Young L-platers without someone to teach them safe-driving skills have been hitting the streets in droves to earn their probationary licences thanks to a Melton driving mentorship program.
The Melton and Moorabool L2P learner- driver mentor program at Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services has helped 90 young drivers clock up the kilometres so they can move on to their probationary licences.
Volunteer driver mentor Gary King has overseen more than 500 hours of supervised driving by young people in the area in the past five years.
A learner driver under 21 needs 120 hours of driving practice to get their probationary licence.
“Some young people do not have anyone with a car or a licence in their life who can give them that practice,” Mr King said.
“Young people without a driver’s licence can be socially isolated and seriously disadvantaged when looking for work.”
He said the program matched learner drivers with trained mentors so learners could get the practice they needed. While Djerriwarrh had a committed group of volunteer mentors, more were needed.
The next courses will be held on November 28 and December 5.
The program is supported by the City of Melton and Moorabool Shire councils in partnership with VicRoads. Details: 8746 1000
