Learner drivers across Greater Geelong, without access to a supervising driver or appropriate vehicle, stand to benefit from a contract renewal of the City of Greater Geelong’s TAC L2P driver education program through to 30 June 2024.
The community-based program, developed to assist young drivers gain the experience required for a probationary license, is funded by the TAC, administered by the Department of Transport, and coordinated by the City of Greater Geelong.
The program is available to young people between the ages of 16 and 21 years (and in some circumstances up to 23 years), with just under 500 hours of supervised driving practice being completed each month through the program with the support of our volunteers.
Recent mentor training, saw the program pass the 100 mark of currently active volunteer supervising drivers, which contributed to 50 young people across Greater Geelong obtaining their probationary licences in the last financial year.
In other milestones, Community Bank Bellarine – which provides a car for the Bellarine area – celebrated its 10-year anniversary of involvement with the program, while Lara District Community Bank has extended its partnership to cover two vehicles based in North Geelong and Lara.
The addition of a second vehicle in the northern suburbs has enabled the program to significantly reduce wait times for young people in these postcodes needing access to the program from three years, at its peak, to approximately 12 months.
The program also benefits from the continued partnerships with the Rotary Club of Highton and Rotary Club of Geelong.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
The contract renewal is great news for young people across Geelong requiring assistance to obtain their licence.
Young people need both a safe vehicle and an experienced mentor as they undertake the time-consuming challenge of gaining their driver’s licence.
Drawing on the assistance of many partners, we are fortunate to have a great band of volunteers teaching good driving habits and road safety.
Councillor Ron Nelson
The TAC L2P program is making a real difference in young people’s lives and opening up a range of job and social opportunities for them. We’re grateful for all of the support from organisations and volunteers who assist young people across Greater Geelong to gain those vital 120 hours of supervised driving.
Chris Niven – Community Bank Bellarine Manager Community Engagement
Our organisation is delighted to play a part in assisting the region’s youth. We are proud that the car used in the amazing L2P Program was purchased and provided by the Community Bank. This is the second car we’ve provided in our ongoing 10-year partnership, supporting local youth who need a vehicle and a volunteer mentor to help them obtain their driver’s licence.
