The effectiveness and impact of driver licensing programs on licensing and employment rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia: A systematic review

B. Porykali; K. Hunter; A. Davies; N. Young; E. Sullivan; R. Ivers

doi:10.1016/j.jth.2021.101079

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The effectiveness and impact of driver licensing programs on licensing and employment rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia: A systematic review

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The effectiveness and impact of driver licensing programs on licensing and employment rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia: A systematic review

B. Porykali, K. Hunter, A. Davies, N. Young, E. Sullivan and R. Ivers

Journal of Transport & Health, Vol.21, pp.1-17

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2021.101079

Abstract

Aboriginal

Torres Strait Islander

Driver licence

evaluation

employment

health

Introduction Access to a valid driver licence for most Australians can be essential for employment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples however are under-represented as driver licence holders. As such driver licensing programs have been established across Australian States and Territories to support them to obtain a driver licence. The aim of this review is to identify these driver licensing programs and examine the effectiveness and impact on licensing and employment rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Methods Two independent searches were performed. The first, a scoping review of the literature to identify and describe driver licensing programs throughout Australia. The second, a systematic review of electronic databases and relevant grey literature to examine the effectiveness and impact of driver licensing programs on licensing and employment rates. Two independent authors assessed publications for eligibility. Results The scoping review identified 42 driver licensing programs across all Australian States and Territories between the years 2000–2019. Considerable variations exist between program services and characteristics. The systematic review included eight publications that evaluated four driver licensing programs. Findings suggested end-to-end culturally appropriate driver licensing programs are effective in improving licensing rates. No program evaluated the impact of licence attainment on employment rates although two publication commented on a correlation. Conclusion Driver licensing programs are effective in increasing licensing rates amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program clients, but despite the significant number of licensing programs operating, few are reporting program outcomes and even fewer have been evaluated. There is considerable variation between program designs, support provision, service delivery and limited consistency amongst evaluation frameworks used. A standardised approach to evaluating driver licensing programs should be adopted that incorporates a nationally agreed framework that include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and employment outcomes.

Details

Title: The effectiveness and impact of driver licensing programs on licensing and employment rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia: A systematic review
Authors: B. Porykali (Corresponding Author) - The George Institute for Global Health
K. Hunter - The George Institute for Global Health
A. Davies - University of Sydney
N. Young - University of Technology Sydney
E. Sullivan - University of Newcastle Australia
R. Ivers - UNSW Sydney
Publication details: Journal of Transport & Health, Vol.21, pp.1-17
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2021
DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2021.101079
ISSN: 2214-1413
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991104335502621
Output Type: Journal article