By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CASEY Council’s learner driver program will keep its foot on the pedal for another four years after a Berwick business has thrown its support behind the initiative.
Berwick Nissan (Berwick Motor Group) will be the new partner of the City of Casey’s L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program and has supplied a car for participants to use – a Nissan Micra – unveiled on Monday 7 September.
The L2P program has been offered in Casey since 2010 and gives young learner drivers under 21, who don’t have family support, to achieve their 120 hours of required supervised driving experience.
“L2P is designed to ensure that learners without ready access to supervising drivers or vehicles can maximise their supervised driving experience and in doing so, reducing their chance of crashing when they receive their probationary car licence,” Casey Mayor Mick Morland said.
“Berwick Motor Group has generously donated a Nissan Micra to the program, allowing Council to continue to offer this wonderful initiative to our local young people.”
Since the L2P program was introduced in Casey, 128 learners have participated in the program with 81 of those going on to gain their probationary licence.
Meanwhile 67 mentor drivers have participated in the program during that time, volunteering a total of 10,559 hours.
“L2P always has a steady stream of young people seeking assistance through the program, and there is currently the need for more volunteer mentor drivers to help Council keep up with the demand,” Cr Morland said.
“If you hold a full driver’s licence, have time to commit to the program for a minimum of six months and the ability to work with young people from diverse backgrounds and take on a coaching role, then Council would love to hear from you.”
Businesses or community members who would like to support the L2P Program are encouraged to contact City of Casey Customer Service on 9705 5200, or visit Council’s website at www.casey.vic.gov.au for more information.
