learner driver mentor program - eurobodalla shire · ydrive learner driver mentor program...

Learner Driver

Mentor Program

PARTICIPANT GUIDELINES (Includes documents to be

signed and returned)

The Ydrive Learner Driver Mentor Program is a learn-to-drive program that offers supervised driver training for young people aged 16- 24.

It gives access to a supervising driver, a safe car, and up to 5 professional driving lessons to help you complete the 120 log book hours of driving experience to get your provisional licence.

If you have any questions about Ydrive, contact the Program Coordinator, Angie McMillan:

E: [email protected]

M: 0417 359 705

T: 02 4474 7456

mailto:[email protected]

Ydrive Learner Driver Mentor Program Participant Guidelines Page 1

Welcome to Ydrive This program will provide each learner driver with ‘on-road’ driving experience under different road and driving conditions with a volunteer supervising driver, professional driving lessons, a Safer Driver Course, Rotary Ryda course, car maintenance workshop and car budgeting workshop. It will take about a year to build up the required experience and complete 120 hours of driving experience.

Our aim is to make Ydrive a sustainable service for young people in Eurobodalla. This means that, as a Ydrive participant, you will need to follow instructions from your mentor, participate fully, obey the road rules, and commit to twelve months of training.

You are expected to complete the program, with support to guide you through the process, in your quest to obtain your provisional driver’s licence. Your success will help you get your licence, but it will also help Ydrive to continue so it can help other young people as well.

Ydrive participants get

1. A Volunteer Mentor to supervise your hours

You will be linked with a volunteer mentor when you start the program.

Your mentor is a person who volunteers their time to supervise your driving experiences. They will be in the car with you while you drive in a range of driving conditions, which the NSW Roads and Maritime Services requires you to do before you can get your provisional licence .

Your mentor will be the main person who will supervise your hours and give you feedback and tips about your driving.

When you first meet your mentor, you will have a chance to get to know each other a bit, and agree on some ground rules about how you will work together so you can learn how to drive safely.

2. Road safety lessons

Before you get in the car together, you and your mentor will have one driving lesson with the Driving School, as a handover session.

The aim of this is to give you and your mentor advice on safer driving practices. It also helps you to feel more comfortable with the person who will be supervising you in the months ahead. Your Mentor/Learner relationship begins here. You will also attend the Rotary Ryda course, if you have not already done this through school.

3. Access to a safe vehicle

Alan May Holden Moruya has generously donated a vehicle to Ydrive.

You and your mentor will be able to use this vehicle to have your driving sessions.

The vehicle will be registered, insured and maintained by Eurobodalla Shire Council.

4. Attendance to 2 workshops

You will attend workshops on car maintenance and car budgeting.


5. Access, opportunities and choice

Ydrive’s purpose is to make it easier for young learner driver’s to get their licenses. We hope that your success in the program will open up some opportunities to you, such as being able to travel independently for work or education, and therefore greater choices as you move into adulthood.

Driving sessions with your mentor You will have a chance to meet your mentor before your first driving session together. At this meeting, you will get to know each other a little bit, and plan how you will work together to help you learn how to drive.

Meeting your Mentor

Once a mentor has been selected for you, Ydrive will organise for that mentor to join you and the Driving School instructor in your final lesson (the handover lesson) so you can both get to know each other. At this point you and your mentor can talk about how the sessions will work, and how the two of you will work with each other (for example, you can confirm your 1-2 hour weekly sessions, talk about things that would make a lesson successful, confirm pickup locations and arrival times, and talk about anything you think will help you learn better).

Your first session

The first session you and your mentor will have will be with a professional driving instructor to give both of you some solid base knowledge before you get started.

After you have about 10 hours of driving experience with the professional driving instructor (which equates to around 3 x 1 hour lessons), you will be in a position to transfer over to a dedicated Mentor who will supervise your driving hours going forward.

Ydrive has a group of Mentors who have been trained in working with young people and who have a genuine desire to see you succeed. They are experienced drivers who have excellent driving records and are aware of the stressful situations that you might encounter on the busy roads and highways that you travel on. They are there to help you in all areas of your driving education. It is likely that you will form a strong friendship with your mentor.

