L2P puts learners on the road
Now in its ninth year, the Baw Baw L2P program is continuing to provide a driver mentor program to learner drivers who need extra assistance to gain their licences.
As the TAC ‘Towards Zero’ continues its road safety awareness campaign, Baw Baw L2P is continuing to assist learner drivers reach their probationary licences.
This L2P program began in 2009 using TAC funding managed by VicRoads.
Program co-ordinator Beth Carr and the L2P committee selects learner driver applicants based on a L2P selection criteria.
Ms Carr said L2P was for learner drivers who may have difficulty in gaining on-road experience because of financial difficulties, not having family or friends with licences or roadworthy vehicles, are geographically isolated, issues at home or culturally and linguistically diverse. She said every program applicant’s situation is individually considered.
People from a wide range of occupations volunteer to become driving mentors after selection and training. Police checks and Working With Children checks are undertaken.
“Without the mentors, L2P would not exist. Four of the current mentors have been supervising learners since 2009 and their knowledge, experience and skill-sharing is invaluable for the young drivers.
“So too is the positive police connection at the Warragul Police Station, where the L2P vehicles are parked.
Ms Carr said there were currently 30 learners driving, 121 learners have gained their probationary licence, 58 of those are now fully licenced and the Ps test pass rate sits at 83.3 per cent.
“These figures indicate 151 young people in the Baw Baw Shire region have and are demonstrating determination, commitment, communication, respect, acceptance, pride, positive stubbornness, road rules knowledge, the ability to make safe driving decisions and be praised for this, willingness to take on constructive criticism, time management and pure joy.
An information booklet will be published in the near future.
“This program is determined to mentor many more young learner drivers to create a safer generation of drivers,” Ms Carr said.
Ms Carr said generous support from local businesses and companies reinforced the importance of the program and helped to keep the program running.
The Andrews Foundation has been a major sponsor, assisting individual participants with further RACV Drive School lessons, licence fees, job search tools, university opportunities, transport costs, further education and training research.
Baw Baw L2P achieved incorporation in November 2016, received charity status in November 2017 and has just achieved DGR status.