Richard has an aerospace background and is currently a systems engineer with SYPAQ who make cardboard drones. He has been a volunteer mentor since 2016, which means he is approaching 9 years in the L2P program. He had returned to Australia from New Zealand and couldn’t find work. The fact that he was going through a divorce as well didn’t help his frame of mind. He remembered the words of his mother who said that if you are having issues like this, volunteering is a good way to take your mind off things.
Richard and his learner George are participating in the Banyule TAC L2P Program.
He remembered being in Greensborough Plaza and saw a poster advertising the L2P program and, thinking of his mother’s words, decided to find out more. Within a short time, he had been accepted as a volunteer mentor.
The environment of the L2P program was beneficial for his state of mind. He was joining a group of volunteers who were very keen and supportive. Not only that, but the learner drivers were supportive as well. ‘Once the driver has learned the mechanics of driving, then what you are basically doing is talking, sharing common interests, and getting to know one another.’
When Richard first meets his student, he admitted that ‘there are a few nerves’, but he reassures them that passing the test is not the focus. The focus is how to drive a car and be safe. This includes things like driving at night, driving when you are tired, navigating while driving, and so on.
Richard and his learner George participating in the Banyule TAC L2P Program.
Richard enjoyed meeting George, and the fact that Richard had been in the Airforce while George and his family were in the ADF gave them something to compare notes on. In addition to that, Richard’s son goes to the same martial arts venue as George, where the two had already met.
The aspect Richard enjoys most about the program is the transition. What he means by this is that you start off feeling a little nervous in each other’s company as strangers, but by the time you have been in a hundred driving sessions and the learner gets their licence, you have become good friends and share the joy of the success. So far, Richard has a 100% success rate.
Richard has these words for anyone considering volunteering for the program: ‘It’s not much effort really for a big return.’ He is horrified about the number of people who die on the roads and feels he is doing his bit to try and reduce that. Richard derives a strong sense of achievement with the thought that there will be another good driver on the road after the learner has completed the L2P program.