Imagine you’re 68-years-old. You don’t have your drivers licence. And you’ve never driven a car before.
But when your husband is diagnosed with dementia and can no longer drive, you’re left stranded.
This scenario isn’t made up. It’s the true story of one of hundreds of locals who have gained their licences thanks to the Beenleigh PCYC’s driving course.
Single mums, neglected teens, or anyone learning to drive – the Braking the Cycle program has helped more than 200 locals gain their licences since 2021.
Participants say learning to drive is liberating.
“I have had my licence for a few months now and it feels like I have had it for a lot longer because of this program,” Eagleby mum Marlene Graham said.
“When I was pregnant with [my son, who is turning 2 this year], I didn’t have my licence and walked everywhere.”
She said the day she went into labour, she walked home from the shops carrying bags of groceries in both hands.
“I was lucky I could walk to the shops,” she said.
“Some people can’t – they need the car.”
Perry Apted, a local retiree who volunteers to coach learning drivers at Beenleigh every week, said the program focused on safe driving and hazard perception awareness.
He first started with the program three years ago after seeing a post on Facebook calling for volunteers.
“I wanted to give back to the community,” he said.
“I used to be involved in the old Police Boys Club (PCYC now) when I was a teenager and I think it guided you what side of the fence your foot is going to go.
“Both feet went the wrong side for a little while, but people pulled me back.
“And when I saw this I thought it was something I could give back to.”
Program co-ordinator Sarah Pitt said licences were often essential to gaining employment and social inclusion.
“It is life changing,” she said.
“For single mums, it means being able to go to the shops.”
The Beenleigh team is comprised of 32 volunteers, around 80% of which are retirees.
Ms Pitt said she needed at least 10 more.
There are currently 56 participants in the program, with more than 70 people on the waitlist.
They applied for a spot in the program in June, but won’t get a lesson until this month.
Mr Apted said that with cost of lessons led by private instructors costing between $70-100, the Braking the Cycle program was desperately needed.
To volunteer, contact Ms Pitt at 0733801777.
