By Callum Ludwig
A new program from the Victorian Government is set to expand on easily accessible driving education, with free road safety education and professional driving lessons with almost 3000 newly arrived migrants and disadvantaged young Victorians.
Recently arrived migrants and those with linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds aged over 21 years old are the target of the program, funded by the $1.5 million Community Road Safety Grants Program.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said everyone deserves the chance to learn to drive, gain independence and feel confident on our roads.
“These programs ensure all road users, regardless of their path, can head out on the roads safely,” he said.
“Sadly, too many communities understand the impact road trauma can have – this program gives people from all walks of life the opportunity to work together at a grassroots level to contribute towards improved road safety.”
Recipients will participate in five core education sessions that address road rules, driver behaviour, pedestrian, and cyclist safety, and are provided two paid professional driving lessons if they hold a licence.
The program is delivered on top of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) L2P Program which supports learner drivers who are unable to access a supervising driver or vehicle to reach their minimum 120 hours of driver training by providing up to seven free professional driving lessons, including a mentor and access to a vehicle.
TAC L2P Project Officer Steve D’Abico said he thinks the new program is an excellent feature to empower those who don’t have access to driving education.
It does two things, it helps people connect with the community they’re living in and it helps improve road safety, I think it’s a win across the board for everyone” he said.
“Professionalism is huge for a learning driver. I think an hour with a professional instructor is sometimes worth three hours with a friend or a colleague or parents.”
Since 2008, the L2P program has helped 15,000 young learner drivers, clocking up 656,757 hours and supporting more than 7,000 participants to get their P-Plates since 2008.
Mr D’Abico said the program has helped over 150 Yarra Ranges residents get their license and said education is at the centre of anything in regards to improving safety.
“Education is a really progressive way forward, it’s an amazing way to connect people with what they need to become the kind of drivers that we want to see on the road and build their capacity to be safe drivers,” he said.
“We’ve found that learners who have come through the program are not just here to get their hours but to become safe drivers and to connect with other people in the community.”
These programs are part of the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to halve road deaths and reduce serious injuries by 2030 and eliminate road deaths by 2050.
“We know that inexperienced drivers are vulnerable on the roads and extensive practice is the best way to mould safe young motorists. The TAC L2P Program removes socioeconomic barriers to ensure all young Victorians have access to quality driving practice and education,” said TAC CEO Joe Calafiore.
