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 travel distances are long and public transport is limited, it can be life-changing.
Sarah Little, Programs Manager at Homebase Youth Services, says, “There are no reliable public transport options for people in our 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. In FY26, we supported 421 clients across both regions through the program.
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 or 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.
“The confidence people gain from earning their learners licence is huge. As their driving skills grow, so does their confidence, opening up new opportunities and greater independence.”
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.”
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.”
Sisters Drive Towards Independence
When sisters Lully and Nicole connected with Homebase through Strive for Success in the Illawarra, both were working towards greater stability and independence. Lully was experiencing housing instability, limited community connections and barriers to employment, while Nicole wanted to strengthen her cultural and social connections, build independent living skills and work towards education and employment.
For both sisters, gaining a driver’s licence became an important step towards those goals. Homebase supported them through the licensing process, and in April 2026, both sisters gained their provisional licences. The milestone gave them greater freedom to get to work, training and other commitments. Lully secured work with Sage Hotel while continuing her role at City Beach, as well as moving into her own housing. Nicole began hospitality training and started preparing to enter the industry.
Andrew Bailey, Lully and Nicole’s Strive for Success Job Coach, says, “For these girls and other young people facing barriers in the Illawarra, it can be difficult to get around. Accessing employment can be especially challenging without reliable transport. Having the ability to drive makes a big difference in getting to and from work and has made it much easier for Lully and Nicole to stay connected to their family and broader community across the Illawarra and beyond.”
Lully and Nicole’s story shows how gaining a licence can do much more than remove a practical barrier. It can open the door to greater independence, education, employment and a brighter future.
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.”
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
