Helping young people gain probationary licence a joy
Melton’s L2P learner driver mentor program has helped 70 young people gain their probationary licences.
The program began five years ago at Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services and is so popular there are more than 18 learner drivers on the waiting list for lessons.
Jennifer Spiteri, 18, was the 70th L2P participant to gain her licence last week and can’t speak highly enough about the program.
She said 18 months ago she found herself in a situation where she had no one who could take her driving to clock up the required 120 hours of experience.
And then she heard about L2P and met mentor Joy Lawn.
“Joy was absolutely amazing. She would take me driving out of town, in rural areas, in the city, so many different locations,” Ms Spiteri said.
She said there was no way she would have been able to get her licence without the L2P program.
“It has been a gret experience and motivated me to give back when I can and become a mentor driver myself.”
Mrs Lawn, 67, has been a mentor driver from the beginning and said she was as excited as the young ones when they got their licence.
“Jennifer is the eighth driver of mine to get her licence and it’s so exciting to see them develop and grow,” Mrs Lawn said.
She said she enjoyed the drivers as much as the students and she tried to prepare them as much as she could.
L2P project officer Kim Leech said 30 learner drivers are being mentored by 22 volunteer mentor drivers, but more are needed.
*Source: Melton StarWeekly, 30 September 2014