05 January 200

Eve Somssich with potential participant for University's Driver Education and Training Unit

January 2004 marks the seventh year of providing safer, qualified driver training for remote Northern Territory communities by Charles Darwin University’s Remote Areas Driver Instructor Program.

Delivered by the University’s Driver Education & Training Unit, the Program has trained more than 150 instructors in communities from Arnhem Land to Central Australia with more than 900 people successfully gaining their license.

“The necessity to drive in remote communities leads many to drive without proper training and without a driver’s licence,” said Eve Somssich, Manager Driver Education & Training Unit at Charles Darwin University.

“A tragic aspect of this is that Indigenous people account for about 50 per cent of the Northern Territory’s annual road toll while representing 28 per cent of our population, “ said Eve.

“Given that Indigenous people are over represented in crash statistics it is vital that relevant and meaningful training is provided, particularly in remote areas,” Eve said.

First established in 1997 through the support of TIO, an important aspect of Program is the Course for Community Based Driving Instructors that has been designed in consultation with Motor Vehicle Registration.

The two week course teaches local participants to be driving instructors within their remote community with training covering road law and extensive in-car training including defensive and economical driving practices and vehicle maintenance. In response to literacy needs, school teachers and adult educators are often invited and encouraged to participate onto the course to deliver theory components.

“Successful participants gain recognition toward a Certificate IV in Driving Instruction and are issued with a Restricted Driving Instructors Endorsement allowing them to deliver driver training within their community,” said Eve.

Despite inroads being made into qualified, safer driving, Eve emphasised that the University’s Remote Areas Driver Training Program is not a quick fix program.

“This is a program with long-term goals and strategies in mind to alleviate some of the difficulties experienced by remotely based Indigenous people in obtaining their drivers licence,” Eve said.

The Unit will kick off 2004 with Community Based Instructor courses to be conducted at Mutijulu (Uluru), Alice Springs and Katherine to name a few. A driver safety video featuring local indigenous students will also be released during the year.

For more information contact Eve Somssich, Manager Driver Education and Training Unit, Charles Darwin University on 8946 6253 or 0408 086 378