Students on track to licence with help from RACQ

The ARTIE Academy Driver Licensing Program, which is supported by RACQ, assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, who are achieving attendance, behavioural and performance targets, to complete their required 100 hours of supervised driving.

ARTIE Academy Drivers Licence Program Coordinator Georgia Clark said students from Beenleigh, Marsden and Redbank Plains State High Schools (SHS) participated in driving training with a mentor around the Mobility Centre’s circuit and also received vehicle maintenance tips from an RACQ mechanic.

“Students learned about road safety, reaction times, how to perform safety checks on their car, and  what to do if they get a flat tyre or lock their keys in the car. This was all very helpful information for the students,” she said.

Beenleigh SHS student Tim Avery described the experience as “fantastic”.

“I’ve been learning to drive for a few months and this day has been a really good experience. I found the road safety information about reaction times and stop times the most valuable, as that could save lives when you’re driving,” he said.

“The ARTIE Academy Drivers Licence Program has really helped me and my family, as I gain my 100 hours of driving experience.

“The thing I’m looking forward to about getting my licence is the freedom and the ability to help my mates and my family.”

RACQ’s Jayne Williams said reducing the road toll was incredibly important to RACQ and through the sponsorship of the ARTIE Academy Drivers Licence Program students became safer and more competent drivers.

“Completing 100 hours of supervised driving can sometimes be challenging for students and this day at our Mobility Centre allowed students to practice necessary driving skills in a safe, real-world environment,” Ms Williams said.

“We’re proud to support these students to get the best start when driving and wish them luck in gaining their licence.”