The L2P program will be on again this year, supporting disadvantaged youth in gaining the skills and confidence to drive a car.
The L2P program is sponsored by the Transport Accident Commission and seeks to make better drivers of young people.
The TAC L2P Program is a community-based program developed to assist eligible young Victorian learner drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 who need access to a supervising driver or a suitable vehicle to gain the driving experience required for a probationary licence.
The partnership is jointly operated locally by the TAC, which supplies the vehicles and ensures the cars are maintained, and the Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network, which co-ordinates the mentors and matches them with young drivers who are looking to build their 120 hours of real-world road experience.
It will be his first time as a mentor for Rochester resident Petter Collard after nearly six decades behind the wheel.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea that has been put together for young people who may not have the opportunity to gain the experience behind the wheel,” Mr Collard said.
“Many parents may not have the time or a suitable car that would be suitable for a driver to learn in.”
Mr Collard was speaking after just being given a few tips on advising young drivers.
“I got a few pointers while on the road with the instructor, Philip Tennant, which will be useful when I’m on the road with the students,” Mr Collard said.
Echuca resident Graeme Hodgens has participated in the program for a little over a year.
“I’ve been in the L2P program for the past 14 months. It’s been operated by the local CCLLEN, and the TAC sponsors it,” Mr Hodgens said.
“My job as co-ordinator is to match up the learners in the applications and place them with a volunteer mentor.
“The whole program relies heavily on those volunteer mentors. And we always need more volunteer instructors.”
Mentors don’t use their own vehicles when on the road.
“The cars are supplied locally, with sponsorship from the Moama Bowling Club and the community bank,” Mr Hodgens said.
“The cars must be under four years old and rated five stars by ANCAP. The two vehicles we have are two Toyota Yarises, and they’re small cars that are easy to drive and reverse park.
“Due to legal reasons, we don’t allow anyone to use their vehicles. In the L2P program, you can only drive on approved L2P cars, which are badged and set up for that purpose.”
For more information on the program, visit https://www.ccllen.com.au/programs/l2p-learner-driver-program