Getting your Driver’s Licence is an important and thrilling milestone in life. As one builds up to that next level of independence, the anticipation of freedom can manifest an energy of its own — and if you have the necessary supports in place — learning to drive can be a rewarding experience.
But what happens when a young person does not have the resources or support to learn, practice and gain the technical skills required to pass their driver’s test?
The Construction Foundation’s SHIFT Driver Training Fund aims to reduce barriers for youth looking to successfully train for and obtain their driver’s licence. The Fund provides grants to youth from care or those who are classified as at-risk gain access to ICBC recognized driver training. Since its launch, the Fund has awarded over 70 grants to support young people as they build the foundations for an empowered future.
Angela, a recent SHIFT Driver Training Fund recipient had been in care since the age of 16 and described the driver training grant as life changing. Angela spoke about the excitement of having an instructor with her to celebrate passing her Novice test on her first try. “She told me she was proud of me,” shared Angela. “I didn’t realize how rewarding this experience was going to be for me.”
The benefit of a driver’s licence to a young person who relies on themselves can be monumental — to have the independence to get around and do what they need to do without depending on anyone else is transformative. From tasks as small as grocery shopping to getting to and from work, having a licence to drive, can make a big impact in someone’s life.
Additionally, safety is a key concern for a young person. Finding a trustworthy adult to provide effective driving lessons can be difficult if you are on your own. As a young woman living alone, Angela shared how being able to drive herself home after a shift at work has greatly impacted her sense of personal safety.
Having a driver’s licence provides confidence and freedom in addition to independence and safety. For young people who are on their own, a driver’s licence can open new doors to becoming self-sufficient, providing for themselves when needed.
Our SHIFT Driver Training Fund is actively raising funds to support more young people this holiday season. We would like to invite everyone to consider adding the SHIFT Driver Training Fund to their giving lists this year to help us reduce barriers and connect youth at risk with the tools and training needed to be successful in life.
To donate to the fund: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/35760
To apply for funding: https://www.constructionfoundation.ca/the-shift-training-fund/
