Young drivers in Colac will benefit following the announcement earlier this year of $16 million in funding to continue the L2P learner driver mentor program across Victoria.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney welcomed the funding, which will help disadvantaged young drivers in Colac and across the region get their licence.
The program targets young drivers that don’t have access to a car, with 17 young drivers in the Colac area currently enrolled in the program.
The Colac program is one of 63 across the state.
The funding has restored the program for a further four years after it was cut by the Liberals.
L2P is a community-based program that recruits volunteers to provide supervised
driving experience to learner drivers aged under 21 years who find it difficult to meet the mandated 120 hours of driving practice due to family, economic or other circumstances.
Learner drivers under 21 are required to record at least 120 hours of supervised driving before they can sit for their probationary license test.
However it is estimated that approximately 3,000 young people each year would be highly
unlikely to access supervised driving experience without the L2P program.
The L2P program also allows young people to boost their driving skills for future employment and deters unlicensed driving.
The L2P Program is funded by TAC and delivered by VicRoads.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“While getting 120 hours of practice is possible for most young people, it can be a
real challenge for others who don’t have access to a car or a supervisor.”
“We’re making sure young Victorians have the skills they need to become safe and
responsible drivers.”
“Sometimes, it can be hard to get a job without a licence.”
“The Liberals cut the program, and we have saved it. We’re making sure every kid in
Colac and the region has the opportunity to get behind the wheel and get their licence.”