Help keep L2P moving

IN GEELONG’S northern suburbs, scores of young people are waiting – and waiting – to get behind the wheel.

They’re eager to get their licence through the TAC L2P program, but a critical shortage of volunteer mentors means their wait is now longer than we’ve seen it in five years.

L2P is a fantastic initiative that pairs learner drivers with experienced volunteers to gain the driving experience required to receive their probationary licence.

Learner drivers are required to obtain 120 hours of supervised driving. For young people who don’t have access to a car or a fully licensed supervising driver at home, this requirement can be a significant barrier to independence.

L2P does an excellent job bridging this gap. Currently, 111 volunteers supervise drivers across nine fleet cars around the clock, and over the past sixteen years, the program has helped 621 young people in Greater Geelong obtain their P-plates.

But the program cannot succeed without the generosity of its volunteer drivers, and in the north, a decline in mentors has resulted in a significant waitlist for learner drivers.

Learners in North Geelong, North Shore, Corio and Norlane are waiting up to a staggering 19 months to participate, which is a huge setback in the timeline to getting their licence.

Almost 140 young people are currently on the waitlist for the L2P program across Greater Geelong, 75 of which live in the northern suburbs.

This roadblock shouldn’t be the case. The north has all the equipment to support the success of L2P, with two fleet cars stationed in Corio sponsored by the Community Bank Lara District. So, all we need is for people to put up their hand to volunteer.

Gaining a licence is about much more than getting from A to B. For some young people, it can mean the difference between securing their first job and commuting to work, pursuing higher education, being able to care for family members or attend sporting commitments.

The L2P program gives them independence, opportunity and the ability to safely navigate their future.

It doesn’t take much – just a few hours a week – but the difference you make is enormous.

If you’ve ever taught someone to drive, you know it’s not just about road rules and mirror checks. It’s about patience, encouragement and giving someone the confidence to navigate the world.

That’s what our L2P mentors do every day. They don’t just supervise, they help shape responsible, capable drivers.

It’s a genuine win-win. Volunteers have expressed how rewarding being a mentor can be, citing the sincere joy and sense of gratification they feel when their young person finally manages to get their licence at VicRoads.

It’s an opportunity to connect with your community, feel pride in giving back and contribute directly to road safety in Greater Geelong.

We have many eager young people in the northern suburbs ready to make the most of this fantastic program. Let’s make sure they aren’t disadvantaged simply because of where they live.

If you have a valid, full Australian driver’s licence and a satisfactory driving history, I urge you to consider volunteering today!

The full eligibility criteria can be viewed on the Transport Victoria website at transport.vic.gov.au