For new drivers, learning how to drive is hard enough with a panicking mum sitting next to you; now imagine having no car or no-one to teach you.
This is a real problem that young drivers are facing across regional Victoria — but fear not, there is a way to help.
Rushworth P-12 College is teaming up with the L2P Program to assist local learners by matching them with a driver mentor and a suitable car to learn in.
So far, the program has helped three learner drivers achieve their required 120 hours, with the guidance of locals who generously donate their time and vehicles.
After observing the success of the program, Rushworth Secondary College’s VCE co-ordinator Curtis McDonald is calling on more experienced local drivers to give one-two hours a week to help a learner gain their driving stripes.
“The L2P Program has been an invaluable program for our college and the community,” Mr McDonald said.
“It has not only given students an opportunity to learn new skills, but it is putting safe drivers on our roads,” he said.
The Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network executive officer Jane Reid said having a licence in regional Victoria is a “critical passport to work”.
“Not all learner drivers have access to a car or to a fully licensed driver to supervise them,” Ms Reid said.
“We have young drivers who need support, but we need people who can contribute an hour to two a week to help,” she said.
To become a mentor, drivers are required to be more than 21 years old and hold a full Victorian driver’s licence.
To make a difference in the community, and help a young person take their next step in life, find out more by going to the CCLLEN website, emailing L2P@ccllen.com.au or phoning 5482 6055.