Planning your driving session

You will arrange with the Ydrive Coordinator:

where to meet and finish your session

when to meet and how long your session will go for. A usual session will go for 1 hour, but you might change this to suit your availability and what kind of driving you want to practice, e.g. for night time driving or highway driving you might need more than 1 hour.


Once you are ready to book your session, you are responsible for booking the Ydrive car. You can do this by contacting the Ydrive Program Coordinator, Angie McMillan.

Note: Permanent, weekly bookings can be made. This is a preferred practice as it ensures the vehicle is available for you each week at that time. You can agree this with your mentor and confirm it with the Ydrive Coordinator to ensure vehicle is available.

Before the session

Bring your learner driver’s license and learner log book to every session.

Wear comfortable, flat shoes (no thongs or heels).

Meet your mentor at the agreed place, five minutes before the agreed time (It is important to be on time because you will not be able to use the car any longer than your booking, and because your mentor is giving up their time to help you).

Ensure that your L Plates are displayed on the front and back of the vehicle.

Talk with your mentor about what you will cover in your session, and follow their instructions.

During the session

Once you get on the road, you will work on the driving skills that you and your mentor talked about at the start of the session.

You will use your logbook to guide the driving session. At the back of your log book, you will find a list of 20 areas that need to be covered during your 120 hours of driving experience.

Cancelling a lesson

If you need to cancel a session, you must give 24 hours’ notice.

To cancel, phone the Ydrive Coordinator Angie McMillan on 0417 359 705

If you cancel more than 3 times without sufficient notice or reason, you may be asked to leave the program.

Please be respectful that your mentor is volunteering their time to help you learn how to drive.

Respectful behaviour

Any abusive behaviour, such as road rage or dangerous driving, will not be tolerated and will result in your immediate suspension from the program until the incident has been investigated.

Depending on the nature of the behaviour we may work with you to develop an agreed code of conduct to support you to re-engage in the program safely.


Complaints or concerns We will work with you to resolve any issues without you feeling that you have to go to another organisation for help. We will treat your concerns fairly and respectfully.

Your first point of contact for all complaints is Ydrive Program Coordinator, Angie McMillan: [email protected], phone 0417 359 705 or 02 4474 7456.

If you have a complaint or concern related to Ydrive:

Raise your concern with Ydrive Coordinator as soon as you can. The Coordinator will try to resolve your complaint fairly and effectively.

If you do not feel that the matter is resolved, raise the concern in written format, addressed to the Ydrive Program Coordinator at Eurobodalla Council. Your complaint will be acknowledged in writing and discussed openly with you to achieve a satisfactory outcome for everyone involved.

If you feel the matter still has not been resolved, ask for your complaint to be escalated to the Youth Services Coordinator, or contact the Coordinator directly on 02 4474 7470 or [email protected]. The Youth Services Coordinator or other Council officers will take action to address your concern.

Declaration I ____________________________________________, (Learner’s name) understand and agree to the information outlined in the Ydrive Participant Guidelines.

Name (printed) Signature Date

Parent/guardian’s name (printed) Signature Date

mailto:[email protected]


Code of Ethical Conduct Learner drivers are expected at all times to act appropriately and to adhere to appropriate standards of behaviour. The Code of Ethics assists in ensuring duty of care requirements are met.

Protection and Boundaries Policy

This policy is consistent with professional obligations and duty of care for people working with learner drivers. Reference should be made to the Code of Ethics policy in this section.

1. Precautions to ensure protection

To ensure protection of staff, volunteers and learner drivers, the following must be adhered to:

Phone numbers and private addresses of the Staff, Volunteers and Students are not to be given out to anyone.

Staff, Students or Volunteers are not permitted to visit each other’s homes

Staff, Volunteers or Students are not to be accommodated in each other’s homes or with members of their families.

Sexual relationships between Staff, Volunteers or Students are forbidden in all circumstances.

Relationships with all clients are to be strictly on a professional working basis.

Staff, Volunteers and Students need to take precautions and establish clear boundaries and follow all policies and procedures as set out by Eurobodalla Shire Council.

Volunteers and learner drivers must not have children in the YDrive car with them during lessons.

Upon exiting the Ydrive program, we recommend a break from contact between the learner driver and volunteer of three months. After this period, the client and volunteer may agree to meet socially if they both feel comfortable to continue contact.

