The Deniliquin Driver Education Program for 2024 finished on Friday after a great week-long experience for Deniliquin High School’s Year 10 students.
One of the many activities throughout the week included the practical learning sessions at the Deniliquin Sporting Car Club on Racecourse Rd.
The students were split into three groups, with each getting a day to do the practical driving between Wednesday and Friday last week.
The Pastoral Times visited the Car Club to see the Driver Education in-action on Friday.
Car Club member Gavan Nolan said while the sun was out, it was not as warm as in previous years.
This year’s class of young drivers were eager to learn, Mr Nolan said.
“This lot has been fantastic on the whole, and really keen to learn.
“Sometimes you get a few kids who have been farm drivers and think they know everything and have a bit of attitude.
“But this group had none of that.”
Mr Nolan said the day involved three different practical sessions, with a session of theory in the morning led by Brian Purtill from Deni Driver Training before sessions on the track with volunteer driving guides, including street course, dirt track driving and experiencing ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System).
“They learn how it feels, and so when they need it in that situation they know how it (ABS) feels and how to judge that distance.
“A lot of the kids start slow, but they pick up the speed and their confidence comes along, and they’re encouraged to here as this is the place to learn and that is the way they learn more.”
Student Samara Watson said she had been enjoying the driving experience.
“It’s been good. It’s scary at first, and I haven’t driven a manual before, but I didn’t stall - so the teachers have been doing their jobs well.
Fellow student Grace McCalman said the driving experience had made a big impact.
“We’ve been learning lots on the road.
“It’s warm, but what we’re learning is critical as it could be life-saving.”
Deniliquin Driver Education Program Committee member Jenny Fellows said none of last week’s activities would have happened without the volunteers who made the week possible.
“Thanks to all the volunteers who have taken their time off to be involved, and thanks for all their continuous support, helping the program run for the last 19 years - 15 years in this current format.
“Also, thanks to their individual employers for allowing them to take time off.
“It shows that all these community members care so much about these young drivers, I think that’s pretty special.
“Thanks to the many volunteers at the Deniliquin Car Club, including Frida and Gavan Nolan for their involvement, including running the canteen for the three days, and all the effort with the cars.
“Thanks also to Brian Purtill for his help throughout the entire week, Paul Fellows who helped educate about fatigue and careers in the transport industry, All Stars, All Terrain, Service NSW and the car club volunteers Neil Buckley, Jen Choice, Robert Farrell, Sam Fellows, Rod Fox, Trish Hebbard, Elaine Russell, Norm Purtill, John Tuschuizen, Daryl Whateley and Lee Pattinson.
“For the mock crash, we thank our emergency services (Deniliquin Police, Fire brigade, Volunteer Rescue, Hospital) and Chris Warren from the Crash Investigation Unit.
“The Steering the Future group, First aid and Maritime New South Wales members also travelled so far and gave their time.
“We must also thank the very special and dedicated committee, many of whom give up their whole week and were involved in presentations.”
“It is a testament to everyone’s effort, so I have immense gratitude for the people that travelled so far and gave their time to be involved in the week.”