At MaudCare, we believe meaningful support starts with understanding each person’s individual goals, strengths and aspirations. By providing practical, supportive and person-centred opportunities, participants can build confidence, develop new skills and take meaningful steps towards greater independence.
For Tommy, one of those goals has been learning to drive and working towards getting his full licence.
Driving is something Tommy has wanted to achieve for a long time. He has always believed he was capable of doing it but he also understood there would be challenges along the way. For Tommy, getting his licence isn’t simply about being able to drive a car. It represents freedom, independence and another step towards creating the future he wants for himself.
Working Towards His Goal
When Tommy spoke with his peer mentor, Matt, he explained what he had already completed and the areas where he felt he needed some additional support.
From there, Tommy and Matt began working together on his licence preparation.
Tommy continued studying both at home and at MaudCare, allowing him to regularly practise and build on what he was learning. Rather than completing the work for him, Matt supported Tommy to understand the questions so he could work through the answers himself.
Matt also helped Tommy keep track of his progress, encouraged him when things became challenging and provided a familiar and supportive environment where Tommy could ask questions without feeling rushed.
Working Through the Hiccups
One of Tommy’s biggest challenges was reading and understanding the wording of some questions, particularly those involving driving situations and road rules in Melbourne.
Instead of allowing this to become a barrier, Tommy and Matt found practical ways to work through it.
When Tommy came across a question he didn’t understand, Matt would read it aloud and explain the wording in a way that made more sense. They also spoke with people who regularly drive in Melbourne to gain a better understanding of different road situations Tommy may encounter.
Each difficult question became another opportunity to learn.
With encouragement, consistency and practical support, Tommy continued working towards his goal and became more confident in his understanding of the road rules.
More Than Just a Licence
For Tommy, being able to drive independently will open up opportunities in many different areas of his life.
One of the first places he would like to drive himself is Eastern Beach.
It might seem like a simple trip, but for Tommy, being able to get into a car, choose where he wants to go and travel there independently represents something much bigger.
It means freedom.
Having his licence will allow Tommy to explore new places, go on adventures and have greater choice over where he goes and when, without always needing to rely on somebody else for transport.
Most importantly, Tommy says being able to drive will give him another way to help his family.
Driving Towards Another Dream
Getting his licence also connects closely with another goal Tommy has been working towards his passion for car detailing.
Tommy has previously been developing his detailing skills with Matt’s support, gaining hands-on experience cleaning vehicles and learning about different products, surfaces and techniques.
His longer-term dream is to potentially turn that passion into his own car detailing business.
Having a licence would give Tommy greater flexibility and independence as he continues exploring that goal. Being able to travel independently, transport equipment and potentially reach customers would create possibilities that are much harder without access to his own transport.
In this way, two of Tommy’s goals are beginning to come together.
What started with an interest in detailing cars has developed into learning practical skills and thinking about future employment. Now, working towards his licence is another step that could help Tommy turn that interest into something even bigger.
Looking Ahead
The journey towards getting a licence isn’t always straightforward. It requires patience, learning, persistence and the confidence to keep trying when something feels difficult.
Tommy has demonstrated each of those qualities throughout the process.
For him, getting his licence isn’t just about passing a test or being able to drive.
It’s about independence, helping his family, creating employment opportunities and having the freedom to choose where the road takes him next.
At MaudCare, we’re proud to support Tommy as he continues working towards this important milestone and building the skills and confidence to achieve his goals.
And when that first independent drive to Eastern Beach eventually happens, it will represent much more than a trip across Geelong.
It will represent just how far Tommy has come.
