We’re excited about the opportunity to support participants of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (Duke of Ed).
Young Australians can count driving lessons as part of their Skills section – meaning you can work towards your Duke of Ed achievement while learning a real-world skill that builds confidence, independence, and long-term safety on the road.
What Is the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (Duke of Ed) is a globally recognised youth development programme designed to help young people build skills, confidence, and resilience through consistent effort and personal growth.
The programme is open to anyone aged 14 to 24, and participants can complete it through schools, youth organisations, community groups, or independently. It’s inclusive by design – background, location, or circumstances don’t limit participation.
The focus isn’t on competing against others. It’s about setting goals, committing to them, and recognising progress along the way.
How the Duke of Ed Programme Works
Duke of Ed participants complete four sections:
- Skills
- Physical Recreation
- Voluntary Service
- Adventurous Journey
These are completed over a minimum period depending on the Award level:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold (includes a residential project)
The program is delivered with the support of adult volunteers, leaders, schools, youth organisations and community groups. Millions of young people across the world have completed the Award, gaining achievements recognised by universities, employers, and communities.
Can Driving Lessons Be Used as a Duke of Ed Skill?
Yes, driving lessons can be counted under the Skills section, listed in the programme as “Learning to drive”.
Driving fits naturally within the Skills section because it involves structured learning, regular practice and measurable progress.
Who This Partnership Applies To
This partnership applies to young people aged 14 to 24 who are already registered Duke of Ed participants. It supports those completing Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards across Australia.
Participants should ensure their goals and assessor details are approved within the programme before counting driving lesson hours towards their Award.
How to Use “Learning to Drive” as a Duke of Ed Skill
Set “Learning to drive” as a SMART Goal
To use driving lessons as part of the programme, the participant creates “Learning to drive” as a SMART goal within their Duke of Ed account.
Example goals include:
- Getting a P1 licence
- Developing safe and confident driving habits
- Building independence for study, work or sport
Example skills that may be recorded include:
- Reverse parking
- Safe lane changes and indicating
- Hazard awareness and defensive driving
- Highway and busier road confidence
Nominating Your Driving Instructor as Your Assessor
Duke of Ed participants must nominate an assessor to confirm progress and participation.
For this skill, your driving instructor can be nominated as your Duke of Ed assessor, allowing them to verify lesson participation, skill development over time and progress towards your goal.
The assessor completes the required updates through the official Duke of Ed online system.
Commit to Weekly Skills Progress
Participants must complete at least one skill based hour per week on a consistent basis until their target is reached. This weekly commitment reflects the values at the core of Duke of Ed: consistency, responsibility and perseverance.
Required Skill Hours by Award levels
The total number of skill based hours depends on the Duke of Ed level being completed.
- Bronze Award requires 3 months of activity (minimum 13 hours).
- Silver Award requires 6 months of activity (minimum 26 hours).
- Gold Award requires 12 months of activity (minimum 52 hours).
These hours must be completed over the minimum period set by the programme and recorded accurately within the participant’s account.
Why Driving Lessons Are a Strong Skill Choice
Driving is a practical life skill that supports access to education, employment, physical recreation and community participation. For many young people, learning to drive creates independence and confidence that carries into other areas of life.
As a skill, driving aligns closely with the aims of the Duke of Ed. It encourages learning outside the classroom, develops responsibility and helps young people build resilience through real world experience.
Supporting Your Duke of Ed Journey With LTrent
Through this partnership, LTrent Driving School supports Duke of Ed participants by providing structured lessons, experienced instructors and clear skill development pathways.
When you learn with LTrent, you are building driving skills while progressing through a globally recognised programme that celebrates commitment, learning and achievement. It is a practical way to work towards your Duke of Ed while developing abilities that support your future.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re a Duke of Ed participant and want to use driving lessons as a part of your skills section, we’re here to help.
Book a driving lesson with LTrent today and start logging real progress towards your Duke of Ed achievement.
FAQs
Do I need to already be enrolled in Duke of Ed?
Yes – you must be registered in the programme before your hours can count.
Can I count my normal supervised driving practice too?
Duke of Ed requirements vary. Driving lessons are a clear option because progress can be verified by an assessor. If you’re unsure, check with your Award Leader.
Does my instructor have to complete paperwork?
Your instructor will complete the assessor confirmation through the Duke of Ed system.
What should my goal be?
Common goals include building confidence, improving safety skills, and working towards a P1 licence.
