completed, they will need to record in their Log Book another 25 hours of post PDA driving experience across a range of conditions. The 25 hours is a minimum requirement and they should try and get as many hours of supervised driving experience as possible. During this stage, learners are still required to drive under supervision (supervisor requirements are the same as when learning to drive) and must continue to display L plates and carry their learner s permit with them when they drive. The driving experience must be recorded in the log book. Step 5 - Hazard Perception Test Six months following the successful completion of the PDA and once they have completed a minimum of 25 hours post PDA supervised driving, they can then sit the hazard perception test to obtain a provisional licence. Applicants must be at least 17 years old. Applicants must bring proof of identity, their learner s permit and their completed and signed log book with them. A fee is payable to sit the hazard perception test. This computerised test will assess their ability to respond to different traffic situations and to make safe driving decisions. The test consists of a computer screen that displays a series of moving traffic scenes. They have to respond to each scene by clicking a mouse to indicate when it is safe to commence a manoeuvre or when it is necessary to take the appropriate action to reduce the risk of a crash for the traffic situation. After they pass the test they will then be issued with a provisional licence after paying a licence fee. A CD and a Hazard Perception Test Booklet that provides information on the test is available from all Driver and Vehicle Services centres and regional agents or alternatively they can practice the HPT at to help them pass this test. Step 6 - Provisional Licence Once they have their provisional licence, they can drive without supervision. For the next two years they will have to display P plates whenever they drive. While on P plates it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level above 0.00%. For the first 6 months of their provisional licence period they will be subject to night time driving restrictions. They will also be subject to demerit point restrictions until they have held a driver s licence for 2 years or periods adding up to 2 years More Information Version /05/2016 6

7 More information about these steps including downloadable copies of all publications mentioned - can be found at the Transport website: You can also download copies of the following publications from the website: Drive Safe A handbook for Western Australian road users; Candidate s Guide to Passing the Practical Driving Assessment; and Hazard Perception Test Booklet. ASSESS COMMUNITY NEED It is important to assess what a community needs in a training program. Community groups or organisations that are considering providing a training program should ask certain questions, such as the ones listed below. Have problems in obtaining their driver s licence? Lack access to a vehicle to learn to drive or to accumulate the required driving hours? Have English literacy and numeracy difficulties? Lack access to a licensed driver to instruct them? Need a driver s licence for employment purposes? Community groups should seek answers to the questions from local schools, youth workers, road safety officers, Aboriginal community workers, police officers and people who work with refugees and young people in the community. Information obtained from the consultation may determine whether there is a need for a fully integrated training program or just for one or more components of the licensing system. A sample Checklist to assist community groups develop a program is provided at APPENDIX A. KNOW YOUR TARGET GROUP Once you have confirmed that members of your community would benefit from a training program, you can then explore issues pertinent to your target group. This will help in planning the program and recruiting participants. If possible, consult people who work with the target group (e.g. Aboriginal community workers, youth workers, refugee workers, lecturers). It would be beneficial to find out the most effective ways to communicate with your target group. This includes: whether or not an interpreter who speaks languages is required; an awareness of cultural or religious sensitivities; whether one on one training sessions are necessary; the types of written resources to be used. Version /05/2016 7

8 It would also be beneficial to identify other needs of your target group, such as assistance in seeking employment. Version /05/2016 8

