Since its launch, five learners from the college have successfully obtained their driver’s licences with the help of their volunteer mentors, Paul and Anne.
They are continuing their excellent work, currently mentoring five more young drivers, helping them to achieve the required 120 hours of driving practice before obtaining their licence.
The initiative offers students the opportunity to gain the essential driving experience they need to safely navigate the roads.
The program provides a fully insured vehicle and recruits local volunteers as mentors.
Through this collaboration, the school, TAC, and the community are working together to ensure that Rochester’s young drivers are equipped with the skills and confidence to become responsible, safe road users.
“The L2P Program has provided our students at Rochester Secondary College with an invaluable opportunity they otherwise might not have had,” Rochester Secondary College principal Matt Koutroubas said.
“By offering access to supervised driving practice, the program has empowered them to gain the necessary skills, experience, and hours to obtain their licence, unlocking greater access to work and further study opportunities.
“This program truly sets them up for success on the road and in their future endeavours, and we are so thankful to the volunteer mentors and the CCLLEN for their work in getting this program up and running in our community.”
The in-school model gives students the chance to get behind the wheel and build their driving skills.
However, this couldn’t be achieved without the help of the community.
Paul Butler, who has been mentoring with the program since its incorporation in Rochester, is currently assisting two students from the college with their driving hours.
“Over the last ten months, I have helped four learner drivers successfully gain their licence on the first attempt. I’m immensely proud of them all,” he said.
“One of my learners started with no driving experience at all but worked really hard to gain the level of hours and experience required.
“This is one way of putting back into my local community. I consider myself lucky to be able to participate in this program, and I encourage others to take part.”
Volunteering as a mentor is a simple but incredibly impactful way to support young people in and around Rochester.
If you have a few hours to spare and would like to make a difference and support a learner driver, please contact L2P coordinator, Nikki Harris, on 0428 474 014 or email L2P@ccllen.com.au
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