A small group of prisoners from Roebourne Work Camp now have a WA Driver's License, thanks to a new program.
In collaboration with the Red Dirt Drivers Academy and Pilbara Community Services Ltd, the Department is allowing select minimum security prisoners to participate in a seven week driving course while in custody.
Four men, including one who was recently released, are the first to pass their practical driving test and be awarded their licenses, with two more following closely in their tracks.
"A major hurdle for ex-offenders living in remote areas of WA is getting access to driving instructors and lessons," said Superintendent Neville Wall.
"It can also be an expensive process, which means for many of the people who leave prison it's often out of reach."
Transport options are limited for those living in remote communities and without a driver's license ex-offenders can struggle to gain employment and ultimately break the cycle of disadvantage and criminal behaviour.
"To help with combatting this, we have recently commenced driving lessons as a part of Section 95 activities," said Superintendent Wall.
"We hope that we will soon be able to expand this opportunity to Section 95 women as well."
