The DriveAbout app is a world-first learner licensing app, featuring highly engaging animated content with a built-in test. It was developed in the Northern Territory (NT) and is the first app in the world to use educational animation to digitise the road safety handbook and explain everything from how to use a roundabout to the drink-driving laws.
Sadly, tragedy is increasing recognition that the app is an important road safety tool. NT WorkSafe issued an enforceable undertaking that the Territory Government should fund a new module on the app after a woman was killed in a four-car crash at a roadworks site on Tiger Brennan Drive.
"A lesson on how to drive safely around roadworks will now be added," says Mr Hoffman.
Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish, Dari and Vietnamese have joined English and eight Aboriginal languages (Anindilyakwa, Arrente, Kimberly Kriol, Murrinh Patha, Pitjantjatjara, Torres Strait Creole, Walpiri, and Yolngu) on the DriveAbout app. Innovator and entrepreneur Clint Hoffmann says, "At first it was thought that the app was just for Aboriginal people - now it’s realised that the app is global."
"The greatest number of self-drive tourists in Australia will soon be Chinese - and they need help in understanding our road rules and our road conditions. Driving in crowded conditions in Asia is very different from driving across the Outback."
Mr Hoffmann, who has spent $5 million on developing the app, says the Territory Government is helping innovators and entrepreneurs in many ways, including financial support.
"The government is helping to create the right ecosystem for innovation."