9 IDENTIFY SOURCES FOR ASSISTANCE A training program will only work if you are able to attract the right people to assist in the delivery of the program. Some potential sources for assistance could include community service clubs, driving instructors, retired police officers, teachers or Volunteering WA. Consider placing advertisements or posters in relevant clubs, at the local council and community centres. You could also advertise on local radio networks, in local newspapers or communitybased newsletters. Transport can provide some driver licensing materials such as licensing and information brochures as well as most diagrams contained in the Drive Safe publication. The website also contains much more driver and vehicle licensing information that may be of assistance for your program. Transport also provides all of the required information and materials as learners progress through the various steps to gain their driver s licence. Consequently, there may not be a need to have stock on hand for some materials. Program participants could also test their knowledge of traffic law and safe driving techniques by accessing the Transport website ( and doing a practice learners test. IDENTIFY FUNDING SOURCES Consider the resources that will be needed to make the program work. A significant amount of driver licensing information can be found on the Transport website, however, the most significant resource that will be required is access to a motor vehicle (whether for providing driver training or accumulating the required number of supervised driving hours during the log book phase). Remember, some learners may only want to drive a vehicle fitted with automatic transmission. Therefore, access to both a manual and automatic transmission vehicle may be required. Some programs have worked with local car dealerships as a source of sponsorship for the driving instruction vehicles. Explore other possible funding sources such as community grants from the local council, state or federal governments and other funding bodies such as Lotterywest. Also consider working in partnership with other groups, organisations or government departments. Version /05/2016 9

10 ENSURE LEGISLATIVE AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS ARE MET There are a number of legislative and insurance requirements that must be met when running a driver training program. 1. COMPLIANCE WITH THE WORKING WITH CHILDREN (CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKING) ACT Specific program requirements will need to be included in the program to address the legislative requirements of the Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 if the program participants are younger than 18 years of age. Applications can be made at authorised Australia Post outlets and a fee is payable when lodging the application form. More information is available at 2. COMPLIANCE WITH THE MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVERS INSTRUCTORS ACT If the program is to provide instruction to learners on how to drive or to provide an opportunity to meet the supervised driving hours, the program should be set up so that it complies with the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Drivers Instructors Act 1963 (the Act). To avoid being construed as a driving instructor care must be taken to ensure that people providing driving instruction do not receive any reward for participating in the program. If they do they will be required to obtain a Motor Vehicle Drivers Instructors Licence. According to the Act, a driving instructor means a person who (i) on his own account or in conjunction with another; or (ii) as an employee, servant or agent of a person, for fee, reward, salary, wages or other remuneration or for any consideration whatever, by whomsoever paid or payable, gives advice, instructions or demonstrations to a person for the purposes of teaching him to drive a motor vehicle. Note that dual controls need to be fitted if the vehicle is provided by a licensed driving instructor. More information on obtaining an instructors licence is available on the Transport website ( 3. COMPLIANCE WITH THE LEARNER DRIVER LOG BOOK. All supervised driving experience undertaken by the participant must be correctly recorded in the log book and verified by the person s driving instructor. If there are inaccuracies or entries are not completed correctly in the log book the participant may not be credited with the period of driving instruction. Instructions for completing the log book are shown at APPENDIX B. Version /05/

11 4. VEHICLE LICENCE AND INSURANCE. All vehicles being used in the program must have a current WA vehicle licence and compulsory Motor Injury Insurance. Dual controls are not required to be fitted if the vehicle is provided by someone other than a licensed driving instructor. 5. COMPREHENSIVE MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE If the program intends to use private vehicles to conduct driver instruction you should ensure that the vehicle has comprehensive vehicle insurance and that it will provide cover when the vehicle is being used for driving instruction. 6. FIT AND PROPER CHECKS It is strongly recommended that all providers provide a National Police Criminal History Record Check. This check identifies individuals who have been convicted of a serious offence that has relevance to their capacity to carry out the responsibilities of being a part of the program. Applications can be made at authorised Australia Post outlets and a fee is payable when lodging the application form. More information is available at 7. LICENCE STATUS CHECKS Transport is not able to provide driver licence information about individuals to an employer or persons running a driver training program. A provider of driver training can verify the status of their drivers licence by utilising Transport s on-line enquiry service ( A status report will be ed or posted to the provider who can then provide the information to the program organisers. 8. PRIVACY CONCERNS Program organisers should be mindful of retaining personal information provided by participants and providers. Personal information in relation to participants and providers should not be released to persons not involved in the program. Your program may want to include information relating to the use and release of participants and providers personal details to participants and stakeholders in the program. Consideration may need to be given where participants and their providers meet to undergo driving instruction or to accumulate the required supervised driving hours. A designated location will ensure that the address where either the participant or the provider resides is not known to the other person. Version /05/

