The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) L2P Program is a community-based program developed to assist eligible young Victorian learner drivers to gain driving experience.
A car is now located at Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL), at 16 Warley Avenue in Cowes ready for use.
There are two other L2P vehicles within Bass Coast both located in Wonthaggi.
The Bass Coast L2P program is primarily funded through TAC and managed by the Department of Transport and Planning. Further support is provided by Bass Coast Shire Council, Community Bank San Remo and District, Bass Coast Community Foundation, Rotary and local Freemasons.
The program is coordinated in Bass Coast by the Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre.
The TAC L2P assists 16- to 21-year-old learner drivers (and those up to 23 in certain situations) who do not have access to a supervising driver or appropriate vehicle to learn in to gain the mandatory 120 hours of driver experience required to obtain their probationary licence.
Learners who participate in the program are entitled to up to 7 free professional driving lessons; are matched with a trained volunteer mentor to supervise their driving; and are provided access to a program vehicle.
The program's overall focus is to assist young people to become safe, confident drivers and therefore contribute to reducing the road toll.
It additionally increases young people's capacity to access employment, education and training, and social opportunities/community activities.
Mentors and participants
Volunteer mentors are an integral and highly valued part of the TAC L2P program and make an incredible difference for young Victorians who may otherwise be unable to learn to drive.
To become a participant or enquire about being a mentor please contact the program co-ordinator, Melanie Mumford.
Melanie confirmed: "We already have participants who have come over from our Wonthaggi database, however we want to increase both learners and mentors here on Phillip Island."
Melanie can be contacted on 0467 590 679 or via email basscoastl2p@wonthaggineighbourhoodcentre.com, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.