GETTING your probationary licence is seldom an easy task, but for some it’s nearly impossible.
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That was before the L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program came to the rescue.
Disadvantaged Ballarat youths who have struggled to get their probationary licence – whether it was because they didn’t have access to a vehicle or no one to teach them – now have the chance to progress from their learner’s to a probationary driver.
United Way Ballarat chief executive Geoff Sharp said the L2P program was there to help all disadvantaged youths, no matter what prevented them from achieving the mandatory 120 supervised hours to take the probationary licence test.
“There is no one story that represents everyone,” he said.
“I met this young boy who had 20 to 30 hours of driving and then his mum had died of cancer ... with the program, he got his 120 hours and his licence.”
Mr Sharp said other disadvantages often included youths not having access to a vehicle, insufficient funds for a driving instructor, and parents who didn’t drive a manual car.
He said the program gave young people more opportunities to gain their licence, which potentially opened up more job opportunities for them.
David Kerr, 19, was one of eight graduates who were recognised at the inaugural L2P graduation on Friday afternoon. He said the program was his best chance of gaining his probationary licence.
The Courier Charity Fund donated $16,300 towards the purchase of three new cars that were also revealed at Friday’s graduation ceremony.
Mr Sharp said it was hoped another two cars could be added soon to program.