The Andrews Labor Government is helping more women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds learn to drive a car and gain their driver’s licence – crucial steps for many towards securing a job.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne today visited VicRoads in Carlton where 50 women are learning to drive so they can connect with the workforce, as part of the Driving to Employment program.

Research shows that one of the biggest barriers for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds toachieve meaningful work is the ability to get a driver’s licence.

The Driving to Employment program is targeted toward women over the age of 23 and provides up to 10 paid driving lessons with professional instructors.

Five participants are Afghan judges who were recently evacuated from Kabul where their safety was in immediate threat, with direct support from the International Association of Women Judges and former Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia.

Afghanistan is one of a number of countries where women are not permitted to learn to drive.

The Driving to Employment Program forms part of the Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program, funded in partnership with not-for-profit organisation WomenCAN who have developed the initiative.

The Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program provides funding and support for innovative transport services or trials and small-scale infrastructure projects, by partnering with the Government, service providers and community groups.