Until recently, Luke always felt uneasy behind the wheel. ‘I used to worry about looking over my shoulder every time I was driving,’ he says. Like many young people in West Auckland, Luke wanted to get his driver’s licence but couldn’t afford the lessons and test fees needed to get there. Getting a driver’s licence is something most Kiwis take for granted. But for many West Auckland rangatahi and their whānau, the cost puts it out of reach.
With household budgets stretched, learning to drive often falls to the bottom of the priority list. As a result, some young Westies end up driving without the correct licence or without one at all. Based in West Auckland, Silver Fern Motorsport Charitable Trust (SFMCT) helps remove these barriers by providing free driver licence training and test support for young people working towards their learner, restricted, and full licences. Participants receive professional driving lessons from qualified instructors in dual-controlled, 5-star safety-rated vehicles. They’re supported every step of the way, from their first lesson through to sitting their test, with all lessons and fees covered for eligible participants.
‘We remove the financial barriers associated with learning to drive or sitting the test,’ says Programme Manager Ted Jarvis. ‘Getting a licence is often the first step towards employment. It also helps ensure rangatahi are not exposed to fines or legal issues from driving without the correct licence.’ Demand for the initiative continues to grow as financial pressure on families increases. This year, SFMCT expects to support around 900 people, with at least one third based in West Auckland. ‘In a typical week, around 80 people are taking part in driving lessons as they work towards gaining their restricted licence,’ says Ted. ‘We stay with participants throughout their journey until they pass, making sure they have the support they need to succeed.’
For Luke, getting his licence has already made a big difference. Instead of taking the bus to his UNITEC course, he can now drive himself. He can also visit friends, run errands, and manage his daily life more independently. ‘It gives you a lot more freedom,’ he says. Young drivers and their whānau are referred to SFMCT through a wide range of sources, including community organisations, government agencies, and self-referrals.
The organisation has supported local communities for more than 15 years, and demand for its services remains consistently high. ‘We’re now seeing multiple generations come through our programmes, parents, uncles and aunts, and now their children,’ says Ted. The Your West Support Fund and other funding partners support the continued delivery of this work.
A recent $20,000 grant has helped contribute to staffing costs and keep the programme running. ‘The Trusts has been a fantastic supporter of our work for many years,’ says Ted. ‘Thanks to the Your West Support Fund, we can keep helping young people gain the independence and opportunities that come with having a licence.’
