Getting on the road with L2P

Learner Nyamatar Maker and supervisor Kerry Clayton (Supplied)

Jaidyn Kennedy

Learner drivers in Hobsons Bay and Wyndham are getting closer to obtaining their probationary licences through the L2P program.

L2P is a community-based program delivered by the TAC to assist eligible Victorian learner drivers between the ages 16-21 years, who do not have access to a supervising driver or a vehicle.

Volunteer instructor Kerry Clayton has helped 19-year-old Nyamatar Maker gain 86 hours so far.

Ms Maker had been unable to find a supervising driver for three years until a friend alerted about the L2P program.

Coming from a motoring family and being a teacher by trade, the L2P was something akin to a calling for Ms Clayton, who has helped nine learner drivers gain driving hours. She said there were many rewarding elements of the program.

“Simply seeing them grow from a very generally timid, obviously lacking confidence with that lack of skill, to someone who is really comfortable sitting in the car as a solo driver,” she said was one of the main things she gets out of it.

“I really enjoy the responsiveness of the young drivers, they really are appreciative of the progra

No two learners learn the same way, so Ms Clayton, the Featherbrook College principal, said she brings her educator’s hat to bring out the best in each student.

Laverton Community Integrated Services, which help coordinate the program across the the Hobsons Bay and Wyndham areas, has received $50,000 funding from Transurban to help support the program.