Learning to drive has become easier for the young people of Knox thanks to the TAC L2P Program.
The TAC L2P Program assists learners under 21 years of age, who do not have access to a supervising driver or vehicle, to gain the 120 hours driving experience required to apply for a probationary licence.
At any given time, approximately 2,300 young Victorians from across the state are benefiting from the program. [ quote pauline? ]
For most young people, gaining the 120 hours of supervised driving that’s required is easy, but for others it can be a real challenge.
Some young people don’t have access to a vehicle in which to practise, others don’t have somebody to supervise them, some don’t have either.
The Knox program has access to one L2P car and they can have up to 30 learners at one time matched with volunteer mentors from the community, all using the car 7 days a week 7am till 10pm to assist the learners gain their 120 hours drive experience and their licence, but most importantly become safe drivers.
Their local mentors teach the learners in a 4 stage approach, including controlling the car, driving on quiet low speed roads, complex driving situations and rehearsing solo driving respectively.
In the past 12 months Knox mentors have assisted more than 20 learners successfully complete their 120 required hours of driving experience and gain their drivers licence.
Knox TAC L2P program coordinator Tashena Perry said that it was very satisfying to see the young people of Knox community benefiting from this program in a tangible way.
“Since gaining their ‘P’ plates, some of the participants have secured employment which may not have been possible if it were not for the program.
“The ability to drive has meant they can attend job interviews and then drive to their jobs,” she said.
Ms Perry said road safety and good driving habits are something that the whole community benefits from and it’s pleasing to see the results achieved by Knox TAC L2P Program to date.
The L2P program helps disadvantaged young Victorians get the skills and support they need to become safe and responsible drivers.
It not only gives thousands of disadvantaged young Victorians the opportunity to get their licence, but it also makes our roads safer.
Recently Knox local and mentor John Daffin was awarded Knox Volunteer of the Year, which Ms Perry said is great recognition for this unique volunteering opportunity and a well-deserved award for John.
Another Knox mentor, Eric, has spent over 1000 hours assisting Knox learners though our program and has assisted more than 10 learners gain their licence since he started with us.
The program is currently looking for volunteers with driving experience to help learner drivers gain on-the-road driving experience through the TAC L2P Program.
Training is provided and anybody interested in becoming a volunteer mentor can find more information at vicroads.vic.gov.au/tacl2p
