Empowering international students to navigate Victoria’s roads safely

Empowering international students to navigate Victoria’s roads safely

International students from RMIT University have completed a successful pilot program focussed on road safety education, to equip them with crucial knowledge about navigating Victoria’s transport systems.

Seventy students took part in the program, which was delivered by the Fit to Drive Foundation and supported by RMIT, Victoria Police and Medibank.

Delivered through five interactive workshops, the program unpacked the essentials of road safety for international students.  From decoding road signs and securing a Victorian driver licence to mastering tram etiquette and pedestrian awareness, each session was packed with practical insights. 

Participants also tackled real-world scenarios, like what to do at the scene of an accident, and explored the fast-growing topic of safely charging e-bike and scooter batteries.

Students had the opportunity to engage directly with Victoria Police, who explained the reasoning behind the laws and reinforced the importance of reducing injury and trauma on the roads.

The pilot program attracted a diverse group of participants – some in their first year of study with RMIT - with international students from over 20 nationalities taking part, including India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Qatar and the Philippines.

"We take great pride in supporting our international students, not just with their studies, but providing them with the tools to navigate life in a new and unfamiliar country," said RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education, Sherman Young. 

"It was pleasing to see so many of our international students speak so positively about their participation in the pilot, and how it helped them feel more connected and confident in the community. We look forward to expanding the program into the future."

RMIT students with police person and bike

RMIT second-year PhD candidate Muhammad Wahyu Nugraha, from Singapore, said the program allowed students to become more familiar with their community.

"The sessions were designed in a relaxed setting for international students, and the presenters were directly from the police department, which provided valuable insights on road safety," he said.

"I really appreciate that international students are given equal opportunities to learn and be part of the broader community, especially since international students make up such a significant part of RMIT. It can be quite a challenging journey, especially for first-time international students living abroad."

In a post program survey, all participants indicated they would recommend the program to other RMIT international students, they felt safer and more connected with Victoria Police, and they had a far greater knowledge of road safety in Melbourne. 

One student was presented with a new dual sport style bicycle from Trek Melbourne, for her participation in the program.

The Fit to Drive Foundation has been championing road safety education across Victoria for more than 20 years, equipping young people with the confidence, knowledge, and mindset to make safe choices behind the wheel.

Following the success of the pilot, RMIT intends to continue its partnership with Fit to Drive and Medibank to refine and expand the program, aiming to embed road safety into the broader student experience and empower even more international students to make safer, smarter choices on the road.

"The Fit to Drive Foundation, with Victoria Police and Fire Rescue Victoria support, has long worked with schools and community groups, but identified a real gap in reaching international students," said Fit to Drive Foundation Chief Executive Officer Brad Crofts.

"Partnering with Medibank and RMIT University, the Road Safety Program ensures international students gain the critical learning needed to stay safe on our roads. Together, we’re building safer habits, and are very excited to expand the program to more university students."

22 September 2025

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22 September 2025

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