The Shire of East Pilbara is located in the Pilbara region covering the towns of Newman, Nullagine, and Marble Bar to Cape Keraudren and is the largest local government area in Australia. The RYDE program is centered in Newman, however can be accessed in Newman for Nullagine and Marble Bar residences.
What is RYDE?
The Newman RYDE Program provides young people 16-25y the opportunity to complete their 50 hours of supervised driving and provides access to a suitable vehicle, a licensed supervisor and access to affordable driving lessons. (See eligibility).
The RYDE Program utilises volunteers within the community who are inducted into the program as Driving Mentors and assist in driving education and supervision for learn drivers. Volunteering with the Newman RYDE program as a Driving Mentor will offer a rewarding experience through sharing real- world life skills which serve to assist young people within our community. It is not a driving lesson and RYDE is not a driving school.
Sessions are booked online by participants who select a volunteer mentor and the auto vehicle to practice in, at a time that suits them best.
Are you eligible?
- Live, study or work in the Shire of East Pilbara16 to 25 years old
- Have a learners permit
- Don’t have access to a road worthy vehicle
- Don’t have someone with a valid license and 4 years’ driving experience to supervise you.
How do I access the program?
If you are having trouble getting your 50 log book hours contact a RYDE provider and make an appointment to meet with a support worker.
RYDE Providers are local organisations that can assess and sign up learner drivers to the program. Only a RYDE Provider can set you up as a participant of the program. They will support you through the online booking and payment process, as well as offer assistance along the way. They can also help to arrange a driving assessment with our partnered driving school to check if you ensure that you don’t need extra formal lessons with a driving school before you begin with the RYDE Program.
How much does it cost?
Participants are required to have an assessment with a driving school. There may be a cost to completing the assessment with the individual driving school. The Shire of East Pilbara have partnered with Bloodwood Tree to provide a low cost option to completing the assessment.
After the RYDE assessment, learner drivers are required to pay a small fee of $2.50 per 90 minute session. This fee is paid via the online booking process. The RYDE Provider can help to explain this part of the process.
Where will RYDE driving sessions take place?
Sessions start and finish at Newman Youth Centre. The session will take place around Newman town site.