Driver Mentors needed to assist L2P Program

The L2P program is designed to help disadvantaged 16 to 20 year old "Learners" achieve their 120 required hours driving to then apply for their drivers licence.

This could be families who have multiple births, learners who do not have access to a car or a parent who cannot give them the time and expertise.

This is not "means" tested just "time poor" test applies

The program is funded by the Transport Accident Commission who supply our council Nillumbik with 2 cars, with appropriate E Tags, fuel and all the insurance etc that goes with keeping a car on the road.

The designated Council officer (Suzzan Eral Edgworth) coordinates the learners and the mentors.

Learners are given 5 professional driving lessons from a qualified instructor and then they are teamed up with a mentor.

The mentors when interviewed, police checked and driving record checked are then given 3 x 3 hour sessions run by Vic Roads to prepare them further.

The cost to the Learner is nil, and the mentors are all volunteers.  The Mentors are in control of the driving calendar and can book a vehicle (one based at Eltham Police station and one at Hurstbridge Community Centre) for 1 hour to 4 or 5 hours as required.

The mentor has full control of the sessions and can terminate the drive at their discretion.

Young people usually require a drivers' licence to get an apprenticeship which is not easy at the best of time and often a pre requisite to getting a job.

It is a very different relationship between learner and mentor - and I must say from my experience of 8 months and 4 learners that it is very rewarding to see the improvement of these young people. One of my learners has just achieved his 120 hours in just 7 months.

In Nillumbik there are approximately 35 mentors and currently there are 15 learners on the waiting list.

If you are interested and just have a couple of hours a week spare, please give this project serious consideration.  I am happy to talk to you about the program or alternately call Suzzan at the Council Office on 9433 3329.   

Or if you know of any family who is really time poor and could use this service please refer them on.

This is a great initiative by the TAC, but funding will be cut if the numbers do not justify the service being offered. 

 Many councils are now running this program - I heard about this through Rotary!!