L2P Driver Mentor program resumes

Published on 24 November 2020

A popular learner driver program, provided by Gannawarra Shire Council, has resumed services as COVID-19 restrictions ease across Victoria.

Funded by the Transport Accident Commission, the VicRoads L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program was postponed in late March as part of measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“Council is proud to be one of 59 local councils or not-for-profit community agencies across Victoria to deliver the L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“This popular program assists learner drivers under 21 years of age, who do not have access to a supervising driver or vehicle, to gain the driving experience required to apply for a probationary licence.”

As part of efforts to protect participants and mentors, numerous COVIDsafe measures will be in place, ranging from the wearing of face masks whilst driving to the cleaning of the interior of the program’s vehicle before and after each session.

“Learner drivers are recommended to use the myLearners app to record their drives, which mentors can use to sign off on time spent driving instead of sharing pens and paper with logbooks,” Mr O’Reilly said.

With the program resuming, Council is encouraging residents who can volunteer at least one hour of their time a week to consider signing up as a mentor driver.

Volunteer mentors need to be over 21 years of age and hold a current full Victorian driver’s licence. Mentors will also need to undertake a Working with Children Check, a Police Check and VicRoads Driver History Report, with all costs associated with these checks met by the program.

“Mentors will be matched with one of the young people taking part in the program, and use a vehicle supplied by Council to gain supervised driving experience,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“If you have some spare time and want to assist our local young people in obtaining their probationary licence, why not consider becoming a volunteer mentor?”

If you are interested in becoming a L2P learner driver mentor, please contact Council on (03) 5450 9333.