12 WORKING WITH STAKEHOLDERS Having a community group involved in the program affords a number of benefits. It can help with: promotion of the program; recruitment of both providers and participants; and making the program sustainable. Examples of some community groups to include are: PCYC, TAFE, Centrelink, training providers, local council, local Rotary, Lions or other community-based clubs. COMPLETE OR PART PROGRAM? Once you know about the driver licensing system and have identified the issues facing your target group, you can then consider whether to offer a complete training program or a specific training component. This decision will depend on the needs of your target group, what is economically viable for your organisation and what benefits can be achieved. PROGRAM SET UP Once you have: established that it would be feasible to run a driver training program within your community; been able to identify potential participants, and funding bodies; an understanding of the legal and insurance issues associated with the program. You can then develop your plan, work out clearly what you want to achieve and begin recruitment and training of your providers and participants. PROGRAM RUNNING COSTS There will be ongoing costs to run the training program. They may be significant if a full training program is to be delivered. Items such as fuel and maintenance may need to be taken into consideration. Even if driving instruction is not part of the training program there may still be costs for items like stationery and photocopying. DEVELOP PROGRAM OBJECTIVES Write a clear statement of what you want to achieve with the program. Include points such as: who the program is for (be specific about which group you are targeting); what you hope to achieve and; how you hope to achieve it and by when. Other learner driver training programs in Australia have had outcomes such as: increased access for disadvantaged people gaining the required hours of supervised driving experience for a provisional licence; increased road safety knowledge by both the youth target group and providers; provisional licence obtained by participants. Version /05/

13 DEVELOP A PROGRAM PLAN This follows on from the objectives of the program. Break each objective down to an achievable, measurable point for example; recruit the number of providers required through placement of advertisements in local newspapers, speak at local clubs, contact driving instructors, schools, TAFE colleges etc. Use this booklet as a guide to developing your own program plan. The checklist at the end of this booklet (APPENDIX A) may be particularly useful at this stage. DEVELOP A CODE OF PRACTICE AND/OR MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENT A code of practice will help all participants, providers and organisers to have a clear understanding of the roles, responsibilities and expectations of their participation in the driver training program. It is recommended that both participants and providers, having read the code of practice, sign it as an indication of their comprehension and willingness to comply with the code. SELECTION OF PROVIDERS AND TRAINING SELECTION As well as getting potential providers interested in the program, you will need to set up a process to select those most suited to the role. To do this, consider creating a formal, standardized application process. This will help if you have multiple people handling the recruitment and selection of providers. When doing this, ensure the eligibility criteria meet the program s objectives. For example; work out what the expectation is for their minimum monthly commitment and what skills are required such as language, teaching or holding an unrestricted driver s licence. Additional information that you should consider obtaining includes: character references not be more than 12 months old; driving record printout, known as a State Traffic Certificate, which displays any prior traffic offences recorded by the WA Police. For a fee, the certificates are available from local police stations; National Criminal History Record Check. Applications can be made at authorised Australia Post outlets and a fee is payable when lodging the application form. A sample application form can be found at APPENDIX C, and a sample form for training providers are provided at APPENDIX D. More information on State Traffic Certificates and National Criminal History Record checks is available at PROVIDER TRAINING Once you have selected your providers you will need to introduce them to the program. How you do this is up to you, but consider including the following in their induction: presentation of the program objectives; clarification of the role of a provider versus the role of a driving instructor; clarification of the expected level of commitment of time. clarification of the training procedure (e.g. providers and participants meet at a designated site); Version /05/

