The Nanaimo Youth Service Association was recently given a $50,000 donation from RBC to support their L2N Driving Practice Program, which provides free driver training for local youth. 

By Jordan Davidson

free driving lessons

Nanaimo Youth Services gets $50,000 boost to its youth driving program

Oct 18, 2025 | 6:05 AM

NANAIMO — More local youth will have the chance to learn the driving skills needed to get their full license thanks to a recent grant.

A $50,000 infusion from the RBC Future Launch program was recently awarded to the Nanaimo Youth Services Association (NYSA) L2N Driving Practice Program.

NYSA program director Anthony Maki said their free, one-on-one driving programs help youth overcome barriers to obtaining their full license, which can make future employment easier.

“Driving lessons are not within reach of a lot of people financially. It’s hard, you gotta cram it in and hope that you’re maybe six or ten lessons can get you the time, but if you’ve never been behind the wheel, that could be a tall order.”

Maki said around 165 young drivers have completed their program since they started in May of 2021, with a first-time road test pass rate of 80 per cent.

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In B.C., a 16-year-old can get their learners (L) permit after passing a written and vision test, with one year of driving time with a class-five license-holding supervisor at least 25 years of age and a road test, is required before being upgraded to their novice (N) licence.

After obtaining their N, a driver only needs two years’ worth of clean driving and to complete another road test before being issued their class five license.

Maki said he came up with the idea while working as a job coach at NYSA, hearing from youth who told him not having a vehicle to practice with was preventing them from obtaining their N license, a barrier in finding more or better job opportunities.

Working in partnership with Snuneymuxw First Nation, young drivers already involved with NYSA can apply for the L2N program, but the program is open to any youth of any background through NYSA.

“We’ve worked with some newcomers, we’ve worked with local kids, families who have been in the area for a long time. We’ve worked with youth from all different backgrounds,” said Maki.

More information can be found here on the NYSA Facebook page.

— with files from Alex Rawnsley.

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