BALLARAT'S new immigrants will drive the streets with confidence after youth organisation Lead On received a $20,000 Traffic Accident Commission grant.
The grant will be used to support an eight-week program providing information and confidence so new arrivals can get their licence and become safe, responsible drivers.
Ballarat Lead On manager April Livesley-Clarke said the grant would benefit the 25 Sudanese who were on a waiting list to complete a Drive On program, which helps learner drivers get their probationary licence.
"Quite a number of new arrivals don't have experience as a passenger. It can be quite foreign," Ms Livesley-Clarke said.
"This program is preliminary to the Drive On program . . . participants will be eligible for two free professional driving lessons. The program will build on experience to get their p-plates."
Rebecca Bol is one participant who will start the program in September.
"I hope to be able to get my licence after completing the program," Ms Bol said.
Ballarat East MLA Geoff Howard said Lead On was one of the first to be funded under the TAC's $4 million community road safety program aimed at tackling road safety issues in the local community.
"Roads in Australia and the road rules can be vastly different from those experienced in other countries and some newly arrived residents may not have driven at all in their countries of origin," Mr Howard said.
"Things like the role of the police and the TAC on our roads, motor vehicle insurance, registration and where and how to apply for your licence can also be unclear."