Our Mission

Making our roads safer, our families mobile and our youth employable; a driving licence makes a difference. Transforming Lives.

Services

Our Restricted Licence and Full Licence programmes at The Salvation Army Driver Programmes offer mentorship and professional training to individuals. We strive to create a supportive environment that facilitates effective learning and skill development for safe driving and test readiness.

Legacy

The Salvation Army’s Driving Training Programmes began in 2014 with the support of Waka Kotahi to rollout the Community Driver Mentor Programme pilot from the Aranui Corps in Christchurch. Due to the success of the programme within Christchurch, the programmes have since expanded to cover rural locations through Canterbury and the West Coast, offering various initiatives tailored to the target community, with specific frameworks to suit their needs. The programme may have only started as a pilot with 1 person and 1 car. But now we have expanded to a fleet of 20 cars, a team of 15 staff and over 100 mentors.

Community Driver Mentor Programme (CDMP): Up to a 12-week programme. (Free Service)

The Community Driver Mentor Programme is a life-changing initiative that empowers individuals without access to an eligible full licenced supervisor, or a warranted, registered vehicle obtaining their driver’s licence. Our community-based programme pairs learner drivers with caring and dedicated volunteer mentors, who provide free driving sessions and unwavering support to help them achieve their goals.

Timatanga Hou: Up to a 24-week programme. (Free Service)

Our mission is to empower former refugees through comprehensive driver education, enabling them to achieve their driving goals and enhance their overall quality of life. The programme is completely free and designed to assist learners in obtaining their restricted or full driver’s licence, fostering greater independence, confidence, and success.

Partnering with Whānau: Up to a 12-week programme. (Free Service)

Partnering with Whānau provides tailored support for both Full Licenced family members (Mum/Dad/Aunty/Grandma, etc.) and learner drivers. Our professional instructors and coordinators are here to guide you through our specialised programme framework. Learning to drive can be a demanding experience, and that’s why we believe the engagement and backing of Whānau members are crucial. At The Salvation Army Driver Programmes, we’ve developed this programme with a focus on encouraging Whānau participation and creating a supportive environment for everyone involved.

Youth Driver Mentor Programme (YDMP): Up to a 12-week programme. (Free Service)

Introducing the Youth Driver Mentor Programme, a transformative initiative tailored for high school students. This life-changing programme empowers individuals who lack access to an eligible full licensed supervisor or a warranted, registered vehicle, enabling them to obtain their driver’s licence. Operated within high school communities, our programme pairs learner drivers with skilled and dedicated volunteer mentors who with support from professional Driving Instructor’s, provide free driving sessions. This programme is designed to give learners experience on the road that will help support them being a safe driver and pass the test first time.

Fast Track to Full Licence (FTF): a 6 to 8-week programme. (Free Service)

The Fast Track to Full Driver Licence programme is a tailored programme is designed to help you if you cannot afford Professional Instructor lessons to build the skills and confidence you need to ace your full licence test. Our experienced driving instructors will work with you one-on-one, providing personalised training to help you become a safe and responsible driver.

Timatanga Hou: Up to a 24-week programme. (Free Service)

Our mission is to empower former refugees through comprehensive driver education, enabling them to achieve their driving goals and enhance their overall quality of life. The programme is completely free and designed to assist learners in obtaining their restricted or full driver’s licence, fostering greater independence, confidence, and success.