VicRoads and TAC win health award for learner driver mentor program

17 Dec 2013

The innovative learner driver mentor program, L2P, for young and disadvantaged drivers has been recognised for its contribution to the health and wellbeing of Victorians at the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Awards.

Minister for Roads Terry Mulder has applauded VicRoads and the TAC on delivering the program which enables vulnerable young people to obtain the necessary 120 hours of supervised driving practice.

"The L2P program, funded by the TAC, is a community-based program that offers learner drivers between 16 and 21 years old driving experience with fully licensed volunteer mentors," Mr Mulder said.

"We are delighted to receive this prestigious award which recognises the collaboration between VicRoads, TAC, local councils and community groups across Victoria which delivers the L2P program.

"Being mentored by committed community volunteers, the L2P program assists our young people in becoming safer drivers."

The award recognises the contribution of L2P in not only improving road safety outcomes for young people, but its contribution to improving access to employment opportunities, enhanced mobility and increased social connection.

"L2P would not be possible without the volunteer mentors who invest their personal time to actively contribute to the program," Mr Mulder said

The L2P Program was developed to support Victoria's Graduated Licensing System, which requires learner drivers under 21 to complete at least 120 hours of supervised driving before they can go for their probationary licence test.

Currently 62 L2P programs are operating across Victoria, with approximately 2,000 learner drivers currently gaining driving practice and benefitting from the program.

TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said overseas research has identified a 30 per cent reduction in crash risk for new drivers with 120 hours of supervised experience, compared to those with only 50 hours.

"For most young people, gaining the 120 hours of supervised driving required to apply for a probationary licence isn't a problem, however it can prove very difficult for some," Ms Dore said.

Protecting young drivers during their introduction to driving, progression through the Graduated Licensing System and their first years of solo driving(when they are at highest risk), is a key priority of Victoria's Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan released in March, 2013.

The Victorian Coalition Government and the road safety agencies recently announced new, tougher penalties for mobile phone use and the extension of the ban on mobile phone use for all four years of probationary driving.

"Other initiatives which target young drivers include; the Graduated Licensing System, the Fit to Drive program, Keys Please and the P Drivers Project, all of which aim to equip our most vulnerable road users with the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe on the roads," Mr Mulder said.

For more information visit www.roadsafety.vic.gov.au

Pictured above: Catherine Rollins and Stephanie Brierley