The Building and Construction Industry Training Council (BCITO) says secondary students in the Gateway trades programme can now get their driver’s licence tests for free.
Here’s how the free driver’s licence test works:
- Participating schools must book the driving tests on behalf of their Gateway students and cover the upfront cost.
- BCITO will then reimburse the schools for the test fees.
- Students are eligible for one test per year.
Each year, students can get one free shot at any stage of their Class One driver’s licence application, including restricted or full licence.
BCITO Director Greg Durkin stated that the programme aims to help young people find jobs.
“A valid driver’s licence is increasingly essential for securing apprenticeships in the building and construction industry, enabling workers to get to and from their job sites easily, and make pick-ups and deliveries when needed,” Durkin said.
“However, the current environment is making it tougher for young people to afford some of those incidental costs, which is why we are financially assisting students with driver’s licence testing.”
About the BCITO Gateway Programme
The Gateway programme, a government initiative, is administered by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), which oversees building and construction apprenticeships throughout the country.
Schools can offer the programme to students by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BCITO. Courses are available in a variety of trades, including carpentry, concrete work, plastering, and painting.
According to records, a total of 564 students participated in the programme in 2024.