Helping people get behind the wheel
Morrinsville Community House and police are working together to provide a new support service to assist people in gaining their learner driver licence.
The motivation for the policeled project lies in preventing harm and making sure people are safe on the district’s roads.
Constable Ryan Johnston who leads the project was driven to do something after he noticed a lot of people appearing in the Morrinsville District Court for driving without a driver licence.
‘‘Some of them have indicated that a bit of help is needed for them to get their licence,’’ he said.
‘‘We are keen to give them a hand with this so that we know that everyone is safe to be behind the wheel.’’
Many people face additional barriers when seeking to obtain their driver licence.
Some of these barriers include learning challenges such as dyslexia and illiteracy, a lack of experience or confidence in a test situation and little support in their home environment.
A lot of people have indicated that they simply require some extra assistance to guide them through the application process.
Morrinsville Community House manager Julie Addenbrooke-Moss is enthusi- astic about supporting the project.
‘‘A driver’s licence is a valuable asset, even more so in a rural community,’’ she said.
‘‘Being able to drive legally and safely gives people greater employment opportunities and allows people to participate more fully in their community.’’
The group is run as an informal drop-in session with no set format.
Support provided may include tutoring on road rules, practise licence tests, literacy support and guidance on the application process.
Some additional support may be available through Community House for young people faced with learning challenges or those experiencing difficulties in their home environment.
There is no cost to attend the group.
The informal drop in group sessions will be held every second Thursday between 4pm and 5pm at Morrinsville Community House.
The next session will be held on Thursday May 11. For more information please contact Morrinsville Community House on 889 5355.