THE ACT government has launched a new learner driver first-aid program. 

Inspired by lobbying from the 2022 ACT and Australian of the Year, Val Dempsey, the government says that from Wednesday, Canberrans learning to drive will have an opportunity to obtain basic lifesaving first-aid skills and claim five hours credit against their required driving hours.

“This initiative, through St John Ambulance ACT, is supporting learner drivers in developing first-aid skills, so they may be prepared to step forward with capabilities, competencies and knowledge, to save a life in the event of an emergency, particularly in road safety,” Ms Dempsey, a life-long advocate for first aid, said.

The ACT government said the first people on the scene of a collision were often other drivers, so ensuring more drivers had a basic understanding of first aid could make a big difference to those involved in the crash.

The program wouldn’t just provide the skills that could save a life, it was a reminder to the next generation of drivers of the serious consequences that crashes have.

Eligible drivers must have held a learner licence for at least three months before completing any one of the approved courses.

From Wednesday, there will be eight approved courses available, delivered either online, face-to-face or a combination of both. The time commitment and cost requirements for each course varied depending on the type and depth of content delivered.