Brakes put on learners

DISADVANTAGED learner drivers are waiting up to three years to access a mentor driving program through Geelong council.

But despite a huge backlog, the council says it is not on the lookout for more mentors to help expand the program.

The L2P program helps learners aged between 16 and 20 who do not have access to a car or supervising driver. It is funded by the Transport Accident Commission and jointly managed by VicRoads and the City of Greater Geelong.

At a council meeting last October, City Hall declared the management of the “significant” waiting list was one of its biggest challenges in its community wellbeing plan.

At that time, the program had a two-year waiting list, but this week the council said learner drivers were now waiting up to three years.

Council community life director Linda Quinn said the program was operating at full capacity and was not currently recruiting extra mentors.

“We have 65 L2P mentors providing about 130 driving lessons to young people each week,” she said.

“For many of the participants, taking part in the program is a life-changing experience.”

There are more than 60 L2P programs across the state.

A report from Youth Affairs Council Victoria, published in February last year, found long waiting lists were common.

“The numbers of young people a program can assist at one time do not necessarily reflect the extent of local need, particularly in growth suburbs with high rates of disadvantage, new arrivals and young families,” it said.

“Some young people who apply for the program will not be matched with a mentor before they reach the age cutoff.”

The organisation also raised fears councils would reduce their spending on the program.

The Victorian Government mainly funds L2P, but councils provide supplementary resources.

“Without the support provided by L2P, it’s probable there would be higher numbers of young people cheating on their learner logbooks and driving unlicensed,” it said.

“Without L2P, there would also be higher numbers of inexperienced young drivers going for their licence after turning 21, when 120 hours’ practice is no longer mandatory.

“Some would presumably obtain a license, but without the experience and skills to be truly competent on the road.”