The Pilbara RYDE Program is coming!

The Pilbara RYDE Program will provide young people (16-25 years) in the Karratha Region with the opportunity to complete their 50 hours of supervised driving with a volunteer driving mentor.

The Pilbara RYDE launch event will take place later in 2020 after COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.

How do I get involved?

If you want to get involved as a participant first see whether you fit the following criteria:

16-25 years old
Have your learners permit.
Do not have access to a suitable supervised driver
Do not have access to a suitable vehicle
Cannot afford private driving lessons (you may be required to supply financial evidence i.e. Centrelink Income Test)

If you fit this criteria, contact a RYDE Provider and make an appointment to meet with a support worker. Only a RYDE Provider can set you up as a participant of the program. A list of RYDE Providers is available at the top of this page.

How much does it cost?

Participants are required to cover the cost of a compulsory driving assessment with our partnered driving school before they start the RYDE program regardless of previous experience. This can only be done once you’ve met with a RYDE Provider.

The assessment costs $75 and evaluates whether participants possess skills for basic vehicle operation, an understanding of road rules and, generally do not pose a significant risk to other road users or the volunteer driving mentors who may accompany them during driving sessions.

Once you pass the assessment you can begin RYDE driving sessions at a cost of $15 for a 90 minute session. Sessions are paid for using credit codes bought through the RYDE website with Paypal, a credit card or debit card.

What will I need to bring when I sign up?

Once you’ve contacted a RYDE Provider and set up a meeting with a RYDE Support Worker you will need to take a few things with you before you can be set up as a RYDE participant. Please ensure you have the following information with you when you sign up:

Learners permit number
Mobile number
Working email address
If under 18 years some RYDE Providers will also need a completed parent/guardian consent form (check with your RYDE Support Worker)

Where will RYDE driving sessions take place?

The Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation (Across from McDonalds near the ANZ Bank) is the start and end location for each driving session. Volunteer Driving Mentors will take participants driving in the City’s suburbs and surrounding areas. The sessions are a chance to practice driving and complete the required 50 hours of supervised driving rather than being a formal lesson where you are taught new skills each time. Mentors may show you different driving skills like parking and negotiating roundabouts however their primary focus is building up participant’s confidence and hours on the road.

How do I become a volunteer driving mentor?

To be eligible to become a volunteer driving mentor you must fit the following criteria:

21 years or older
Hold a current C class drivers licence for four or more years continuously
Current Working With Children Card (or willing to obtain one)
Current National Police Check (or willing to obtain one)
Pass an Alcohol and Drug Test

Applications can be obtained from Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation

Full training is provided and associated costs covered.

Suitable applicants will be required to attend an interview then:

Complete a driving session with our partnered driving school
Complete an online induction

More information and contact

To become a RYDE Provider or Mentor Driver contact Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation at admin@rrkac.org.au or 08 9185 5005

For more information visit https://ryde.org.au/pilbara-ryde