Driver Licensing & Volunteer Programme

Our Driver Licensing & Volunteer Programme helps people overcome the barriers to getting their driver licence.

We provide practical support at no cost to participants who are willing to give back to the community through volunteer work.

We can help with:

Three-day Learner Licence Theory Courses
Learner, Restricted and Full licence test fees
Professional driving lessons with Thames Driver Training
Two hours of mentored driving practice each week for up to 12 weeks in the Centre's vehicle
Defensive Driving courses for those working towards their Full licence
Assistance obtaining the ID or birth certificate needed to sit your Learner test

All of this is provided at no cost to participants who give back to the community through volunteer work.

The amount of volunteer work depends on the level of support you receive, for example:

Learners

12Volunteer Hours

Three day Learner Licence Theory Course & Test Fee

Restricted

30Volunteer Hours

Mentored Restricted Licence Programme (including lessons, practice drives and test fee)

Full

14Volunteer Hours

Defensive Driving Course (4 evening classes +1 practical drive) & Full Licence Test Fee

birth certificates

2Volunteer Hours

ID or Birth Certificate Assistance

We can help arrange volunteer placements, either working here at the Thames Community Centre or with other local organisations, including schools, early childhood centres, marae, community gardens, and many other community groups.

If you're already volunteering, those hours may also count, provided they can be verified.

Participants in our Mentored Restricted Licence Programme usually sit their Restricted Licence test in the Centre's automatic vehicle, generously provided on loan by Thames Valley Toyota.

Volunteer Driving Mentors

Our Driver Mentoring Programme is only possible because of the incredible generosity of our volunteer driving mentors.

Our mentors give their time to support learner drivers by providing two one-hour driving practice sessions each week in the Thames Community Centre's vehicle.

Over approximately 12 weeks, mentors help participants build the skills, confidence, and experience they need to work towards their Restricted and, eventually, Full Licence.By sharing their knowledge and encouragement, our volunteer mentors make a lasting difference in people's lives and help create safer, more confident drivers in our community.

If you'd like to become a volunteer driving mentor or learn more about the programme, we'd love to hear from you.

Meet Our TCC Volunteer Driving Mentors

Current Driving Mentor, Jan McKerras shares:

"It’s good seeing change and skills being implemented.

Knowing you are helping to set up independence and jobs.

It is so wonderful to be involved, it can be a bit nerve wracking when we first start the practices but so worthwhile."

Current Driving Mentor, Peter Birch shares:

"The experience has been very satisfying.

I got to know the drivers pretty well, and it was so good to see them increasing in confidence and driving capability.

I became a mentor to give something back to the wonderful Thames community that has been so welcoming to my wife and me since we moved here about two years ago.

I think the programme works well. It is a commitment, but it is both enjoyable and satisfying to see the pupils through. You can also be assured that if and when you need to miss a session or two, there are others who can stand in for you."

We asked past mentor Colleen , what would you say to others thinking about being involved?

"It's incredibly rewarding. It's only a couple of hours a week, so it's not a big commitment, but it makes a real difference. Helping someone gain their driver licence removes barriers to employment and gives them greater independence.

I've enjoyed getting to know the young people I mentor. Spending time with them while practising driving has kept me connected with an age group I might not otherwise have the opportunity to spend time with.

Every student I've worked with has been eager to learn and has made great progress. Volunteering as a mentor has given me a meaningful way to give back to the community, meet new people, and know that I'm helping someone achieve an important life goal."