Mentors steer over 200 local youth towards independence on the road

Published on 23 February 2023

Baw Baw Shire Council is thrilled to partner with Baw Baw L2P’s driving mentorship program that supports over 200 young drivers to obtain their probationary licence and successfully get on the road solo for the first time in their adult lives.

The Baw Baw L2P program provides on-road driving experience to learner drivers throughout the Shire, connecting its team of volunteer mentors with prospective students who may not have access to a supervisor driver, vehicle or professional driving lessons.

Managed by the Department of Transport, the L2P program is delivered by local Councils or not-for-profit community agencies to assist eligible Victorian learner drivers to gain the supervised driving experience required for a probationary licence.

In celebration of over 200 lives changed through the program, Baw Baw L2P held a dinner on Tuesday 7 February to thank all volunteers, agencies and sponsors for their continued support. Council, who was represented at the event by Cr Tricia Jones and Council Officers, provides in-kind support to the program through vehicle access, steering committee members and contractual funding arrangements with TAC.

19-year-old Warragul resident, Chiyop, successfully obtained his licence in December after going through the program. “Without L2P I would not have my licence right now. The mentors were amazing people who always made me feel safe and helped me gain my confidence on the road.”

“I am grateful to the mentors for giving an hour or two of their time to help me and all the kids in the program. I cannot thank them enough.” He praises.

Becoming a mentor driver is a fulfilling experience that can make a real difference in the lives of young people in Baw Baw Shire. For more information how to access the program or become a volunteer mentor driver, please visit Baw Baw L2P.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe

“From the age of 16, learning to drive has become a rite of passage for so many young people entering adulthood. Here in Baw Baw we understand not everyone has access to gain experience towards their probationary licence for various reasons and this program works hard to overcome these barriers.

We are grateful for the service Baw Baw L2P provides to our community, and the invaluable contribution of volunteer mentors in assisting young people to become self-sufficient drivers. 

Volunteering can be so rewarding, if you’d like to get involved with this important program and pass on your  knowledge of road safety and skills to the next generation of Baw Baw’s drivers, contact the L2P organisers today, they’d love to hear from you!”