Computer training popular with drivers

STUDY TIME: Driving instructor Rapiata Hokianga, centre, helps students Jai Narayan, right, and Leslie Green get to grips with learner licensing training on the Manukau Urban Maori Authority computers.

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A driver training programme piloted by the Manukau Urban Maori Authority is meeting unprecedented success.

Since the new theorised computer programme for learner licensing was introduced in October last year an impressive 98 percent of participants have passed, says the authority’s road safety manager Fran Hokianga.

"We were the first to set up the programme in the country and we are proud of the results so far – already 50 students who enrolled have passed their learner licences with flying colours."

Fifty-year-old father of two Jai Narayan of Papatoetoe says learning through a computer programme allowed him to monitor his own learning and development.

"Because I am a second language learner I’ve found this type of learning to be very useful because I can just concentrate on the written word and not have to think about having to speak English at the same time.

"I’m able to pace myself and take my time to understand the content.

"And when I don’t understand, the tutors were always there to help me out when I needed them."

Ms Hokianga says the new system – made compulsory by the Land Transport Safety Authority in November – has positive spin-offs for migrant groups and people who might have literacy and numeracy challenges.

"Under the old system a lot of emphasis was placed on students to verbally share their understanding of the learner licensing regulations and rules.

"That one-shoe-fits-all approach wasn’t working for many of our students who had difficulty reading, writing or even speaking English," she says.

"This new programme was developed to focus on the individual learner capabilities of the participants and I believe it’s the way to go."

Ms Hokianga believes the programme also has wider benefits.

"When you take the time to assess each student to identify where they are at with their learning and tailor a computerised programme to suit their development, I believe you are encouraging self-empowerment and ownership of the learning process.

"This can only be a good thing."

In light of the programme’s success Ms Hokianga says the authority is developing similar programmes for the restricted and the full licensing qualifications.

The authority’s road safety team is also planning to develop evidence-based research alongside the new programmes which could be up and running as early as June.

- © Fairfax NZ News