Almost 3000 newly-arrived migrants and disadvantaged young Victorians will receive free road safety education and professional driving lessons through the Transport Accident Commission’s L2P program to ensure they are confident and safe on our roads.
Victorian Roads and Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll said the program would support almost 600 new Victorians to take part in road safety programs across the state, delivering more than 1000 driving lessons.
The program assists recently arrived migrants and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds aged over 21 years to increase their road safety knowledge, awareness and skills as part of the $1.5 million Community Road Safety Grants Program.
Participants receive five core education sessions which address road rules, driver behaviour and pedestrian and cyclist safety, as well as up to two paid professional driving lessons for participants who hold a licence.
In addition, learner drivers who are unable to access a supervising driver or vehicle to accrue their minimum 120 hours of driver training will receive up to seven free professional driving lessons, plus access to a mentor and a vehicle.
The program is expected to provide free, supervised driving experience to more than 2249 participants and up to 16,017 professional driving lessons this year alone.
Mr Carroll was excited by how the program could support fairer access to developing key driving safety skills.
“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. These program gives people from all walks of life the opportunity to work together at a grassroots level to contribute towards improved road safety.”
Transport Accident Commission chief executive officer Joe Calafiore was pleased the programs would tackle the financial burden of gaining driving experience.
“We know that inexperienced drivers are vulnerable on the roads and extensive practice is the best way to mould safe young motorists,” he said.
“The TAC L2P Program removes socio-economic barriers to ensure all young Victorians have access to quality driving practice and education”.
Since 2008, the L2P program has helped 15,000 young learner drivers clock up 656,757 hours of driving experience and supported more than 7000 participants to get their P-plates.
The Victorian Government is aiming to halve road deaths and reduce serious injuries by 2030 and eliminate road deaths by 2050.