Uniting Dubbo’s 120 Countdown pairs up volunteers with learner drivers. Since it started in 2014 more than 50 learners have been successful in getting their p-plates.

Sabeen Abbas, who emigrated from Pakistan, said she didn’t have any confidence on the roads.

“Even just 10 minutes drive I wasn’t feeling confident about. Back in Pakistan people can cut across you, they can overtake you anytime they want without using an indicator. I was really reluctant and I didn’t want to get a ticket,” Ms Abbas said.

“This has made me more confident. I do it once a week for one hour and for the whole week I’m refreshed and feeling like I can do it.”

Muneba Zohaib has done her first hour on the road with volunteer Jack Anderson.

“He’s really patient and I feel really comfortable to sit with him and do the driving. When I go with a trainer like my husband they start shouting at me but Jack makes you feel like you are doing it right even when you are doing it wrong. He’s really helped me out,” he said.

Ms Zohaib said she currently has to rely on expensive taxis or the bus.

“If I take the bus I’m always late or I get there really early like 30 or 40 minutes before. And I have to walk to the bus by myself, it’s very tiring,” she said.

Billijo Holmes said living at Mendooran she didn’t get much of an opportunity to practice her driving. One day a week she takes the bus into Dubbo and meets up with her Uniting volunteer.

“I’ve told people ‘go look into the program because the wonderful volunteers are just wanting to help’. Some people think it’s just too good to be true but it’s not,” Ms Holmes said.

The learner driver has already done 35 out of the required 120 hours.

“I found the program by chance actually. There was a pamphlet sitting there so I think it’s meant to be. I’m really looking forward to continuing it and getting my hours up. It’s been really, really fun,” Ms Holmes said.

Volunteer Dakota Gorrie said she joined 120 Countdown about 18 months ago because she wanted to help.

“I love it. The students get in the car and they can’t stop smiling.They’re like a kid who’s had a spoonful of sugar,” she said.

Ms Gorrie said she had become like an extended member of the family with some of the students. She sad she felt very proud when she heard about one of the learners getting their p-plates on the first attempt.

Volunteers are always needed, especially in Wellington. Anyone who wishes to volunteer for 120 Countdown should call Margaret Ann Mould on 0409 316 053.