Resources, Instruction and Driving Education (RIDE) Program for Immigrants and Refugees

Immigrant and refugee support

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Many refugees arrive in the United States with little to nothing and the journey to self-sufficiency and achievement is fraught with obstacles. In Southern California, owning a car is a necessity rather than a luxury, and transportation quickly becomes one of the most significant barriers. Without a vehicle, even the simplest tasks—feeding a family, getting to work, picking up children from school, attending medical appointments—become overwhelming challenges. Newcomers face limited public transit options, language barriers, and a lack of culturally relevant transportation information or support. Costs are also prohibitive, including driver’s education classes, vehicle expenses, and insurance. Through IRC-LA programs, staff have identified that clients need transportation and navigation support. Clients receive metro cards; however, there is currently no driving program available that would support newcomers to get a license, navigate the roads, and foster their independence.

IRC-LA’s RIDE Program is designed to provide a comprehensive, supportive learning environment to clients over 18 who are referred by caseworkers or community partners—with a focus on those lacking safe, reliable means to practice driving. The program will take place through behind-the-wheel lessons with local driving schools that have been carefully selected for their expertise in providing culturally competent instruction. These lessons will ensure that participants gain the hands-on experience necessary to safely navigate the road, develop driving confidence, and pass their driving tests. Our goal is to make this program a sustainable, long-term fixture in our services, empowering clients to overcome transportation barriers and gain the independence they need to access greater opportunities.
Because IRC-LA already provides clients with discounted TAP cards (bus passes), this program will also incorporate more comprehensive support in navigating local bus systems. A digital literacy component will be integrated into the curriculum, equipping participants with the skills to confidently navigate public transit and rideshare apps. Online classroom instruction will ensure accessibility for clients who are unable to attend in person due to transportation challenges, and culturally competent study materials will be provided in multiple languages, alongside ESL-friendly resources to support DMV test preparation.

IRC-LA’s proposed RIDE Program aims to positively impact hundreds of lives, increase self-sufficiency, and improve community integration. Through this program, we will not only provide clients with the practical skills necessary for driving but also help them gain the confidence and knowledge to navigate broader systems of transportation and financial planning. The anticipated outcomes of increased access to transportation, better financial independence, and improved employment and educational opportunities will contribute to greater self-sufficiency, allowing clients to achieve long-lasting stability and mobility. Ultimately, this program will become a crucial and sustainable resource for IRC-LA, helping us to support our clients in their journeys toward independence and success.