06 June 2008

Australian visa holders to benefit from driving training

People engaging in immigration to Australia will be able to enhance their driving skills with a new programme, reports the Geelong Advertiser. People entering the country on an Australian visa may take a while to understand the different driving system, meaning they need extra tuition.

A charity-based group has launched the Driving Practice Program, under which voluntary instructors will complete a short course and then train new or inexperienced drivers, who are Australian visa holders. Paulino Jouth, the Diversitat project officer, told the newspaper the new scheme will "support and give greater opportunity" to those engaged in Australian immigration.

Ali Heydari, a voluntary instructor, said he felt he wanted to "return the good work" that many people offered him when he became an Australian visa holder. Laurie Ferguson, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services recently said social cohesion is essential to a successful immigration to Australia, with driving potentially being part of this. Local funding has enabled the project to go ahead.

Australia needs skilled workers: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.