Alan steers young drivers to success

Ex-pilot Alan Ward, 72, is one mentor who will be helping learner drivers get their restricted licences. With him is learner driver Shyanne Cook, 17, and outside is Crystal Johnson, 17. Photo / John Stone

An ex-pilot who used to teach people how to fly is swapping a plane for a car and teaching people how to drive as part of a Community Driver Mentor Programme.

Alan Ward, 72, is one of a number of mentors who have volunteered their time for the initiative, which is designed to help learner drivers aged 16-24 who may not have access to a car to learn in or an instructor to teach them, get their restricted licences.

"I was involved in aviation for 35 years and I was an instructor for 22 years," he said. "Obviously, I had teaching and training skills teaching people how to fly, and essentially the same principles apply to people learning to drive, it's just a different application."

Mr Ward said he thought helping learner drivers gain their restricted licences was important.

Shyanne Cook, 17, and Crystal Johnson, 17, are two learner drivers who are looking forward to doing just that.

The two agreed that without this programme they would probably be on their learner licences for a lot longer.

"I'm really glad I have this opportunity," said Miss Cook.

Miss Johnson added: "This will give us more opportunities to get a job and give us independence.

"I have my learners but I'd never really driven before," she said.

Both girls had said they were thankful for the time their mentors were volunteering.

The mentors will supervise 30 hours of driving during the 12-week programme and have all received professional driving training and committed to spending two hours each week to help the young drivers.