2. Expectations of ethical work practices

Staff, Volunteers and learner drivers are expected at all times in the participation of the Ydrive program to:

Adhere to the philosophy, aims, objectives and rules of Ydrive.

Adhere to all the policies and procedures of Ydrive.

Treat all concerned with unconditional positive regard, respect, dignity, care and warmth.

Work in ways that promote the safety and wellbeing of all concerned.

Work within the appropriate professional boundaries of the learner driver/staff member, adult/young person, volunteer/learner driver relationship.

Treat all Staff, Volunteers, Learner Drivers, visitors and others with respect.

Have integrity.

Be accountable.


Be reliable and punctual.

Be responsible and accept responsibility.

Be open to feedback and professional development opportunities.

Work cooperatively within Ydrive and with agencies and networks.

Demonstrate positive attitudes to work.

3. Prohibited actions

Staff, Volunteers and Learner Drivers must not:

Physically, sexually, emotionally or verbally abuse anyone connected to Ydrive at any time.

Form inappropriate relationships with Ydrive participants including those of an exploitative or sexual nature. All relationships are to be professional relationships.

Impose their religious beliefs or political persuasion on anyone connected to Ydrive.

Condone, utter or practice any racist, sexist or other discriminatory remarks or actions.

Return confiscated items if the item is illegal or is assessed as dangerous.

Withhold information that may be harmful to the wellbeing of everyone connected to Ydrive.

Use any communication system, e.g. Email, telephone, mail or computer, in ways that are disruptive, offensive to others or harmful to morale.

Conduct or participate in any activity that would bring disrepute onto Ydrive. This involves criminal acts that have an impact on Ydrive.

Anyone arrested for criminal acts which are deemed inconsistent with upholding the safety and well-being of all concerned, may have their involvement terminated if he or she is subsequently convicted, or if the actions contravene the ethical conduct expected of individuals accountable to Ydrive.

Prohibited actions relating to alcohol and other substance use

Ydrive is committed to an alcohol and drug free philosophy to provide a safe environment for all concerned whilst on the program.

At all times when participating in Ydrive and in all the above mentioned situations, staff, Volunteers and Learner drivers are prohibited from the following:

Alcohol or drug use which adversely affects one’s performance, compromises the aims and objectives of Ydrive or jeopardises the safety of everyone.

Being in an intoxicated state from the use of alcohol and/or other drugs.

Purchasing any illegal drugs.

Bringing any illegal drugs to the Ydrive program.

Consuming any alcohol or illegal drugs prior to your Ydrive session. Engaging in alcohol consumption or drug taking with anyone on Ydrive program.

Anyone arrested for selling or using drugs may have their participation in Ydrive terminated. If he or she is subsequently convicted of the criminal offence, or if the actions contravene the ethical conduct expected of people accountable to Ydrive then your participation in Ydrive will be terminated.


4. Allowable alcohol consumption

Under no circumstances are you permitted to consume Alcohol whilst using the Ydrive vehicle. You must ensure that you have not consumed alcohol or other drugs prior to engaging with your booked session in the Ydrive vehicle. The Ydrive program has a zero tolerance policy to the usage of drugs and alcohol during your Ydrive sessions. Failure to adhere to this will endanger your participation in the Ydrive program entirely.

5. Breaches of the Code of Ethical Conduct

Any breach of these conditions is to be reported to the Ydrive Coordinator who will act immediately according to the Ydrive Grievances and Disciplinary Procedure. Breaches may result in termination of your Ydrive program participation.

All Staff, Volunteers and Learner drivers have a direct responsibility to report any contraventions of the Code of Ethical Conduct to the Ydrive Coordinator.

Annual Confirmation I ____________________________________________, (Learner’s name)

agree to be bound by this Code of Ethical Conduct. I confirm that I have read and understood its implications and that I understand I have a personal responsibility to uphold the Code.

If I become aware of behaviours that are inconsistent with the Code I will report it appropriately.




Participant Confidentiality Statement The Ydrive Program wants to provide a safe learning environment for you and your mentor. To do this we will:

Encourage you to share the relevant information that will enable people to support you.

