Summa-Lee hits the road

Ydrive pairs volunteer mentors with young learner drivers who don’t have access to a car or a supervising driver to accumulate the 120 hours of driving experience required to achieve their P-plates. Learners also receive professional driving lessons and are put through the Safer Drivers Course.

Summa-Lee said she could not have achieved her license without her volunteer mentor Annette Greer, who supported and encouraged her throughout the journey.

“I am truly thankful for all Annette’s help. Having my licence will change my life so much,” Summa-Lee said.

“I will be able to take my little girl to child care and travel to TAFE to continue my study in child care without relying on other people to do it for me. I can also try to secure work in this area now I have the means to get there.”

Twelve young disadvantaged learner drivers have been building their driving hours since Ydrive began in May last year.

Council’s Youth Development Officer and Ydrive coordinator Angie McMillan said the program’s structure had also “passed the test” with Summa-Lee’s achievement.

“We’re so proud of Summa-Lee - getting our first learner driver through has been such a buzz,” she said.

“We expect more learners to attempt their driving test in the next few weeks. Having a license will make such a big difference to their lives, increasing their independence and their ability to seek and maintain employment.”

Ms McMillan praised Summa-Lee’s mentor Annette, who gave up her valuable time to help hone Summa-Lee’s driving skills.

“The success of the program has highlighted the dedication of the mentors and the learners. By working together as a team they are driving positive change,” she said.

For more information on the Ydrive program visit Council's website www.esc.nsw.gov.au or phone Council’s Community Development and Youth Coordinator Zoe Morgan on 02 4474 7470.