First Peoples Access and Inclusion Project
The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP)
Who funded the project
Having a Driver Licence is a critical enabler of social and economic participation, particularly for young people in areas with limited alternative transport options such as outer metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote locations. First Peoples youth, however, often experience barriers to obtaining their Learner Permit, including a lack of culturally appropriate learning resources, limited access to technology required to engage with resources, and difficulty accessing local support services. Furthermore, while the Learner Permit Test online (LPTO) modules and the Road to Solo Driving handbook provide valuable information, the content is not accessible to all learners.
Therefore, DTP engaged Karabena Consulting (Karabena) to develop a dedicated facilitator-led course designed to bridge these gaps. Through engaging and culturally safe resources, the course’s purpose is to support First Peoples youth to understand the knowledge required to pass the LPTO in a safe and inclusive environment. In turn, DTP aims to enable access to a Driver Licence for all First Peoples youth, increasing their independence and options to pursue employment, education, and training opportunities.
To achieve these aims, Karabena undertook a desktop review to determine the key features required in the draft course. The findings and recommendations from the review were used to draft the course, which includes:
A resource and course overview
A facilitator resource pack
A student resource booklet
A slide deck to guide activities
Summary
The main aim of the project was to develop a culturally safe, accessible, and scalable course that supports First Peoples learners to successfully engage with the LPTO.
To achieve this objective, Karabena was tasked with drafting an inclusive facilitator-led resource package with interactive, culturally relevant activities and learner support tools. At the same time, it was necessary for the resources to:
complement existing resources
strengthen pathways to obtaining a learner permit
improve safe driving knowledge, and
contribute to greater independence, education, and employment opportunities for First Peoples youth.
Project Aims
To achieve the project’s objectives, Karabena:
Undertook a desktop review of existing pre-learner driver education programs, online tools, and support services relevant to preparing for the learner permit. This included programs developed for First People youth across other jurisdictions. Furthermore, Karabena reviewed the current policy context to ensure the new resource aligns with relevant policy and reform initiatives. The findings and recommendations from this review were applied to the design of the resource.
Drafted the Facilitator Resource Pack containing:
Resource overview - context, purpose, intended outcomes, and alignment with broader licensing objectives.
Course overview - structured outline of the course, including sequencing, timing, and delivery guidance
Learning modules - detailed outline of each module with learning objectives, slide deck, and learning activities
Facilitation guidance - instructions on embedding culturally safe practice, differentiating for learner needs, and building engagement.
Drafted the Student Resource Booklet containing:
Accessible and engaging activities, using plain language and culturally safe activities
Practice activities and exercises to explore key LPTO content
Scenario-based questions and sample tests
Culturally relevant materials that reflects First Peoples’ perspectives, values, and lived experiences
Methodologies
Outputs
The key output from this project was the draft course resource pack with materials for both facilitator audiences and student audiences.
The DTP is now seeking to engage a Victorian-based First Peoples graphic designer and/or artist to include culturally safe and inclusive visual and multimedia design elements in the slide deck, student workbook, and facilitator pack. It is anticipated that this will include representation of First Peoples youth and community members in relevant images and videos.
After these design elements are complete, DTP intends to undertake a testing and piloting phase of the course with First Peoples youth and community members to ensure it is appropriate, responsive, and effective.
Project Outcomes
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#LearnerPermit
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#Access
#Inclusion
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