By Alesha Capone
For these Hoppers Crossing triplets, practising their driving skills has been made three times easier thanks to the WynBay L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program.
The 17-year-olds – Sarah, Madelyn and Joshua Chapman – have all participated in the program, which is funded by VicRoads to help young learner drivers complete the 120 hours of driving practice required before probationary driver’s licence tests can be undertaken.
The program matches L-platers aged under 21 with licensed volunteers who assist them in developing good driving habits.
The triplets were mentored by professional driving instructor Fiona Sulman, who volunteers for the L2P program.
Sarah said the L2P program had been “invaluable”.
“It was always hard for our mother to imagine how it was going to be possible to get 120 hours for the three of us,” Sarah said.
“We’ve all found the program very helpful and are so grateful for the opportunity that has been given to us.”
Wyndham council safer communities portfolio holder Kim McAliney said that recruiting new mentors to the program was “an important part of the program’s ongoing success”.
The WynBay initiative is provided with in-kind and financial assistance by Laverton Community Integrated Services, Wyndham and Hobsons Bay councils, the Bendigo Bank Community Grants Program and Kia Motors Hoppers Crossing.
Go to www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/directory/laverton-community-integrated-services for information about the WynBay L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program or becoming an L2P volunteer.
