They got behind the wheel of manual and automatic cars for a road safety and driver education unit being conducted as part of their VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) studies with the LeasePlan Western Bulldogs.
It’s the second year the driving program has been conducted at the FRESH Program, which assists at-risk youth who are experiencing difficulties with mainstream education.
The driving unit combines practical and theoretical skills that Western Bulldogs Educational Services Manager, Chris Christoforou, believes provide important life skills.
“This not only helps promote road safety and driving awareness, it also encourages young people to employ safe behaviour that benefits themselves and the people around them.”
“The ten hour defensive driving course is split into five hours of theory and five hours of practical experience. Students will learn more about road signage, how to respect other road users and the dangers associated with drink driving,” he said.
The driving hours completed by students during the unit will also count towards their 120 hour log book experience.
Sixteen year old Leonie Thomas said today was the first time she has driven a car.
“My only other driving experience was on a ride-on lawn mower. This has given me a taste for driving and now I want to learn more so I can go for my Learner’s Permit,” she said.
Students will now meet representatives from Bulldogs community partner Victoria Police along with the TAC to discuss the wider responsibilities of driving.
The young drivers will then return to Moonee Valley later in the year for one more driving lesson. Both practical sessions are conducted by instructors from Camelot Driving School who have been assisting community groups for over 50 years.
