- Cook Government's Driving Access and Equity Program helps more than 2,000 people in regional and remote WA get their licence
- Program removes barriers including limited access to vehicles, instructors and documentation
- Nearly $26 million invested since 2022, delivering 32 projects with 29 partners across more than 100 locations across the State
- Cook Government improving infrastructure and services in our regional and remote communities
The Cook Government's Driving Access and Equity Program (DAEP) has reached a major milestone, helping over 2,000 people in regional and remote WA to get their driver's licence and become safer road users.
Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport Jessica Stojkovski visited Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation (NAC), which delivers the DAEP in Broome, to mark the achievement.
The DAEP tackles the challenges often faced by people living outside the metropolitan area when trying to obtain a driver's licence, including limited access to roadworthy, licensed vehicles to practice in and qualified driving supervisors and instructors.
It also provides education on road rules, assistance with identity documentation and opportunities for driving supervisors and instructors to upskill.
A driver's licence not only gets participants behind the wheel but also provides them a piece of formal identification opening the doors to opportunities including accessing housing, employment and other services.
Since launching in 2022, the State Government has delivered close to $26 million in DAEP grant funding to community-based organisations across the State to deliver the program.
DAEP is currently collaborating with 29 organisations to implement 32 projects in over 100 locations across WA.
As stated by Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport Jessica Stojkovski:
"The Driving Access and Equity Program recognises limited access to licensed driving instructors, suitable supervisors, safe vehicles for practice, and poor road safety outcomes in regional and remote areas are all closely linked.
"The DAEP is delivering life changing outcomes by creating access to employment educational opportunities and fostering the independence that a licence can offer to meet social and family responsibilities.
"In regional WA, a driver's licence unlocks so many job opportunities, helping to build stronger and more inclusive communities.
"Through a community-based and targeted approach on the ground, this program has empowered over 2,000 individuals across WA to secure their driver's licence and become safer road users. This accomplishment signifies thousands of lives positively transformed."
