As Queenslanders ready themselves for summer and the festive season, road safety returns to the spotlight – and a PCYC Queensland driver mentor program proven to produce safe drivers is calling out for volunteers to keep building safe driving habits.
Braking The Cycle (BTC) connects learner drivers who lack access to a car or supervising driver with trained volunteers who guide them through the 100 hours of practical experience needed to become safe, capable motorists.
This year, a study by BTC funder Motor Accident Insurance Commission and Queensland University of Technology found that drivers who learned to drive via BTC were safer drivers who were involved in fewer traffic accidents and offences than others of the same age.
That’s thanks in no small part to the mighty team of volunteer driver mentors – and as demand for the program grows, PCYC Queensland is calling out for more mentors.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said the study findings confirmed the value of the program, and of the mentors who guide young people towards achieving their licence.
“Our mentors give young people the confidence and the right advice to make good decisions behind the wheel,” he said.
“Every hour a volunteer spends with a learner helps make our roads safer for everyone.”
PCYC Queensland is currently seeking more volunteer mentors right across Queensland. Volunteer Services manager Andrew Parkinson said the role offers a meaningful way to give back.
“Mentoring is a practical way to make a real difference, and all our mentors say it’s deeply rewarding,” he said.
“You don’t need special qualifications and you’ll receive full training and ongoing support. You just need patience, empathy and a driver’s licence.
“We hear all the time that our mentors get as much out of BTC as the learners do.”
Gauta Brown is a driver mentor who works from PCYCs Logan and Inala, and has done for six years. He said being a mentor gives him purpose, and he values the rapport he has with young people.
“When they get their licence, it is a really great feeling; knowing I have played a part in helping them get to that next part of their life, because everything opens up when you have your licence,” he said.
“They are all so different, but they all really need someone who is calm and confident, who won’t judge them or be too hard on them, and who is patient. That’s the approach that I use.
“Sometimes it feels like we are doing more than simply teaching these young men and women to drive and we are building their confidence, too.”
A love of teenagers and a belief that everyone deserves a chance at independence is what drives Braking The Cycle mentor Miriam Houweling in her volunteer role.
For 18 months, she has volunteered as a driver mentor with PCYC’s Braking The Cycle, one of a statewide team of volunteers helping young learner drivers build up their 100 driving hours.
Braking The Cycle allows young learner drivers to build up their 100 driving hours with volunteer mentors like Miriam. The program is designed to assist young people who don’t have access to a car or an adult at home who can supervise their driving.
Miriam said she has always enjoyed volunteering, and was seeking new opportunities when she moved from Ipswich to Mackay. She joined the Older Women’s Network , and learned about Braking The Cycle at PCYC Mackay.
She knew this was a role where she could make a difference and feel connected to the young people she was helping.
“I love spending time with teenagers, they all have their funny quirks. If I show them respect, then they show me respect,” Miriam said.
“They all deserve a chance in life,” she said.
Miriam recommends volunteering to anyone who has time to give, and she encourages Mackay locals to come in to PCYC and find out more. PCYC provides full training and support to help mentors guide participants in becoming safe and confident drivers.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said Braking the Cycle provides young people with the freedom and independence to help them connect with their community.
“We have more than 700 BTC volunteers across the state who provide their time, skills and experience to help young people who may not be able to access or afford driving lessons the chance to gain their driving skills – and become safe drivers for the future,” Phil said.
“Having a licence doesn’t just give them the key to drive, it gives them the key to finding and maintaining employment, pursue study opportunities or the ability to support their families and the wider community.”
