Resettlement driving co-ordinator Dimple Parmar said nearly every refugee family in Dunedin had at least one member interested in learning to drive.
The Red Cross programme aimed to help some of Dunedin's newest community members from Syria get their licences and improve their chances of gaining employment, Ms Parmar said.
At present the programme was being successfully run in other parts of New Zealand.
Mhamad Oes (26) said he moved to New Zealand three months ago from Syria.
He got his learner's licence shortly after arriving and was eager to get his restricted licence so he could return to his occupation as an automotive engineer.
Both Mr Oes and his brother Mahmoud Wees (19) had licences in Syria.
Mr Wees hoped to be accepted in the programme so he could begin working towards his goal of becoming an IT programmer.
About 50 refugees would be accepted for driving lessons in the first intake and it was hoped all refugees who wanted to learn to drive would eventually be offered the opportunity, Ms Parmar said.
Pathways to Employment Dunedin adviser Jarrah Cooke said the success of the programme was dependent on the generosity of Dunedin residents.
The refugees would be taught by volunteers in vehicles provided by the Red Cross, Mr Cooke said.
Anyone who had held a full New Zealand driver's licence for more than two years, could spare 2-3 hours a week for up to 12 weeks and wanted to help, was encouraged to contact the Red Cross.
Increasing transport options for refugees was integral to helping them become part of Dunedin, Ms Parmar said.
``It gives them a chance to explore Dunedin and get from one area to another because they are not all living close to each other.''
Both Mr Oes and Mr Wees said they liked Dunedin. It had ``friendly people'' but the weather was a tad too cold.
As most jobs required people to hold a licence, helping them learn to drive was an important step towards gaining employment, Mr Cooke said.
All volunteer teachers would receive full training from an AA driving instructor so they felt confident to teach, he said.
To apply to teach, email: rdtdunedin@redcross.org.nz
