STRUGGLING to get your licence?
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Non-for-profit organisation Birrang is hosting a five week driving program at Joblink Plus Lithgow to help disadvantaged people get behind the wheel.
But they're in need of numbers.
Learner driver instructor and facilitator Brett Naden said in the first week of the program 17 people had signed up already.
"Most of those already have their learners [licence] so we're doing driving lessons for them but we really need more people to attend and get their learners so we can keep coming back to Lithgow," he said.
Mr Naden said disadvantaged people including the Indigenous and people on welfare were welcome to come along to classes.
"Our aim is to help these people get their licences and get them more employable and be able to travel around - have that independence," he said.
There is no cost involved and if anyone has outstanding fines, there was a way around it, Mr Naden said.
"People think if they've got outstanding fines they can't join the class but we put them on what's called a Working Development Order, this means by them coming into class they actually get money paid off their fine," he said.
He encouraged those who need it, to join the program.
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"Don't be nervous, it's not like a traditional classroom, we use computers, laptops and things which help go through our road rules," he said.
Mr Naden said the aim of the program was to not only get people their licences but make them safe drivers as well.
"We teach them to obey road rules, know how to drive to the conditions. It's all about safer driving so they don't kill themselves or anyone else for that matter."
Last year Mr Naden said Birrang helped close to 600 people get their licence, a feeling he said was very rewarding.
"To help people get their licenses and you see the big smile on their face and everything, it's fantastic. It's really good," he said.
Mr Naden also thanked Joblink Plus Lithgow for supporting the program.
Classes
Birrang's classes run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am-1pm and driving lessons are carried out in the afternoons.
"We're all qualified driving instructors, each hour with us if you're under 25, is worth three hours," Mr Naden said.
To get involved contact Brett on 0427 300 606 or drop into the Joblink Plus building.