COMMUNITY DRIVER MENTOR PROGRAMME
Wairarapa Community Driver Mentor Programme
The Wairarapa Community Driver Mentor Programme (CDMP) was launched in 2018 as a direct outcome of the Mayoral Taskforce for Jobs—an initiative focused on improving youth employment outcomes across the region. Recognising that many young people face significant barriers to obtaining their driver licence, the programme was created to help bridge that gap and support safer, more confident drivers in our community.
Not all young people have access to a car or a fully licensed driver to help them gain the experience needed to progress through the Graduated Driver Licensing System. This programme pairs learner drivers with trained volunteer mentors and provides access to a dual-control vehicle for supervised driving practice.
The goal is not only to help students get their restricted licence but also to build confidence, independence, and road safety awareness, improving their chances of employment and further education.
Participating Schools and Youth Services
We are proud to work closely with a range of secondary schools and youth-focused organisations across the Wairarapa:
- Chanel College
- Makoura College
- Wairarapa College
- Puawananga-Wairarapa Young Parents
- Kuranui College
- Te Kura Kaupapa M?ori o Wairarapa
- Wairarapa Safer Community Trust – Youth Services
Eligibility Criteria for Students
Students are referred into the programme through their school or youth service based on the following criteria:
- Facing hardship – including financial or housing deprivation
- Limited or no access to a safe, legal vehicle and unable to regularly practice driving
- No access to a qualified driving mentor (i.e. someone with a full NZ licence for at least 2 years)
- Held a learner licence for an extended period and are preparing to leave school or require a licence for employment opportunities
Our Impact
- We currently have 40 dedicated volunteer mentors who generously give their time and knowledge
- Since the programme began, we’ve proudly supported over 450 students in gaining their restricted driver licence
This programme is about more than just driving—it’s about removing barriers, empowering rangatahi, and creating safer roads and stronger futures for our young people.
Get Involved or Learn More
If you’re a student, parent, school representative, or community member interested in the programme—either as a participant or volunteer—please get in touch:
rsc@wairsc.org.nz | (06) 377 1379
Mentor guide
This guide is a helpful reference point for mentors assisting learner drivers through the Community Driver Mentor Programme (CDMP). It outlines some of the common areas where students can lose marks during their restricted licence test, helping mentors focus on key skills and safe driving habits.
Common areas to focus on:
- Stop signs: Come to a complete stop and pause for 2–3 seconds before moving off.
- Speed: Stay within the speed limit and drive to the conditions. Driving too fast or too slowly can both be marked as errors.
- Urban driving: In 50km/h areas, speed should suit the road. Wider, quieter streets may allow around 45km/h, while busier or narrower streets may require less.
- Open roads: In safe conditions with light traffic, speeds should be close to the posted limit.
- Blind spot checks: Shoulder checks are essential. Always check:
- Left shoulder before every left turn
- Right shoulder when pulling away from the curb
- Right shoulder when merging or entering a right-turn lane
- Vehicle positioning: Keep left of the centre line on unmarked roads and avoid cutting corners when turning.
- Right turns: Position the vehicle close to the centre line, but do not cross over it before turning.
- Railway crossings: Slow down, look both ways, and physically turn your head before crossing.
- Gap selection: At intersections, learners should scan carefully and choose safe gaps in traffic without unnecessary delay.
- Reverse parallel parking: Slow, controlled movements work best. Encourage regular mirror checks and looking over the shoulder.
- Following distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, especially on the highway.
- Mirror checks: Check mirrors regularly, especially after intersections and while driving on open roads.
Regular practice of these habits can make a big difference on test day.
Useful videos and visual tips are available below.
For anything further, please get in touch.