14 explanation of the needs of the participants (i.e. because of language and cultural barriers or people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds); explanation of what to do in the event of a crash; Familiarisation of the providers with Transport s Drive Safe Handbook and the Learner Driver Log Book and how to complete it. Perhaps present samples of how to plan the driving experiences in relation to the requirements of the Log Book; familiarisation of the principles of low risk driving. Refer to the Candidates Guide to Passing the Practical Driving Assessment. Consider avoiding sharing of personal details, such as phone numbers; instead if the provider needs to contact the participant, then use the organisers as a go-between. Only personal information necessary for the running of the program should be given out. During the induction process it is also recommended that providers participate in a low-risk driving skills lesson with a qualified instructor to assess the providers driving skills and ensure they pass on correct information to participants. If a qualified instructor is not available then a person who is familiar with Transport s Driver Competency Standard should be considered. PARTICIPANT TRAINING Once you have identified your target group and recruited participants, they too need to be inducted into the program. How this is done will depend very much on the nature and special needs of your group. In whatever format, it is still important to make sure that they understand the objectives and their responsibilities in participating in the program. Having both providers and participants sign a code of practice is a good way to show their commitment to the program and help define roles and responsibilities. The number of people within the target group may exceed the number of positions that your program can accommodate. Therefore you may need to give preference to those most in need and include the others on a waiting list for the next program start date. At the induction you could also consider assessing the participant s driving abilities, knowledge and experiences and exploring their expectations for the program. A sample Participant s Application form is provided at APPENDIX E. MATCHING PROVIDERS WITH PARTICIPANTS You have successfully recruited your participants and providers. For the program to be successful it is imperative that both the provider and the participant are well matched. If problems arise, either through a mismatch between provider and participant or for other reasons, it is important that all parties involved have a clear understanding of who to turn to so the grievance can be heard and a solution found. As the providers and participants begin their sessions together they may need help initially to plan the driving experiences and in documenting the nature of the driving experience. This process will become easier as they both become more familiar with it. Finally, all programs must be monitored so that organisers can easily and quickly identify what is working and what isn t and to ensure that funding requirements are satisfied. It is important that Version /05/

15 both providers and participants have a clear understanding of how monitoring and evaluation take place and that they consent to being contacted during, and once they have completed, the program. VEHICLES All programs need to develop guidelines for vehicle use and management especially where the vehicle has been obtained from outside sources. This is important so that you can: identify the driver of the vehicle should a breach of traffic law occur; allocate responsibility for ensuring the vehicle has been fuelled, cleaned and properly maintained; and record all maintenance and repairs that have been undertaken and by whom. PLAN EXIT STRATEGY As with all programs dependent on volunteers, it is important that the organisers have procedures for participants and providers exiting the program. If there are plans to contact people in the future (e.g. to conduct evaluation of the program), you should obtain their consent to do so. CONDUCT AN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) RISK ASSESSMENT All programs require an assessment of potential risks. Assessment of the risks should include ways to either eliminate (if possible) or reduce those risks. If an incident occurs, all parties should be very clear of what to do immediately as well as what to report, to whom, by when and how to report it. Issues that could arise include: being involved in a car crash; experiencing a mechanical problem with the vehicle; having a problem with either a participant or provider. To address potential risks it is important that providers are aware of the driving conditions and plan driving experiences appropriately. For example, if the participant has had limited driving, then plan for them to drive on quiet streets first to become familiar with the vehicle and its boundaries. It is the organisers responsibility to ensure all vehicles used are registered in WA and are regularly maintained. For more information refer to the Emergencies and Crashes section in Transport s Drive Safe Handbook. PROGRAM RUNNING AND EVALUATION Once the program is up and running, there are several matters to consider which will help maintain the momentum and enhance the chances of running a successful program. These include: offering ongoing support to both providers and participants, meeting regularly with the stakeholders and the steering committee and continuing evaluation of the program. Version /05/

