Local News
10 August, 2026
New mentors driving experience
Funded by the TAC and facilitated by the North Central LLEN, the program supports young people facing barriers to obtaining their probationary licence.
BULOKE Loddon TAC L2P Program is helping bridge gained their 120 hours of supervised driving.
Funded by the TAC and facilitated by the North Central LLEN, the program supports young people facing barriers to obtaining their probationary licence.
Eligible learner drivers are matched with fully licensed volunteer mentors from the local community and are provided access to a program vehicle, allowing them to gain valuable driving experience in a safe and supportive environment.
North Central LLEN now has seven new volunteer mentors, who completed training at the LLEN office in Charlton before beginning their journey of supporting local learner drivers last month
Already this year, five young people have successfully achieved their P-plates, with another five anticipated to successfully complete by the end of the year.
One recent success story is John Brooks, who earned his probationary licence after completing 94 out of 120 driving hours with volunteer mentor Bianca Abbott.
Reflecting on his experience, John said the program made a huge difference to both his driving ability and confidence.
“The TAC L2P program really helped build my confidence and got me used to being on the road. I’d definitely recommend it because it opens doors for people who want to learn to drive.”
John said Bianca’s encouragement and patience played a major role in helping him achieve his goal.
“Bianca was my main mentor and she was amazing. She was really understanding and helped me with everything I didn’t know.”
Together they drove through Wycheproof, Birchip and Swan Hill, giving John experience in a variety of driving environments and road conditions.
The TAC L2P program is free for eligible young people aged between 16 and 21, and in some cases up to 23 who hold a current learner permit and have no access to a vehicle, a supervising driver, or both.
Read More: Charlton