Buckle up — here’s a chance to help new drivers learn the ropes.
Benalla Rural City Council is calling on the community to support the TAC L2P learner driver program, which plays a crucial role in helping young people obtain their driver’s licence.
More volunteer mentor drivers are needed to join this life-changing initiative.
There are currently 27 volunteer mentors providing between one and eight hours of driving supervision each fortnight, but there are still more young people on the waiting list.
A training session for new mentors will be held in Benalla from 8:30am to 3pm on Friday, September 20.
Gaining a licence enables young people to access employment, training, education and social opportunities that they would otherwise not be able to get to.
Mayor Danny Claridge emphasised the importance of the program and said people considering joining the program as a mentor would find it rewarding.
“The TAC L2P program not only helps young drivers gain essential skills but also opens doors to employment, education and social opportunities they might otherwise miss,” he said.
“Being a mentor is a deeply rewarding experience, knowing you've made a difference in a young person's life.”
Co-ordinated by council, the TAC L2P program is a Victoria-wide initiative funded by TAC and managed by VicRoads.
The program assists learner drivers aged 16 to 21 to complete the mandatory 120 hours of on-road driving experience before being eligible to sit for a probationary licence test.
All the young people in the program have faced significant barriers in relation to getting enough driving experience.
The TAC L2P program is supported by Benalla Toyota, which has generously supplied cars since 2016, Tyrepower Benalla, Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla Auto Club and Ovens Kia Wangaratta.
Since the program started in Benalla over 200 young people have gained valuable driving experience and successfully graduated from the program, gaining their probationary licence.
For information on how to become a volunteer mentor or about the TAC L2P Program, contact the program co-ordinator on 5760 2600.