The TAC L2P Program assists Victorian learner drivers aged 16 to 21 with no access to a supervising driver or vehicle to gain the 120 hours driving experience required to apply for a probationary licence.
The TAC L2P Program is funded by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), managed by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), supported by the Victorian Government and coordinated by Indigo Shire Council.
How does it work?
The TAC L2P Program matches learner drivers, aged 16 to 21, with a fully-licensed volunteer driver and practice vehicle to help them gain driving experience.
Before being matched with a volunteer mentor, learners participating in the program have access to up to seven free driving lessons throughout the program with a professional instructor. This helps learners build their skills before getting on the road with a volunteer mentor and continue progressing through the four stages of the Graduated Licensing System.
The program focuses on helping young people become safe, confident drivers in an effort to reduce Victoria’s road toll. It also provides an opportunity for young people to interact with positive adult role models, gain confidence and move towards social independence.
To join the program you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be between 16 and 21 years of age
- Be a current learner's permit holder
- Have no access to either a vehicle, a supervising driver, or both.
Volunteer mentors are the backbone of the program and we are always on the lookout for more.
To become a volunteer mentor you need to:
- Be interested in helping young people.
- Be over 21 years of age.
- Have a current full Victorian driver's licence.
- Be screened by your local L2P program and abide by Indigo Shire Council's volunteering requirements.
When volunteering for the TAC L2P Program, all mentors need to abide by the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
To be considered for the TAC L2P program, learners and volunteer mentors must complete an application form.
The easiest way to apply is online through the L2P page on the VicRoads website. Paper-based application forms can also be downloaded from the VicRoads website and returned directly to the Indigo Shire L2P program by contacting the L2P Support Officer on 0417 156 598.
If you wish to learn more before applying, contact us.
Harmony - Rutherglen
Harmony has been in the L2P program in Rutherglen for 4 years. Her instructor Wayne has done an outstanding job guiding her through the required hours to gain her licence. Harmony says ‘it has been a long time coming’ but she was so pleased to pass the test on her first try.
A special thanks to mentors Doug and Herb who have also been assisting Harmony to complete her last few hours recently, especially the night driving. The dedication and team effort of the Rutherglen mentors has been incredible.
Darcy - Beechworth
Darcy has been in the L2P program for 2 years in Beechworth, with expert guidance from her mentor Greg.
They have worked hard together to gain the 120 hours and all the skills required to pass the driving test on the first attempt.
Greg provided a gentle, kind and patient approach to help guide Darcy across the finishing line.
Blair - Yackandandah
Blair came into the L2P program in Yackandandah because he was having trouble accessing a supervising driver and getting his driving hours.
His mentor Ron, helped Blair gain his remaining hours in just 3 months, increased his knowledge of road safety, and taught him important vehicle handling skills. Blair said ‘without Ron he would not have tried reverse parallel parks for some time’.
He said he got on really well with Ron and he appreciated the time Ron made available to him every week.
Lindsey - Rutherglen
Lindsey joined the L2P program in September 2020 along with her twin sister at the height of COVID.
It was a very challenging time but thanks to the perseverance of the L2P mentors in Rutherglen Lindsey and her sister successfully gained their P’s in December 2021. Lindsey said about the program “I found the L2P program and it was the best! I joined as I was struggling with getting my licence and had no one to help me. Everyone involved are such friendly people and they’re eager to help. I learnt a lot of helpful skills thanks to the L2P program!”
Caitlin - Tangambalanga
Caitlin joined the L2P program in November 2021 and under the excellent guidance of Ron from Yackandandah, successfully gained her P’s in February 2022.
Caitlin juggled work commitments and distance from her mentor at times, but remained dedicated to the program.
We'd like to say a huge thank you to Ron who had to make a 40 minute round trip to pick up Caitlin in addition to her driving sessions, we're fortunate to have such a wonderful volunteer within our community.
Caitlin and Ron’s story also formed part of a state-wide TAC social media promotion recently to recruit new learners and mentors into the program.
Clae - Yackandandah
Clae joined the L2P program in November 2021 and gained his P’s on his first attempt in May 2022. During his six months in the program Clae was competently guided by his volunteer supervising driver Steve Henderson from Yackandandah.
Clae says “The L2P program helped me greatly not only in my driving skill but my confidence on the road. I have learnt so much through this program and is has more than prepared me to drive safely on my own. It has been great to meet the friendly and encouraging people that helped me in this program. It’s great that I can help Mum and Dad out more now too.”
Giselle - Rutherglen
Giselle joined the L2P program in October 2020 in the midst of COVID uncertainty with 2 hours driving experience. During her two years in the program Giselle, assisted by her mentor Doug, navigated plenty of stops and starts due to COVID lockdowns, floods, road closures and storms. She successfully completed her required 120 hours driving experience to become a safe driver. Giselle gained her P’s on the first attempt in December 2022. An outstanding achievement.
When asked about her experience in the program Giselle said “The L2P program was so helpful to me. I probably wouldn’t have gained my P’s without the help of the program.”
Ralli - Yackandandah
Ralli joined the L2P program in November 2022 with 80 hours driving experience and looking for assistance to meet the mandatory 120 hours. A plan was put in place with his mentor Sefton Williams with the aim to get Ralli’s provisional licence by early 2023. This process involved committing to three months of regular driving sessions to complete the remaining 40 hours required. Ralli was successful in gaining his P’s on 16 February 2023 on his first attempt. A fantastic effort by Ralli’s volunteer mentor Sefton to meet the tight timeframes.
Young people enter the L2P program at all stages of driving experience depending on their circumstances. It is not uncommon for learners to have a change in their availability of a supervising driver or a suitable vehicle which are the key eligibility criteria.
Hear from local young people on how being involved in the program has positively impacted their lives, the rewards of being a volunteer mentor (and how the success of the program relies on them) and from our team on the importance of the program and how you can get involved.