Funding to support student driving program

A GRANT from Study Melbourne’s inclusion program will support Federation University in developing an International Student Driving Program.

The $30,000 grant aims to help international students build confidence and is the only Study Melbourne inclusion program funding awarded to a university this year.

The program will include structured driving experience for students who hold an international driving license but lack confidence on Australian roads.

In a survey conducted by the university, 180 international students expressed interest in the initiative and more than 50 per cent said they have low driving confidence.

University counsellors have also reported increases in driving related anxiety and accidents, impacting students’ work and social lives.

Social work student Zhou Peng, who is from China, hasn’t driven for many years and said this program will assist her in building confidence.

“I haven’t driven since I got my license in China more than ten years ago,” she said.

“Driving here is really different, and that makes it intimidating.

“Public transport isn’t always reliable, and not having the option to drive makes life harder.”

The program will be co-designed by final year IT and Masters of Social Work students.

To find out more about the program, visit the Federation University website.