By ALAN PERROTT education reporter
A proposed driver-education programme targeting Auckland's large Asian student population will ask them to catch a bus or train instead.
Getting international students out of their cars will be the Driver Safety Project's primary aim, said Grant Hewison, the Auckland City Council economic development manager.
The project would reduce one of the burdens the mostly Asian students placed on the business district in central Auckland.
While the project was mostly driven by anecdotal evidence of bad driving habits among international students, Mr Hewison said it would help promote Auckland City as a safe, high-quality education provider.
The project is being assembled by the council along with the Land Transport Safety Authority, police, Ministry of Education and Study Auckland.
An information package, including videos or DVDs, will be provided to language schools and education institutions to orient new students on the driving laws and licensing regulations.
Auckland hosted about 50,400 international students in 2001 who added about $900 million to the region's economy.
A study into overseas drivers released by the Land Transport Safety Authority in February found many begin driving as soon as they arrive despite limited experience in their home countries. Students who took part in the study reported it took several weeks to adjust to New Zealand's laws and conditions.
The project is yet to receive council approval, but this is expected as the estimated cost of $45,000 should be covered by outside sponsorship.
The initiative has been welcomed by language school lobby group the Association of Private Providers of English Language.
Chairman Patrick Ibbertson said it was a relief to see people not trying to lay blame and providing a solution instead.
A survey of international students in Auckland this year found 35 per cent were driving without a valid driver's licence.
International students with a driver's licence obtained in their home country can drive for 12 months before having to sit for a New Zealand licence.
Driving project targets Asians
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