Opportunity for young drivers to get street smart
Waimakariri District Council media release: 25th May 2026
Waimakariri District Council is pleased to be sponsoring 10 young drivers and their parents or guardians to attend Street Smart young driver training during the July school holidays.
On Monday 13th and Tuesday 14 July 2026, 10 young drivers in Waimakariri between the age of 16 to 24, who are on their learners, restricted or full licence, have the opportunity to take part in a practical driving‑skills training day at Euromarque Motorsport Park, Ruapuna, Christchurch.
Street Smart is a hands‑on driver education programme driven by Tony Quinn Foundation Road Safety. It is designed to help young Kiwis build awareness and develop safer driving habits.
The day is not a test, and there is no pass or fail. Instead, participants learn by doing - practising real‑world driving scenarios, reflecting on their skills, and gaining valuable insights into the things they may not yet know.
A parent or guardian must attend alongside each young driver. Their involvement is essential, as the goal is to ensure that the learning continues beyond the training day and into everyday driving.
Participants are to bring the vehicle they usually drive, which must have a current registration, warrant of fitness, and insurance.
Using their own car allows young drivers to better understand how their vehicle behaves and responds in different situations - an important part of the learning experience.
The Waimakariri District Council is pleased to support 10 young drivers and their parents or guardians to attend the July sessions. The usual registration fee is $149, and Council will cover this cost for 10 eligible young Waimakariri participants on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Find out more about the Street Smart course.
Confirm you meet the following criteria and click the link to register:
- Aged 16 - 24 years
- Have a valid learners, restricted or full licence
- Can attend with a parent or guardian
- Can attend with a vehicle with current registration, warrant of fitness, and insurance
Register online for a free place on the July school holidays course.
For more information, contact Waimakairi Road Safety Coordinator Peter Daly (peter.daly[at]wmk.govt.nz).