Ask for your permission (and get your consent) before speaking with another person or organisation about you.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

All staff and volunteers involved with Ydrive are required by law, to pass on information if there is serious or potential risk of harm to you or someone else. We will disclose information without your consent where your safety and/or somebody else’s safety is at risk, and when there are legal obligations to do so. Such circumstances may include:

Where there are facts indicating serious injury or danger will occur if the information is not released.

Where there is a sound reason to believe suicide is a real risk.

Where mandatory reporting of abuse is required.

Where a client is listed with Police as a missing person.

Where there are facts that a serious crime has been, or will be, committed.

Where clients are involved in illegal activities during participation of Ydrive.

The serving of a warrant.

Acceptance of Participant Confidentiality Statement I ____________________________________________, (Learner’s name) understand and agree to the Ydrive Participant Confidentiality Statement




Vehicle Policy Statement The Purpose of this statement is to promote safe driving and encourage an efficient system of vehicle maintenance and ownership.

Young Learner Drivers will:

Respect the Ydrive vehicle

Adhere to all NSW road rules and police instructions

Take responsibility for being a learner driver, including displaying L plates

Be responsible for paying any fines incurred whilst driving the Ydrive vehicle

Not undertake sessions with a child in the car.

Notify Y Drive Coordinator immediately if:

An accident or incident occurs which involves personal injury or damage to the vehicle

Your license gets suspended or cancelled

You develop, or have a medical condition that worsens, which results in changes to your license

You start taking medication which affects your ability to drive

Loss of Driving Privileges

The following actions may result in the loss of driving privileges, over and above any penalty imposed by NSW Police:

Operating a Ydrive vehicle, without a valid NSW Learner driver’s licence

Failure to report the suspension or revocation of a Learner driver’s licence

Failure to adhere to this Ydrive policy

Failure to comply with state and local traffic regulations

Failure to report a motor vehicle accident

Reckless or dangerous driving

Abusive behaviours, including road rage

Driving with a child in the car.


Penalty Infringement Notices

The driver of the vehicle is responsible for any fine or loss of points incurred in the Ydrive vehicle.

Details of the driver’s name; date of birth; driver’s licence number; address and state of issue of driver’s licence will be used for the purpose of informing the State Debt Recovery Office (SDRO) of the driver responsible for any infringement notice received.

Infringement Notices are timed so it is important that all drivers accurately record in the vehicle logbook the times during which they were behind the wheel. It is the logbook that will enable us to determine the driver responsible. The SDRO will then reissue the infringement notice in the driver’s name and send it directly to their home address.

All fines are to be paid by the due date on the fine notice.

Any late or administration fees will also be payable by the driver.

Unpaid fines may result in cancellation of a driver’s licence or cancellation of registration of the offending vehicle.

Acceptance of the Vehicle Policy Statement I ____________________________________________, (learner’s name) have read and understand the Vehicle Policy Statement.

I agree to be bound by this policy statement. I confirm that I have read and understood its implications and that I understand I have a personal responsibility to uphold the policy.

If I became aware of behaviours inconsistent with the policy I will report it to the Ydrive Coordinator as soon as possible.




Ydrive Learner Driver Program Student Charter This charter has been created to provide an outline of the behaviours, actions and responsibilities that the students involved in the Ydrive Program have agreed to in order to contribute to the success of the program.

I agree to:

Follow all NSW road rules.

Follow all reasonable instructions from instructors and mentors whilst driving.

Attempt all activities to the best of my ability.

Provide feedback to the instructor.

Show respect for the instructor.

Show respect for my mentor(s).

Not smoke in the Ydrive vehicle.

Be aware of the side effects of any medication I am taking and the impact this may have on my ability to drive. If I feel I am unable to safely drive I will alert my mentor and coordinator to my condition.

Provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations.

Not drink alcohol or take illicit drugs before my lesson. As a Learner driver it is illegal to drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If I turn up for a lesson under the influence of any substance my lesson will be cancelled.

Turn my mobile phone off and only use my phone during breaks.

Accept that lessons may be terminated at any time by the instructor/mentor if they feel unsafe/threatened (e.g. continuously not listening to instructions).

Complete all Ydrive feedback forms.

Acceptance of the Ydrive Student Charter I ____________________________________________, (learner’s name) have read, understand and agree to follow the Ydrive Student Charter.



learner driver mentor program - eurobodalla shire · ydrive learner driver mentor program...

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