The Australian Refugee Association provides a range of support services to people from migrant and refugee background. The ARA Drive Program assists new arrivals to gain their drivers licence, with the independence and opportunities this brings.

• Volunteers receive comprehensive training, including in-car training
• Car is fitted with all the safety equipment of a driving instructor vehicle, including a passenger side brake pedal
• Volunteers don’t take the place of a qualified driving instructor, the role is to supervise driving practice and provide guidance and encouragement to the learner driver
• All learner drivers have basic driving skills from completing lessons with a qualified instructor prior to joining the program

Additional volunteer requirements:

• Patience, understanding and respectful of varied cultural attitudes and expectations
• Complete application form, can be downloaded from ARA website
• Attend ARA Volunteer Orientation session
• Attend ARA Drive comprehensive training
• DHS Working With Children Clearance (available free for volunteers)
• National Police Check
• Reference check will be undertaken prior to becoming an active volunteer

Volunteers can benefit from the satisfaction of supporting new arrivals to achieve the life-changing goal of gaining their drivers licence. Volunteers have the opportunity to develop personal skills and confidence, to increase their community engagement, and gain a better understanding of the refugee and community services sector. Regular free training opportunities are provided.

Volunteers must be over 21 years old and have held a full Australian drivers licence for minimum 2 years.