Red Dirt Driving Academy
The Pilbara’s First Aboriginal-Owned Driving School
Founded in 2012, Red Dirt Driving Academy is a social enterprise by NBAC committed to empowering our mob through safe, supported access to driver training. Based right here in the Pilbara, we provide culturally appropriate, personalised support to help learners gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications needed to get behind the wheel.
Every licence gained is more than just a pass — it’s a pathway to employment, education, independence, and greater well-being.
Our Story
What We Do
- Learner driver support and mentoring
- Supervised driving hours with accredited instructors
- Assistance with accessing ID and booking assessments
- Cultural safety and trauma-informed delivery
Our Impact
- Over 1,000 local contacts supported each year
- More than 80 successful driving assessments annually
- Proven reduction in incarceration rates and increased employment outcomes
- Boosts confidence, independence, and long-term goal setting for participants
Who We Support
Red Dirt is here for young people, job seekers, community members, and anyone needing support to get their licence. We proudly work alongside schools, employment providers, and other community organisations across the Pilbara.
Rooted in Roebourne.
Driven by Purpose.
Our Team
Shirl (coordinator)
Shirl keeps the RDDA wheels turning! As our service coordinator, Shirl makes sure you get the support you require right the way through your licencing process. Her favourite part? She loves seeing the huge smiles on our students faces when they pass their tests.
Click Here
Susan
Susan is our newest driving instructor for Red Dirt Driving Academy! As a Pilbara local (19 years strong), she brings her passion for community and family value to the Organisation to strengthen our drivers. She loves helping the community better themselves by ensuring that they’re not breaking any laws.
Click Here
Craig
Craig has been a Karratha local for over 8 years and is well known in the community through his involvement in coaching local football. With a calm and supportive approach he is passionate about helping people build confidence and develop safe driving skills.
Craig’s hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.
Click Here
Our Services
Driving Lessons
Whether you're just starting out or brushing up, we offer professional, supportive driving lessons to help you build confidence and stay safe on the road.
Standard Day Lesson – $95 | 60 mins
Five-Lesson Package – 5th lesson FREE
(Book 4 lessons online, contact us for your 5th free lesson)
Logbook Supervision
All driving time with our instructors counts towards your logbook hours — including night driving. We’ll log hours for you after each session.
Assessment Support
We help you prepare and succeed in your Practical Driving Assessment.
Vehicle access for assessments
One-on-one theory test support
Assistance with gaining ID documents
Theory Testing
Our trained staff are approved by the Department of Transport to conduct Learner’s Permit tests at our Roebourne office.
- Feedback and support provided
- Reading assistance available
- Retests available the next business day
- Feedback and support provided
- Reading assistance available
- Retests available the next business day
ID Assistance
We’ll help you get the right paperwork sorted to apply for your licence, including locating and applying for appropriate identification documents.
Driver Education Workshops
We run interactive workshops across the region, tailored for different age groups and needs.
Including:
- Drink driving education
- Child restraints & car safety
- Identification process
- Licensing pathway
- Theory test preperation
- Drink driving education
- Child restraints & car safety
- Identification process
- Licensing pathway
- Theory test preperation
Annual Statistics 2024-2025
Who We Support
Red Dirt is here for young people, job seekers, community members, and anyone needing support to get their licence. We proudly work alongside schools, employment providers, and other community organisations across the Pilbara.
Whether you have a question about our programs, want to get involved, or simply need more information, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out the contact form below or reach out to us directly — a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Together, we can build stronger communities.
- 22-24 Roe Street, Roebourne
- 08 9185 8806
- shop@handyhands.com.au
Open Hours:
Mon: 8am – 4pm
Tues - Thurs: 8am – 8pm
Fri: 8am – 4pm
Sat: 8am – 2pm
We’re here to listen, support, and connect.
