Southern Grampians L2P program, based in the Greater Hamilton region is currently looking for volunteer mentors to help learner drivers gain on-the-road driving experience.
The Southern Grampians TAC L2P Learner Driver program helps young people under the age of 21 gain their 120 hours of compulsory driving experience. The program supports learner drivers who don’t have access to a vehicle or supervising driver, by providing up to seven professional driving lessons, a program vehicle and a volunteer mentor.
The L2P Program is a joint partnership between VicRoads, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Southern Grampians Shire Council, supported by the Victorian Government. Recently, the TAC released additional funding to target particularly vulnerable young people to allow them to gain access to the L2P program within a shorter timeframe.
Program Coordinator Eda Williamson said the funding boost means they can help more young people get on the road, but explained that more mentors were needed to enable this to happen.
“Some young people don’t have access to a vehicle in which to practice, others don’t have somebody to supervise them - some don’t have either,” Mrs Williamson said.
“I encourage all qualified drivers to consider helping support the local community and the future generation of drivers. The role of the L2P mentor is flexible to suit your availability and mentors are provided with all the required training and legal checks prior to inclusion into the program.
“Road safety and good driving habits are something that the whole community benefits from and it’s pleasing to see the results achieved by Southern Grampians L2P program to date. We’d love to see this continue into the future and with more mentors, we can make it happen,” Mrs Williamson said.
While the L2P program is all about helping young learners build up their driving experience, mentors also benefit from building positive relationships with young people and feel a sense of connection with the local community.
Eligible learner drivers are also encouraged to apply for the program to receive free one-on-one driver mentoring. Research shows learner drivers who have 120 hours of supervised driving experience are a third less likely to crash in their first two years of solo driving.
To learn more, or to register your interest as either a driver or mentor, please visit contact program coordinator Eda Williamson on 5573 0475 or email L2P@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au.