Many older drivers tell us the same thing:
“I’m not trying to break the rules. I just don’t know how to start. I can’t log in, I can’t read all the English, I’m scared to go to Service SA by myself, and my kids are too busy to help.”
Our association – Adelaide Senior Road & Health Association – is running a free support program for people aged 50 and over. We aim to complete the first group by the end of this year.
- This is not a driving test class.
- This is not logbook hours.
- This is not paid driving lessons.
This program is about helping older people feel confident with the process: accounts, identity check, accessing official information safely, and understanding what the government is asking them to do.
We are planning to run small sessions in Tranmere, Adelaide city, and Marion. Times will be arranged based on interest.
Why we are doing this
It’s getting harder for older people to stay independent because so many services are now “do it online yourself.”
We see two common problems:
- Older people feel stuck because everything is in English and requires accounts, passwords, SMS codes, etc.
- Families argue. Adult children say “just do it online,” and older parents feel stressed, embarrassed or judged.
We want to fix this calmly and respectfully. We go slowly. We write things down. We don’t blame anyone.
Two types of participants we support
From our work, we see there are two main situations. We support both.
1. People who already exist in the South Australian system
You are in this group if:
- You have ever bought a car in South Australia in your own name, OR
- You have applied for a South Australian Proof of Age card, OR
- You have had a South Australian driver’s licence in the past.
This usually means the SA Government already has your details and photo in its system. You may already have (or previously had) a mySA GOV account — you just can’t log in anymore, forgot the password, or can’t receive the SMS code.
If this is you, you can come directly to our workshop.
We will help you:
- Recover or reset your mySA GOV login
- Fix problems receiving SMS verification codes
- Create a new password and write it down clearly in large print so you can take it home
- Make sure you are using the real government website (not a scam link)
- Check your licence status/conditions so you understand where you stand
You do not have to go to Service SA first. Come to us, and we’ll work through the login side with you.
2. People who are not yet in the SA system
You are in this group if:
- You are new to South Australia
- You do not have a South Australian driver’s licence
- You do not have a South Australian Proof of Age card
- You have never bought a car in SA under your own name
In this case, the government has not done an in-person identity check for you yet. That means you usually cannot just create the account at home on your phone. You first need to go to a Service SA centre so they can confirm who you are and take your photo.
If this is you, we will:
- Explain exactly which identity documents you need to bring (so you don’t get turned away)
- Arrange community support (a volunteer/support person) to go with you to Service SA if needed
- After Service SA sets up your record and takes your photo, we will then sit down with you and teach you how to log in, how to use the account, and how to find the correct official information
This step is important. Without that in-person identity check, the online system often won’t let you in.
What we actually teach
This program is not about test coaching or “guaranteed pass.”
It is about helping you understand and manage the process safely.
We cover things like:
- What mySA GOV and myLs are, and why you keep hearing “you need to go online first”
- When and why you must visit Service SA in person for identity check and photo
- How to receive SMS security codes on your phone (and what to do if they don’t arrive)
- How to set a password you can remember, and how to record it safely in large print to take home
- How to recognise the real government website instead of a fake / scam website
- How to view your licence status or conditions so you know your situation
- Which documents you need to bring to Service SA so you don’t waste a trip
We also talk to family members. Adult children / partners are welcome to sit in. We show them how to support calmly instead of arguing, and how to help without taking over.
Who can attend
- People aged 50 and over (we prioritise 60+ )
- People who speak English as a second language, or feel nervous using online systems
- People who are unsure about mySA GOV / myLs / licence status / proof of identity
- Adult children or other family members who want to help their parent in a respectful way
We are friendly to Chinese-speaking seniors and other CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) seniors. We can use simple language, large-print handouts, and slow step-by-step support.
We will not:
- Sign your logbook hours
- Coach you for tests or promise you will pass
- Take payment for “fast-track” services
- Ask for your credit card to “pay the government”
- Change government records for you
This is safer, legal, and meant to build your confidence — not sell you a licence.
Cost
The program is free.
This program is delivered by Adelaide Senior Road & Health Association and is supported by the Good Things / Be Connected initiative. The goal is digital confidence and safe access to government services for older people, not profit.
Where and when
Planned service areas:
- Tranmere
- Adelaide CBD (City)
- Marion
Session times will be arranged based on expressions of interest.
We aim to complete the first group by the end of this year.
We run:
- Small group workshops (around 10–12 people)
- 1:1 support (by appointment)
We go step by step. You will not be left alone in a big crowd with no help.
How to register / next step
Send us a direct message with:
- Your age (for example “I am 63” is enough)
- Which situation you are in:
- “I already have a record in SA (bought a car / Proof of Age / old SA licence)”
- OR “I’m new, I don’t have anything in SA yet”
- Which location is better for you (Tranmere / City / Marion)
Important note about replies:
Our association team members work daytime jobs, so we might not reply instantly.
We will try our best to respond within 24 hours.