16 DRIVER EDUCATION PROGRAM It is important that any driver education program be developed to include licensing and road safety messages as well as the risks that inexperienced drivers are exposed to. Program components should deal with those areas that enhance safe and courteous driving as well as any other information that may be relevant to your program. Components to be considered involve: speed; overtaking; fatigue; giving signals; following distances; use of restraints; give way rules; traffic signs; basic first aid advice; what to do in emergency situations; and penalties. Note: Consider using the School Drug Education and Road Aware (SDERA) Keys for Life program. For further information visit A properly established and operated Driver Education Program could be accepted by Transport as an alternative to sitting the learners permit test. If considered appropriate, the community organisation would need to enter into an Agreement with Transport. This approach could overcome one of the barriers to progress beyond Step 1 of the driver licensing process. DRIVING INSTRUCTION If your program is to provide driving instruction you will need to ensure that your providers can remain level-headed and communicate calmly with the participant. The provider should be able to provide clear instructions to the learner driver before, during and after any driving that is undertaken by the participant. Before actual driving begins you should gather information from the participant regarding their level of driving experience. This will allow you to match the participant with the most appropriate provider. It will also allow you to determine the locations that can be used for the driving instruction. Consider engaging a professional driving instructor or training organisation to develop your driver training course. The School Drug Education and Road Aware groups have produced a Supervised Driving Guide A guide for getting more time behind the wheel, which may assist community organisations develop driver instruction training programs. The guide is available on the Transport website. The Driver Competency Standard that learners are assessed against by Transport Driver Licence Assessors is also available on the Transport website ( Version /05/

17 Driving instruction provided in line with Transport s Driver Competency Standard will ensure that the learner is properly prepared to pass the practical driving assessment on the first attempt. This will ensure effective use of program resources and can reduce costs to the participant as they will not have to pay for additional assessments. SUPERVISED DRIVING (LOG BOOK) From the outset and throughout the program, it is important that providers and participants sit down together with Transport s Log Book to plan the driving experiences. Points to consider include: any previous driving experience of the participant; participant s available time; provider s available time; and vehicle availability Programs that assist participants obtain all or some of the required supervised driving hours will go a long way to overcoming a major barrier in obtaining a driver s license. MAINTAINING THE LEARNER DRIVER LOG BOOK AND OTHER DOCUMENTATION. Log Book Before each session the provider should ensure that they have their licence available to record details in the Log Book. The provider should also ensure that the participant has their learners permit and that it is valid. After each session the Log Book must be filled in. This is also a good time to discuss the driving just completed, explore how the participant felt about their driving and also what they would like to focus on next time. It also gives the provider the opportunity to provide feedback. Fatigue breaks should also be recorded. Providers will be expected to complete the Log Book. Driving Sheet All driving instruction undertaken should be supported by a program driving sheet whether the participant is learning to drive or accumulating the required supervised driving hours. A typical driving sheet should include date, name of provider, name of participant, the licence number of the provider and the vehicle being used, time out and odometer reading, time of return and odometer reading, what was done right, whether the participant had difficulty with a particular driving aspect, next booking time and date, incidents and mechanical problems. Each program should develop their own reporting sheet to suit their needs and objectives. A sample Program Driving Sheet to assist community organisations is provided at APPENDIX F. Version /05/

