VOLUNTEER TO BE A DRIVER MENTOR
Are you ready to change a life?
Are you an experienced driver with a little time to give? By volunteering just an hour or more a week, you can make a life-changing difference to a young person in your community.
For many young people, getting a driver’s licence is the key to greater independence, employment opportunities, and access to education and social activities. However, not everyone has a vehicle or a licensed family member who can help them complete the 120 hours of supervised driving required to get their P-plates. That’s where you come in!
What does a Driver Mentor do?
As a volunteer Driver Mentor, you’ll provide supervised driving practice to young learners who have already received professional driving lessons. You’ll help them gain the on-road experience they need in different traffic conditions, improving their confidence and preparing them for their driving test.
-
Where? We need volunteers in Nowra, the Bay & Basin, Sussex Inlet and Ulladulla.
-
Who can volunteer? Anyone with a full licence, a good driving record, and a passion for helping others.
-
Time commitment? Just one hour per week (or more if you can!).
-
Do I need my own car? No! BCR Communities provides fully insured vehicles for all mentoring sessions.
Why Volunteer?
Make a real impact – Help a young person gain independence and access new opportunities.
Give back to your community – Support local learners who may not have anyone else to help.
No special qualifications needed – Just a safe driving record and a willingness to help.
We provide the car, training, and support – You just provide your time and encouragement!
-
Who can be a mentor?Mentors need to be fully-licensed, experienced drivers who are over the age of 21. To become a volunteer mentor you will also need a clean driving record for the last five years, a Working with Children Check and a National Police Check. The BCR Communities team will help you to obtain these.
-
Who will I be mentoring?You’ll be supporting a young person who, for various reasons, doesn’t have access to a vehicle or a licensed family member or friend to help them complete their required hours of supervised driving. Your guidance will have a life-changing impact.
-
Will my mentee have had previous driving experience?Yes, all our learner drivers receive up to five free lessons with a professional driving school to assess their skill level. They won’t be matched with a mentor until the professional instructor determines they are competent and ready to join our program, ensuring a safe and confident start for both of you.
-
Will I need to use my own car?No, as a driver mentor you will use a clean, well-maintained BCR Communities automatic car with added safety features and a full tank of petrol.
-
Will I need to pass a driving test?No, you won’t need to pass a driving test. Your valuable years of driving experience will make you well-equipped to guide a young person on the road. To help you feel confident and ensure you’re familiar with the latest road rules, we can provide access to online tutorials.
-
What happens if I don’t feel comfortable with my mentee?The safety and comfort of our mentors and mentees is our highest priority. If you ever feel uncomfortable, we encourage you to let us know immediately. We’ll work with you to address the situation, whether it involves resolving concerns or reassigning you to a different mentee to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
-
Will I work with the same mentee/s each week?We’ll do our best to match you with the same mentee, as it’s incredibly rewarding to support them throughout their journey from Ls to Ps. However, there may be occasional scheduling changes that require some flexibility.
-
How many hours a week will I need to volunteer?Just one hour per week, although more hours will always be welcome! If you become unwell or have travel plans, your volunteering can be paused to accommodate your circumstances.
-
When will the mentoring sessions take place?Once we match you with a compatible mentee, you can work together to arrange mentoring times that suit both of your schedules.
Register your interest to be a volunteer driver mentor
“I’m really looking forward to starting as a Driver Mentor – I think it will be a great experience to go on this journey with a learner driver and see them walking away with their licence at the end of it.”