Sabah’s inspiring journey of overcoming adversity by learning to drive

When Sabah was looking for driving assistance, she turned to Bamara for help. What she found was the pathway to a new future.  

Sabah connected with Bamara through the Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP), delivered in Dubbo. DLAP is a free program providing support to people in NSW who face extra challenges in getting a licence. Sabah was facing her fair share of struggles but was extremely focused on learning to drive and creating her own opportunities.  

“When I first moved to Dubbo, I was homeless, no licence and limited English,” said Sabah.

When Sabah began working with the DLAP team, her big motivation behind getting a licence was to be more independent and find a job and somewhere to call home.  

Initially, Sabah struggled to book lessons over the phone while still learning English, so the team at DLAP invited her into the office to make the process as simple as possible. Everyone in the team was more than happy to assist, Driving Instructors and Support Mentors included.  

“We utilised SMS messages so Sabah could communicate with less stress,” said Adeline, DLAP Coordinator.

Sabah was assisted with driving lessons, coaching, paperwork and testing for her licence. She worked with the whole driving team, who accessed the program’s resources to provide driving lessons and cover the driving test itself, as well as practical and emotional support to help lighten Sabah’s load.  

All this hard work paid off, with Sabah passing her driving test in June this year.  

“Bamara helped me with so many driving lessons, and they were always patient with me,” said Sabah.“

They continued to work with me to achieve my goal in June.”

Since connecting with DLAP, Sabah has been hard at work. Starting a customer service role in May, Sabah now has no trouble getting to and from work with her new driving skills.  

Amongst this busyness, Sabah has also committed to completing a Certificate III in Community Services, a pathway that will help her work towards her dream job.  

“Everyone at Bamara is extremely proud of Sabah for achieving her licence,” said Adeline.

“The fact that Sabah obtained her licence through our DLAP program is such an amazing thing.”

With stable work, accommodation and career plans, Sabah has been able to flourish since achieving her licence. DLAP could not be more pleased with the life Sabah has created for herself, and we wish her all the best as she continues into a brighter future.