18 SUPPORTING PARTICIPANTS This will depend very much on the needs of your participants. Consider addressing the key behavioural issues, such as: speed management; drink driving; occupant restraint; driver fatigue; low risk driving; vehicle safety. SUPPORTING PROVIDERS To ensure that providers continue to offer effective driving opportunities to their participants it is important to ensure that there is frequent contact between the program organisers and the providers. This regular contact offers the opportunity to debrief, solve problems, plan future driving experiences and address other issues. Depending on the needs of the participants and providers, organisers may consider holding additional sessions on problem solving and planning driving experiences, for example. These sessions can serve as a way to bring providers together to share their experiences. At these sessions there could be recognition of the provider s participation in the program. Recognition of the provider s work could also take the form of letters of appreciation to the clubs or community groups to which they belong. As the program develops it would be beneficial to forge relationships with other similar programs and begin a network. This will create opportunities to share experiences and learn other approaches to common problems. A sample feedback sheet on the participant s driving is provided at APPENDIX G. MEETING WITH STAKEHOLDERS It is important to maintain regular communication with key stakeholders of the program to keep them informed and interested. Similarly, these stakeholders could offer solutions to any issues that might arise in the day to day running of the driver training program. EVALUATION: AT THE OUTSET AND ONGOING It is essential that all programs are evaluated. This evaluation takes place from day one. You will want to know what is working, what is not and what changes need to be made as early as possible. Funding bodies will most often require an evaluation to take place to show how their funds have been used and with what results. To conduct the evaluation you will need to explain to all participants why the evaluation is necessary, what their expected role will be and how the evaluation will take place. It is advisable that you obtain permission from the providers and participants to be part of program evaluation both during and after their participation. Elements to include in the evaluation are: number of participants and providers; number of drop outs (providers and participants) and their reasons for leaving the program; Version /05/

19 number of participant attempts to pass the test on the knowledge of traffic law and safe driving techniques and their relevant pass mark; number of participants who successfully obtain a learners permit pass the practical driving assessment or achieve the required hours of driving experience; number of participants who successfully obtain their provisional licence; satisfaction of participants with the program. o Was there enough time available? o Was the education program/driving experience sufficiently varied? o Average monthly driving hours (by provider). o Satisfaction of provider s participation in the program. o Evaluation of any added value training sessions. Keep in mind that results of the evaluation could be used to inform other community groups planning similar programs. Finally, an evaluation of the program could facilitate the process when applying for future or ongoing funding. Version /05/

20 WHERE TO GO FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DRIVING Access the Department of Transport website - Follow the links for information on: Young and new drivers; Licensing; Registration; Rules and regulations; and Penalties. ABOUT ROAD SAFETY Office of Road Safety Road Trip 120 (Office of Road Safety) Keys for Life program - ABOUT TRAFFIC LAW Legislation relating to driving is contained in the following: Road Traffic Act 1974; Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Regulations 2008; Road Traffic Code 2000; Motor Vehicle Drivers Instructors Act 1963; and Motor Vehicle Drivers Instructors Regulations These can be found at State Law Publisher or, you can make enquiries with the Western Australia Police (on-road enforcement matters) ( or Transport (licensing matters) ( Version /05/

21 APPENDIX A DRIVER TRAINING PROGRAM LIST Before you begin Assess community need Know your target group Identify source for mentors Identify funding sources Ensure legislative and insurance requirements are met Think about how you will work with stakeholders Program set-up Develop program objective Develop a program plan Develop a code of practice and/or mutual responsibility agreement Provider selection criteria Provider training Participant selection Matching providers with participants Source vehicles Consider extra value Plan exit strategy Conduct an OHS risk assessment Program running and evaluation Planning the time to meet the driving requirements Maintaining the log book and other documentation Supporting participants Supporting providers Meeting with stakeholders Evaluation from the outset and ongoing Version /05/

22 APPENDIX B LOG BOOK INSTRUCTIONS Version /05/

23 APPENDIX C SAMPLE PROVIDER S APPLICATION FORM To be completed by a person volunteering to provide driving instruction 1 Name: 2 Date of Birth: (day/month/year) 3 Address: Post Code: Phone Number: Work: Mobile: 4 MDL Number: Class: Date Issued: Date Expires: 5 Vehicle Make/Model: Plate Number: Manual Car Automatic Car Motorcycle (please tick) 6 Available times: Weekdays (e.g. Monday 1pm 5pm) Weekends 7 Contact in case of emergencies: 8 Requirements of Volunteer Accompanying Driver (please tick): a) I have obtained a Police clearance (attached). Yes No b) I have provided a character reference (attached). Yes No c) I hold a current licence of the class shown above and have done so for a period of four (4) or more years and I am not on licence disqualification. d) I am not aware of any physical or other condition that may impair my ability to drive, e.g. taking medication. e) I have contacted my insurance company and have appropriate insurance cover to provide this service (attached). Yes Yes Yes No No No f) My vehicle is licensed and roadworthy. Yes No 9 Agreement to Conditions: a) I agree to accompany a learner driver as a driving instructor while the learner is obtaining driving experience. b) I agree to sign the learner s log book (where appropriate) to confirm the date, time, hours involved and the kilometres driven by the learner while under my supervision. c) I understand my role as a volunteer driving instructor. d) To the best of my knowledge, the information I have given above is true and correct. Signature: Date: Recommended: Approving Officer Date: Version /05/

