The Salvation Army promised further three years funding for L2P Program

The State Government has pledged a further three years of funding for The Salvation Army’s L2P program. The statewide initiative helps learner drivers progress to probationary permits under the Graduated Learning System (GLS) that requires learners to have 120 hours practical experience before making this transition.

The Salvation Army in Bendigo currently runs the L2P programme to capacity, with 26 voluntary driving mentors helping 30 current learner drivers obtain their required driving hours. The programme targets young people disadvantaged by the 120 hour requirement or who are without the proper supervision to achieve this.

Entrusted to The Salvation Army Bendigo in 2011, The L2P initiative has had 54 learner drivers engage in the program. Another 30 are currently undertaking the program and another 30 are waiting to begin.

Denise Sibenaler, The Salvation Army’s L2P Project Coordinator said the project is in high demand, and is having a life changing impact on the young drivers taking part.

'It’s really significant in opening up job opportunities, helping with self esteem and even just allowing people to drive to school and finish high school,” she said. “It can be a really positive influence, building that relationship and rapport with that learner. A lot of the young people don’t have a significant adult in their life.'

The compulsory 120 hour driving experience requirement addresses the loss of life and economic cost of car crashes and accidents. The Bendigo L2P programme assures this is completed and the graduation from L-plates to P-plates is seamless.

Read Ian and Rose's story
L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program brochure

L2P Objectives
Provide access to driving experience for those learner drivers who have considerable difficulty in gaining access to a supervising driver and/or vehicle.
Reduce the crash and injury rate of young novice drivers by ensuring that they obtain 120 hours of supervised practice.

Assist the mobility and potential social and economic success of disadvantaged young people through providing access to a driver’s licence.

For more information please contact:
The Salvation Army, Australia Southern Territory
Territorial Communications & Fundraising Department, 95-99 Railway Road, Blackburn VIC 3130
T: 03 8878 2400 
E: salvosaus@aus.salvationarmy.org