For 15 years, roads across Melton and Moorabool have been made safer by one particular community-based program.
Since 2009, the L2P program – which is completely staffed by volunteers – has taught L-platers aged between 16-to-23-years-old how to drive for free.
It serves those who do not have access to a supervising driver or an appropriate vehicle to gain the necessary skills to pass a driving test and get a probationary licence.
L2P co-ordinator Tanya Pagett said the program had a huge impact on the lives of young locals and that everyone involved should be “extremely proud” of the fifteenth anniversary.
“We have had 248 learners successfully gain their licence through the program – that’s 248 lives we’ve changed,” she said.
“Every learner that gets their P-plates is something to celebrate … our mentors are proud of the program and we are equally as proud of them.
Ms Pagett commended those who had helped the program.
“It’s a massive achievement … without the mentors, we wouldn’t have a program,” she said.
“They are invested and giving people who generously volunteer their time … to get more learners on the road who don’t have any other option.”
The longest serving mentor in the L2P program has been there for 12 of the 15 years.
It is funded by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and coordinated by Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services, currently has 28 active mentors who tutor about 40 learner drivers in three cars
However, there is more to be done to help those in need.
“We are always looking for more mentors and sponsors to keep our cars on the road – the wait list is massive,” said Ms Pagett.
