Shanisha’s driving journey from learner to licensed

Shanisha was ready to hit the open road the moment she turned 16 – and Bamara have been with her on that journey ever since. 

Shanisha first came to us in June 2024, eager to take on her Learners test and begin her driving journey with the Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP). With the support of our dedicated Driving Mentors, she quickly got stuck into learning the road rules, building her knowledge, and preparing for the challenges ahead. 

By July 2024, she successfully passed the Driver Knowledge Test and received her L Plates. 

Once her Ls were out of the way, it was time to take the wheel for real. 

Getting behind the wheel for the first time can be a daunting experience – and the way Shanisha recalls it, she was terrified.  

While the thought of controlling a car and navigating traffic felt overwhelming at first, with encouragement and patient guidance from her Driving Mentor, those nerves slowly began to fade.

Lesson by lesson, Shanisha’s confidence grew, and what once felt impossible soon started to feel achievable. 

Like with any new skill, practice makes perfect – and before long, the maneuvers that once intimidated Shanisha became easier to handle. Each drive brought new confidence, new skills, and a growing belief in herself. 

Once she had built her hours up, in January 2026, Shanisha was ready to sit her final test. On the day, while excited to finally get the test out of the way, she was understandably nervous. 

Thankfully, her Driving Mentor was there every step of the way, offering reassurance, steady encouragement, and calming guidance to help Shanisha manage her nerves and stay focused on the task ahead. 

Shanisha was so excited when the examiner said she’d passed, she half-thought they were joking. 

To celebrate this incredible milestone, Shanisha took her own car out for a drive on her own for the very first time, a moment marking not just her independence on the road, but the confidence she’d gained along the way. 

Reflecting on her time with DLAP, Shanisha shared gratitude to her driver mentor for not only providing the necessary guidance she needed, but for making the experience fun and enjoyable along the way. 

“My journey was extremely fun. I had some great conversations with my mentor, we were always cracking jokes. He was always there to calm me down and remind me to breathe,” Shanisha said. 

We’ve loved seeing Shanisha’s persistence pay off, and we’re proud to have supported her along the way. 

Connect with our Driver Licensing Access Program team

The Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP) delivered across Dubbo and Moree is a free program funded by Transport for NSW, developed for people and community groups facing difficulties getting a licence due to employment, education, family, training, or lack of support.

Our experienced instructors and mentors take pride in knowing we’ll be there for you every step of the way on your driving journey.