An initiative designed to boost people’s confidence when driving is continuing to meet a growing need across Central.

The programme, Drive My Life Taraiwa Mataora, provided through Central Otago REAP, aims to support people who have left school and face barriers in getting their driver's licence.

Of the 194 referrals received so far this year, 92 have passed their licence.

Participants are often nominated for the programme, including about one third from police, one third from social agencies and the rest find out about it through word of mouth.

Among those who have signed up to the initiative are aged between 18 and 65, including one who had spent many years driving without a licence.

Participants who need their learner licence take part in two-hour classes over six weeks to learn the road code.

Lessons then incorporate fun activities and practice tests to teach road safety and prepare learners to sit the theory test in the seventh week.

The restricted and full licence programme offers practical driving lessons to people in the community, including those who face barriers in doing so.

Volunteer mentors take the learners out for practical driving lessons.

Learners are evaluated by a professional driving instructor, who develops a plan and checks they are ready to sit their licence.

Co-ordinator Paddy Ford said not all referrals are able to be put through the programme immediately due to the number of people who sign up outweighing the number of volunteer mentor drivers.

There are 27 mentors from Tapanui, through to Roxburgh, Alexandra, Ranfurly, Cromwell, Wānaka and Hāwea, who have access to cars in each of those places.

Paddy welcomes more volunteers to sign up to the programme as demand continues to grow.

“We could do with a lot more mentors,” he said.

The group was acknowledged for its work in the community this week after Volunteer South provided them with a morning tea, including one in Alexandra, Cromwell and Wānaka.

For more information visit CO REAP.