All across Victoria local Council's are saving time poor and nervous parents from going mad. That means you have more free time to enjoy your weekends. Actually, this Learner Driver Mentor Program is aimed at learners who don't have access to a car or a supervising driver and those finding it hard to pay for driving lessons.
First Australian L sign
This great initiative supports learner drivers aged 16 - 20 years that may be facing difficulty reaching the requirement of gaining 120 hours driving practice before applying for their probationary licence.
As part of the L2P
Program, learner drivers are paired with fully licensed volunteer mentor drivers (22 years and over) to assist them to meet the requirements before taking their licence test.
Mature Volunteers (over 25 yrs) need to be responsible driving models, enjoy engaging with young people but they don't need to be a professional driving instructor. They need to have a full (non-Probationary) current Victorian drivers licence with a good driving history (less than 6 current demerit points). A Working with Children Check, Victoria Police and a VicRoads driving history check will be necessary but all fees for these checks are covered by the program. Volunteers receive VicRoads training of 10-12 hrs over 2 – 3 weeks and are covered by insurance.
Volunteers are required to supervise at least one driving practice session per week (1 ½ – 2 hrs/wk) over 6 months or longer if possible. Supervising Drivers ensure that learner drivers complete their log book correctly and gain experience in a range of driving conditions including night driving.
The 'just got my licence look'!
Learner drivers are entitled to up to seven lessons with a professional driving instructor and practice with their volunteer supervising driver. I suppose it goes without saying that you must have a learners permit. I'm not bitter, but put it this way, if you can fill out a Centrelink form this is a breeze.
If you would like more information as either a volunteer mentor or a learner driver please contact your nearest provider.
Two hands on the wheel please!
Don't get me wrong. The time spent teaching your children to drive is meant to be wonderful bonding time. After all, you can't get away from each other. I've taught two of my children and have two to go. I have even learnt a thing or two. For example, my son has recently told me that stop signs are just suggestions and that you can speed up through amber lights. Warning: Do not try this at home! It's times like these that I wish he had read the VicRoads Rules and Laws book. He would benefit from this program as he'd probably take more notice of the mentor than me. If only they had an attitude mentor program!
Beware - the traffic signs are not just decoration
