CASEY L2P PROGRAM
The TAC L2P Program assists learners aged 16 to 21 (and in some cases, up to 23) who lack access to a supervising driver or vehicle, helping them gain the driving experience needed to apply for a probationary licence. The program is funded by the Transport Accident Commission, managed by the Department of Transport and Planning and delivered locally by the City of Casey.
Learner drivers are supported to gain their 120 hours by being matched with a volunteer mentor who supervises them with all their driving hours, passing on invaluable road safety and driving skills to the learner.
The City of Casey commenced delivering the L2P program in 2009 and celebrated its 15th anniversary in April 2024. Over these 15 years, the program has supported over 500 learners with the help of approximately 190 volunteer mentors. Over 270 learners have obtained their P plates thanks to the Casey L2P program. The program is strongly supported by local car dealership, Berwick Motor Group, who generously provide two fully maintained Kia vehicles for the program learners to undertake lessons in.
Casey L2P program supports learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, who otherwise wouldn’t have any way of getting their 120 hours. These learners include young people living independently who don’t have any family support, learners who have been in touch with the criminal justice system, neurodiverse learners on the autism spectrum, individuals who have experienced domestic violence, those impacted by mental health issues, and many new arrivals to Casey who are asylum seekers and refugees. Currently, 45% of the learners on the Casey program were born overseas, primarily from Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria. The program predominantly serves residents from areas like Doveton, Hampton Park, Hallam and Cranbourne, which are traditionally low socio-economic areas.
Currently, the program supports 60 learners who do lessons every week with their dedicated mentor. However, the demand for a place on the program has exploded in recent years, particularly with the influx of refugees from Afghanistan settling in Casey.
Every week the program coordinator receives requests for help with driving lessons, but there are limited places available on the program and not everyone is accepted. The program also turns away many applicants who are over the age limit of 23 but are in financial hardship and have no options in getting their driving practice to sit the probationary test.
As there are currently no other ongoing funded driving programs, the City of Casey is seeking support from our local businesses. With your help, we can purchase vouchers from a local driving school for professional driving instructor lessons. We can then distribute a voucher pack to in-need learners who are not eligible or can’t be accepted onto the L2P program. The driving lesson vouchers will ensure these disadvantaged learners get the opportunity that the rest of us had – to get a license, participate in the community, get to work or study and support their families and themselves.
We are now seeking sponsorships from Casey businesses who are as equally passionate about road safety and supporting young people in our community as we are. With your support, we can improve the lives of young people and help make our roads safer by ensuring that these learners can now access professional driving lessons. If you have been looking for a simple way to make a difference, this is it!
“This is unbelievable! I’m very moved and grateful for your generosity. This person has literally nothing and with it – little hope. I cannot begin to tell you the positive effect this will have on my client’s mood, self-worth, ability, independence and to see a future. Thank you so very much”
- “Steve” Cranbourne mental health nurse who reached out to L2P for support for a client. We were able to offer driving lesson vouchers to Steve’s client.
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Sponsorship packages are outlined below. If you would like to propose an alternative sponsorship package, please get in touch to discuss.
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Contact Details
Sunera Patabendige, Road Safety Project Officer/ L2P Coordinator
E: spatabendige@casey.vic.gov.au
M: 0400 693 158