Community
14 March, 2025
Program bridges the gap for learner drivers
WARRNAMBOOL Moyne’s L2P program is helping bridge the gap between learner drivers and fulfilling the required 120 supervised hours behind the wheel.
For many young people, learning to drive is more than just a rite of passage, it’s the key to independence, opportunity and confidence.
But not every learner has access to a car or a supervising driver to clock up the 120 hours needed to get their licence.
That’s where the TAC L2P Warrnambool Moyne program steps in.
The program is providing learner drivers with volunteer mentors to help them gain experience in a safe and supportive environment.
Kim Olinsky, an experienced L2P mentor, has been part of the program for over two years.
She’s seen firsthand how transformative these mentoring relationships can be.
“I love being with young people and getting in the car with them,” Kim said.
“It’s incredible to see someone go from being nervous behind the wheel to actually enjoying driving and gaining confidence.”
Her newest learner, Franke Bourke, is at the very start of her journey.
Having only recently joined the program, the 18-year-old is already seeing the benefits.
“I’d been struggling to get my hours up because my family is so busy,” Franke said.
“Someone recommended L2P to me, and I thought, ‘this would be great.’ It’s been amazing so far.”
Like many young people, Franke was stuck.
She was eager to learn but was without the opportunity to gain regular driving experience.
She was matched with Kim.
Now, they’re hitting the road together, tackling everything from back roads and highways to gravel roads and parking.
“I think learners need to experience all sorts of road conditions; gravel, highways, country roads and night-time driving. These are the roads they’ll be using once they get their licence, so it’s important they feel comfortable,” Kim said.
Driving lessons in the L2P program aren’t just about checking off hours, they’re about building real-world skills and road safety awareness.
“My main aim is that I want people to be safe on the roads,” Kim said.
“It’s lovely to be driving with young people, but at the end of the day this is about making sure they’re safe and confident drivers, not just for themselves but for everyone on the road.”
But what makes L2P so special is the relationships that form along the way.
For Kim, the experience goes beyond driving.
She loves the conversations, the shared music playlists, and learning about the lives of young people she mentors.
“I get exposed to new music, new perspectives; it’s really rewarding. And it’s real intergenerational learning. We’ve got two generations in a car, sharing experiences. It’s pretty special.”
Franke is just at the beginning of her journey, but she knows that getting her licence will be life-changing.
“It will give me so much more freedom - to see my friends, go to the shops and just be independent,” she said.
The L2P program is always on the lookout for new members.
Without enough mentors, learners are on a waitlist, delaying their ability to gain independence.
The more mentors who step forward, the more young people can develop safe driving habits, build confidence, and ultimately get their licence.
The program has made great strides in recent times - with more mentors jumping on board and wait times for learners slashed from 12 months to about three.
But more mentors are required. And the best part is you don’t need to be an expert straight away.
The program will provide full training and resources to upskill and refresh your knowledge of the road rules.
It also provides vehicles, fuel and insurance to make the process as simple as possible.
“We definitely need more mentors,” Kim said.
“The more mentors we have, the more young people can get on the road and move forward with their lives.”
Becoming an L2P mentor isn’t just about helping someone get their licence, it’s about making a real impact in a young person’s life.
And as Kim’s experience shows, it’s just as rewarding for the mentor as it is for the learner.
Kim, a former paediatrician, said she volunteers elsewhere but found L2P flexible and able to fit into her schedule.
If you’ve got a willingness to spend some time supporting the next generation of drivers, you could make a life-changing difference for a young learner like Franke.
Even one or two hours a week can make a massive difference.
Interested in becoming an L2P mentor?
Reach out today and help shape the next generation of safe, confident drivers.
