Heidi Kraak
Member for Morwell Russell Northe has called on the state government to commit to funding the L2P learner driving program beyond June 2019.
Facilitated by Berry Street in the Latrobe Valley, the L2P program is funded by the Transport Accident Commission and helps young learner drivers who may not have access to a vehicle or supervising driver to build up the required 120 hours of driving practice before they can get their probationary licence.
“There are many young people in our community who don’t get access to a vehicle, or they don’t have access to a supervising driver, but they still need to get 120 hours of supervised driving on the road,” Mr Northe, who is the also L2P steering committee chair, said.
“The program has helped so many people in the Latrobe Valley and beyond obtain their probationary licence over the years and it is important we keep the program going.”
Berry Street team leader of education and youth transition Darren Teller said obtaining a licence was particularly crucial for young people in regional areas.
“I think that people who live in this region would have a firm understanding of the fact that public transport is perhaps not as available as it may be in the metropolitan areas,” he said.
“So living in an area where geographically between each city it is quite a large distance, so when we are looking at young people who are behind the eight ball who are re-engaging or engaging in education and training, or seeking and maintaining employment, having your licence is pivotal to developing your independence.
“The loss of this program would really impact on young people having the opportunity to get their probationary licence.”
The program helped 14 people get their licence in the last year.
Twenty-one-year-old Traralgon resident Shania Watt said the program had helped her increase her driving hours and confidence behind the wheel when, without it, she wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do so otherwise.
“I took part because my mum works nine to five and she doesn’t have the time to drive me around,” she said.
