Indigenous Driver Licensing Unit visit to Kuranda achieves 100% success rate for TRACQS participants

For many, obtaining a driver’s licence means access to better employment opportunities and the ability to travel for work. Access to vital local programs and services is essential to providing our community with safe and skilled drivers.   

Kuranda was recently visited by the Indigenous Driver Licencing Unit (IDLU), a service that provides licensing services to remote areas through a mobile driver licensing unit. This unit, run through the Queensland Government’s Indigenous Driver Licensing Program, provides access to learner driver licence testing, practical driver testing, driver licence replacements, driver licence renewals and adult proof of age cards, bringing together residents of Kuranda and the surrounding remote communities.  

In preparation for the unit’s visit, TRACQS Driving Supervisor Chris prepared participants to undergo their tests, offering practical training and mentoring ahead of the day. Participants refined essential driving skills such as reversing, parking, understanding road rules and road awareness. As required, participants completed their hazard perception test ahead of their practical driving test.  

Throughout the preparation stage, TRACQS liaised with Arnold from Ngoonbi Community Services Indigenous Corporation to ensure participants had everything they would need, including any identification, forms and information. TRACQS also worked with the team at CWA Hall Management in Kuranda to arrange the use of facilities over the two days.  

From 19-20 September 2023, 12 participants underwent their practical driving tests, and all passed, achieving a 100% success rate for TRACQS. In total, 15 licences were issued, and an additional licence was upgraded from an automatic to a manual.

Chris shared his thoughts on the visit, commenting:

“The IDLU visit went off without a hitch. The main highlight of the whole experience was watching the participants complete and pass their practical driving tests, passing an obstacle to their growth and confidence.”

TRACQS have seen a huge boost in confidence with the participants following their achievements and new ability to travel by car. This opportunity has opened the door for participants, offering them more independence and the ability to explore a range of employment opportunities now available.

Crystal, a TRACQS participant who took part in the recent IDLU visit, shared her experience:

“I am a registered participant with TRACQS Kuranda and recently completed my 100 hours of learner driver training with the TRACQS Driving Supervisor Chris Long. During this time, we fulfilled all the requirements of the Queensland Learners logbook in a less than a 4-month period. The training was comprehensive, and I have gained many safe driving habits.

I felt prepared and confident to complete my practical driving test, and completed my driving test with the Indigenous Driving Licencing Unit (IDLU) and passed without issue. I cannot recommend this driving program enough. I am very thankful to TRACQS and Chris the Driving Instructor for having the patience to teach me!”  

TRACQS is proud to support Kuranda and our wider communities in accessing opportunities that support the growth of their personal and career journeys. Congratulations to all the graduating drivers, and we look forward to our next visit from the Indigenous Driver Licensing Unit in 2024.