24 APPENDIX D SAMPLE PROVIDER S TRAINING FORM This is a checklist to be completed by Providers during their initial training and induction. During training as a Provider of a program for obtaining a driver s licence, the following items should be provided to you. Please check them off as you receive the information and return it to the organisation running the program. Received information on the program objectives. Received clarification of the role of a provider versus the role of a driving instructor. Received clarification on the expected time commitment. Received clarification of the process when providing the training, for example, that providers and participants meet at a designated site, not at either s house. Received an explanation of the specific needs of program participants (e.g. because of language and cultural barriers or people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds). Received an explanation of what to do in the event of a crash. Received an explanation of my rights and responsibilities with regards to privacy and information disclosure issues. Familiarisation with the Transport s Drive Safe Handbook and the Learner Driver Log Book and how to complete it. This should include examples of how to plan the driving experiences while matching the participant s driving experience with the requirements of the Log Book. Familiarisation of the principles of low risk driving, with reference to the Candidates Guide to Passing the Practical Driving Assessment. I, acknowledge that as a prospective driver s licence program Provider, the above information has been presented to me and I have understood everything presented. Signature: Name and signature of Training Provider: Date: Date: Version /05/

25 APPENDIX E SAMPLE PARTICIPANT S APPLICATION FORM 1 Given name(s): Last Name: 2 Date of Birth: 3 Address: Post Code: Contact Phone Number(s): 4 Learner s Permit Number: Permit Expiry Date: Where Issued: Any special conditions apply to permit? (specify): 5 Licence for Vehicle Type (tick): Manual Car Automatic Car Motorcycle 6 Have you received any driving instruction? (tick): Family Member Driving Instructor Friend Other (specify): 7 Why can t you use one of the above (please specify): 8 Are you the holder of a current Health Care Card? Yes No If Yes, Card Number: 9 Contact in case of emergencies: 10 Available Times: Weekdays (e.g. Monday 1pm 5pm) Weekends 11 Agreement to Conditions: A volunteer to accompany you during the 25 hours log book driving phase as intended by this scheme may not be available in all areas or at times suitable to you. However, for you to be eligible to use the services of a volunteer, you must agree to the following: I,, certify the above is correct. I also acknowledge that a volunteer may not be available to assist me, but if he/she is, I agree to follow any reasonable instructions given me by that person including to stop the vehicle, leave the vehicle, or hand over control/driving of the vehicle. Applicant s Signature: Date: Approved: Approving Officer Date: Version /05/

26 APPENDIX F SAMPLE DRIVING SHEET Participant's Name: Date: Provider's Name: Licence Number: Vehicle Used: Time Started: Odometer : Time Finished: Odometer : Driving aspects improved: Driving aspects needing improvement: Any driving incidents or mechanical problems? Next Appointment Details: Version /05/

27 APPENDIX G SAMPLE PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK FORM Please tick the appropriate box and provide comments where relevant, knowing your feedback will remain anonymous. Statements: Statements At the commencement of your training, your volunteer introduced him/herself and told you their name. The volunteer made you feel at ease before you started. The volunteer explained the program/training process to you. The volunteer gave clear instructions regarding the tasks you were required to perform. At the conclusion of sessions the volunteer provided feedback, or offered to provide feedback Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree What did you enjoy most, or would like to see more of? What did you enjoy least, or would like to see less of? Version /05/