Queensland Youth Services LearnIt driver program receives funding from MEGT training and new Hyundai Tuscon

A youth driver program has just scored a major win with $25,000 in funding and a brand-new Hyundai Tucson to help thousands of young drivers get their P plates.

LearnIt graduate Isiah Ware with MEGT CEO Matthew Hicks and Queensland Youth Services program manager Murray Holm. Picture: Evan Morgan

Much needed funding and the keys to a brand new Hyundai Tuscon have been handed over to Queensland Youth Services, to help more learner drivers obtain their P plates as part of their LearnIt program.

A $25,000 cheque to help with running costs and the new car were presented to QYS by training organisation MEGT.

Since the LearnIt program began in 2018 272 young people have obtained their P1 license, with a first time pass rate of 95.7%.

The program is designed to assist learner drivers under 25 years who don’t have access to a car or supervisor driver.

More than half of the young people who have taken part in the program are of Aborigional and Torres Strait Islander descent, with 79% of young people surveyed in 2019 saying they could not afford professional driving lessons.

QYS LearnIt program manager Murray Holm said the program tackles issues young people are facing, including not having a driver supervisor to assist with teaching road rules and safe driving.

LearnIt graduate Isiah Ware with Queensland Youth Services program manager Murray Holm. Picture: Evan Morgan

“We have received an increase in demand for the program and although we have many supporters from the business community, we need funding for more cars to keep the program running,” he said.

“It takes a village to raise a child into an adult, and we know that not having a drivers license can have negative effects on a person’s ability to gain employment.”

Initially Mr Holm contacted MEGT asking for support, who are now a partner in running the program.

Chief executive of MEGT Matthew Hicks said they were happy to play a part in ensuring more drivers can receive lessons and support.

“At MEGT, we known it can be really hard to get those hundred hours of supervised experience to qualify for a license test,” he said.

“I hope this significant sponsorship from MEGT helps LearnIt get even more young Queenslanders behind the wheel and drive them towards a better employment future.”

Originally published as Queensland Youth Services LearnIt driver program receives funding from MEGT training and new Hyundai Tuscon