Braking the Cycle program celebrates 19th P-plater

A volunteer driver mentor program at Sandgate and Zillmere PCYCs has marked its second anniversary with the graduation of its 19th P-plater.

Savannah Knight has obtained her provisional licence through the Braking the Cycle program. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

A VOLUNTEER driver mentor program at Sandgate and Zillmere PCYCs has marked its second anniversary with the graduation of its 19th P-plater.

Braking the Cycle aims to help young people, without access to a supervisor or registered vehicle, to complete the mandatory 100 hours of driving experience to get a Provisional licence.

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The program started at Sandgate and Zillmere PCYCs in June 2017 and had its first P-plater about three months later.

Savannah Knight of Brighton takes that number to 19.

Savannah Knight has obtained her provisional licence thanks to driver mentors such as Stewart Sommerville. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

She said she joined the program because she was struggling to complete her 100 hours.

“My family had limited opportunity to provide driving hours for me and I couldn’t afford driving lessons without a job,” she said.

“It would have taken me much longer to achieve the hours of experience if I had to rely on family or friends to assist me or try and save for lessons.

“Now ... I can travel without having to hassle my parents for a lift or taking public transport, which can take hours. I can also now apply for work and have transport to attend.”

Ms Knight completed about 70 hours of driving in about 50 sessions through the program, supervised by about 16 mentors.

“What I liked about the program was the flexibility of the mentors and the schedules fitted with times I could attend. The mentors had a lot of knowledge and experience and were very supportive.”

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One of those mentors was Stewart Sommerville of Bracken Ridge, who has been a Braking the Cycle volunteer for about a year.

“I don’t have kids, so (have) no-one to teach,” Mr Sommerville said.

“These kids have been taught to walk, talk, tie their laces; I am helping with their next big step — driving.

“I get to pass on some of my 45 years’ experience and tricks I’ve learned over the years.

“I feel very comfortable with her (Savannah’s) driving and very pleased and happy for her to pass on her first attempt — a reward for all her effort.”

Mr Sommerville became a mentor after being medically discharged from the Army after 35 years.

“I was involved with a work rehab program post discharge while looking at possibilities for employment. It was assessed that I wasn’t “good for much” so we went down the volunteer route.

“This was one option, so I tried it. It took me a month or two to get my head around all the requirements, but I have been enjoying myself since.

“It gets me out of home, I get to meet new people, influence young drivers and hopefully leave my mark on this world in a positive way.”

Savannah Knight completed about 70 hours of driving in about 50 sessions through the Braking the Cycle program. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

Sandgate/Zillmere PCYC Braking the Cycle project co-ordinator Crystal Hart said there were five young people aged 16-25 in the program at Sandgate and six at Zillmere.

“These numbers often change with intakes and those who graduate — obtain their licence,” Ms Hart said.

“The program is gaining momentum and we will have a few more graduates in the coming months.”

Ms Hart said they were always looking for more mentors.

“We have 18 mentors between the two sites, with four currently away for a few months.

“Some mentors do two hours a week, some do up to 12 hours a week across several days.

“The majority of our mentors are full-time workers; there are only about three or four who aren’t.

“People can fit it in around work or do it on Saturday morning; we’re pretty flexible with people’s availability.”

Ms Hart said the only criteria for mentors was they have a blue card and have held an Open licence for a year. They also have to complete two three-hour training sessions through PCYC.

She said the program definitely made a difference in young people’s lives.

“It’s not just about driving,” she said.

“They learn new communication skills and confidence and speak to people from different backgrounds and cultures.”

Ms Knight said she certainly felt more confident driving.

“I am extremely grateful for all the time each mentor spent with me teaching me how to drive.

“I have already recommended this program to friends who are struggling to get experience or lessons due to not having a car, supervisors and unable to afford lessons.”

For more information on becoming a driver mentor email [e-mail]