Behind the wheel and over the moon

Lillian was “lost for words” when she passed her restricted licence yesterday.

A Leithfield Beach resident, the year 12 Rangiora High School student has been part of Hurunui District Council’s Driver Mentor Programme since mid year, receiving weekly driving lessons from local mentors Eddie Worsnop and Emma Feathery.

When she achieved her learner licence earlier this year, she was unsure how she was going to learn to drive, as at the time there was no family car.

“This Programme has been really good, it’s been great to be able to connect with people who are willing to help me go through the process to get my licence.,” said Lillian.

Admittedly she was really nervous leading up to sitting her restricted licence, which was done in Rangiora, but she believed in herself and had the confidence that her mentors believed in her.

Lillian encourages anyone in a similar position to join the Programme, she said there are always people who are willing to help.

“It was a great feeling. And dad is over the moon, he’s been telling all his friends.”

Her dad saw the advertisement in a local publication for the Council’s Programme, which is dedicated to anyone in the District who has barriers to gaining a driver licence.

Lillian has driven to school this week, and will use the family car to drive to work on Saturdays and visit family in Christchurch.

To learn more about the Driver Mentor Programme, please visit https://www.hurunui.govt.nz/community/driver-mento...