Why we started the cnc mentoring program

We’ve seen a growing challenge within our community: too many young people are struggling to get their driver’s licenses. The barriers are clear – a lack of support to complete the required driving hours, a lack of confidence behind the wheel, and a shortage of available lessons locally.

We believe that having a driver’s license is more than just a milestone – it’s an essential tool for independence, personal growth, and contributing to the community. That’s why we’ve created the CNC Mentoring Program - to help young people gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications they need to succeed on the road.

Our Goals:​

• Mentor and Engage – This program isn’t just about driving. It also allows time for connections and conversation. We want to engage young drivers with mentors who will not only guide them on the road but help identify other interests, needs, and opportunities for growth.

• Making Lessons Accessible – One of our key objectives is to bring formal driving lessons to the local area and simplify the process of sitting for a license test in Wodonga, making it easier for young people to navigate the system.

How the Program Works:

• Mentor Hours to Complete 120 Hours – We know that gaining the 120 hours required for the license test can be daunting, especially without a supportive environment. Our program offers mentor hours for young people to make progress toward these hours. Initially, this will be done with adult mentors. As the program grows, we will engage qualified young drivers to serve as the mentors and further strengthen not only our program but also our community.

• A Step-by-Step Process – we have been and will continue to work as hard as possible to recruit both drivers and mentors, building the hours slowly but steadily. Driving lessons will be scheduled, but there will also be informal driving time in between, creating a balanced approach to learning that allows for steady progress.

Through this program, we aim to not only help young people obtain their driver’s license but to open doors to new opportunities, build a sense of community, and support the development of valuable life skills. Join us in driving change and preparing the next generation for a successful future.