Adam’s a patient hand behind the wheel

Learner driver mentor program manager Adam Lyall has helped 150 Tasmanians get their licence, despite being told at school he would never be able to drive a car due to his cerebral palsy.

Adam, who is licensed to drive manual and automatic vehicles, has 10 students as part of Devonport Chaplaincy’s Easy P’s learner driver mentor program.

Adam has managed the State Government-funded program since 2017, partnering experienced drivers with learners who cannot afford paid lessons or do not have access to a vehicle or teacher. There are currently 15 volunteer driver mentors paired with 27 students.

The State Government is reviewing driver mentoring programs, with uncertainty over funding beyond 2024. Devonport Chaplaincy’s Easy P’s is one of several such programs through the State.

Mentoring and driving

Adam said the program was as much about the mentoring relationship between teacher and student as it was about becoming a safe, licensed driver.

“You are together each week for an extended period of time and so you build a relationship,” Adam said.

“You inevitably talk about life, family, work, budgeting and costs associated with buying and running a car, relationships, health.”

Some of the learners have various health conditions, from physical disabilities to autism, ADHD and anxiety.

Unflappable confidence

Many of these students will find themselves seated next to the unflappable and softly-spoken Adam, wearing one of his trademark caps, giving an equal mix of encouragement and instruction.

Adam says while they may take many more hours than the required 80 to be competent (up to 200 hours) and may fail several times before passing, they all achieve their goal.

“When they fail, I use myself as an example of having failed twice before getting my own licence,” he said.

“I was told I would never be able to drive a car, and yet now I run a driver mentor program.”

Adam is passionate about the program which he says gives people confidence, dignity and ultimately provides freedom and a means to connect, study and get employment.

Ticket to freedom

“It’s such a practical program,” he said.

“Not having a licence can affect someone’s mental health because it’s isolating. You are restricted, having to rely on friends or public transport or rideshare to see family and friends, get to work or buy groceries.

“We’ve had single parents in the program who have been able to take their children to sport, or the beach or see grandparents or friends as a result of getting their licence.

“It’s so much more than a photo id card to drive a vehicle, it’s a ticket to freedom.”

Adam said some students had used the free sessions as an opportunity to drive to or from work, others travelled long distances just to meet up with their driver mentor, such is the hunger to learn.

Driver mentors, who tend to be older retired or semi-retired, often teach multiple students, such is their dedication.

Waiting list to drive

It can take six months to match a learner driver with a mentor, such is the demand for the program. Students range in age from 19-30, and 75 percent are males.

Devonport Chaplaincy has three Hyundai I-30 training vehicles, two automatics and a manual.

Vehicles are comprehensively insured, and the program pays for fuel and car maintenance.

Drivers book sessions online and use a swipe card to gain access to the vehicles.

Adam said there had not been any accidents during his time in the program.

On average, two students a month will undertake their driving test.

Students are required to have two paid professional lessons with an accredited driving instructor before starting with Easy P’s. The lessons used to be Government funded.

The program started in 2012 when Kentish Council funded a vehicle based in Sheffield.

To become a driver mentor, contact Devonport Chaplaincy on 6417 3175 or fill out an expression of interest form and tick Learner Driver Mentor.

By Paul O’Rourke