Homebase
Homebase’s Driver Licensing Access Program: A Licence Can Change a Life
A driver’s licence is something many of us take for granted. But for young people and families in regional communities, where distances are long and public transport is limited, it can be life-changing.
Sarah Little, Programs Manager at Homebase Youth Services, says, “There are really no reliable public transport options for people in these regional communities. A driver’s licence is essential for people to be able to access work and education opportunities as well as to meet basic needs like attending appointments, getting groceries or driving children to school or daycare. The social side is so important as well: being able to connect with and visit family and friends. The independence that comes with having a licence is huge.”
Homebase’s Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP) supports people on the NSW Mid North Coast and in the Illawarra who face barriers to gaining or regaining their licence.
Sarah says, “Barriers can include not having identification documents, reading and comprehension difficulties, limited access to computers, a lack of access to a car or licensed driver, fuel costs, health challenges, anxiety and a lack of support or encouragement from family and community.”
From helping people get their Ls through to obtaining a full licence, Homebase’s DLAP supports participants every step of the way. This includes assistance with identification and licence applications, access to the Driver Knowledge Test, professional driving lessons, supervised driving hours with volunteer mentors and access to a roadworthy vehicle to build confidence behind the wheel.
Jalarn’s story shows how gaining a licence can remove a practical barrier and become part of a much bigger pathway towards independence, education and employment.
“The confidence people get from achieving even their learners is huge and it only grows as they get better and more skilled at driving.”
Sarah Little, Homebase Programs Manager
The feedback from students and teachers says it all:
“I love doing this.”
“I’ve never seen them engage so well.”
“Can we do this again?”
“It’s so great to see the boys involved.”
Jalarn’s Story
When Jalarn first accessed support through Homebase in Year 10 at Taree High School, he had a clear goal of working in the construction industry. Living in out-of-home care and with cerebral palsy, he had already encountered limiting assumptions about what he would be able to achieve in his chosen career.
One of Jalarn’s first goals was gaining his learner licence. Homebase worked alongside him to navigate the documentation requirements and make sure he had everything he needed to sit his test. Jalarn successfully gained his learner licence – an important step towards greater independence and one less barrier between him and the education and employment opportunities he wanted to pursue.
As Jalarn continued working towards a future in construction, Homebase also helped him secure a week of work experience with a local timber yard. He excelled in the placement, earning positive feedback for his enthusiasm, willingness to learn and strong work ethic.
Jalarn reflected that he was proud to have challenged the assumptions that had initially been placed around what he could achieve.
A Community Effort
DLAP continued to grow in FY26, with Homebase expanding the program into the Illawarra. The expansion has been supported by the program’s volunteers, community partnerships and local connections.
Sarah says, “Our volunteer driving mentors do amazing work and generously share their time and knowledge. They are a key part of the running and success of the program. We wouldn’t be able to support as many participants as we do without their dedication.”
The DLAP team also attends school and community events, working alongside local organisations and services to share road safety knowledge and connect with people who may need support to gain their licence.
“It’s about connecting with people beyond just our participants – we want to reach young people who may be thinking about getting their licence soon to share our knowledge and skills about becoming a safe road user,” Sarah says.
Those community connections are helping DLAP reach more people across both regions and build the network of support that makes the program possible.
“DLAP gives countless people of all ages and backgrounds not just access to a licence, but all the opportunities that come along with it.Being able to support people to achieve their goals is so rewarding.”
Sarah Little, Homebase Programs Manager
