Banyule & Nillumbilk TAC L2P Program

Corrado comes from a sales engineering background in the compressed air industry in which he worked for around 30 years until he retired. However, Corrado is not one for sitting around and doing nothing, so after he retired he looked around for productive things to do with his free time.

Vic Roads had such a backlog of licence test applications after so many lockdowns that they were reaching out for additional licence testing officers. When Corrado heard about this he thought he would give it a try. As a result, he secured a six-month contract as a licence testing officer for Vic Roads. He worked at Bundoora and also spent time working at Box Hill.

Corrado also approached an Employment Services provider to check what options might be available. When asked what he liked doing, he replied ‘I like driving,’ — volunteering with the L2P program was the obvious choice. Not only does Corrado bring his enthusiasm for driving to the program, but also his valuable experience as a licence testing officer.

Corrado has been with the Banyule TAC L2P program for 18 months, mentoring four learners who all successfully obtained their licences, and is currently mentoring a fifth, Oliver.

Oliver had moved out of home, had no contact with his parents, and no access to someone who could help him achieve his 120 mandatory hours. He heard about the L2P program through his accommodation hosts and decided to apply.

After spending a month working with a professional instructor, Oliver was matched with Corrado. Excited about reaching his goal, he began accumulating hours with Corrado. Corrado says he enjoys the opportunity to meet young people through the program, as ‘it gets me thinking differently to having to talk to adults all the time.’

His advice to potential volunteers: ‘If you're looking to get a lot of self-satisfaction and meet interesting people along the way, get involved in the L2P program.’

Jeff has been a dedicated volunteer with the Banyule TAC L2P Program for over six years. He has supported six learners to obtain their probationary licences and is now mentoring his seventh. A retired social and recreation planner, Jeff was introduced to the program through a social worker. Inspired by the challenges faced by local young people in accessing supervised driving, Jeff decided to become a mentor.

James joined the L2P program 18 months ago. He grew up moving across Melbourne’s northern suburbs, started working at 13, and often relied on walking or public transport since his family didn’t drive. Determined to change this, he got his learner's permit at 16 and bought a car.

Tragically, James’ car was destroyed in a fire on his 17th birthday. He had been actively driving with Jeff until he needed to take a 3-4 month break to care for his brother after surgery. Feeling overwhelmed, James almost gave up on getting his licence. A timely call from Vicki, the Banyule L2P Program Officer, re-energised him to return to lessons with Jeff and continue building his skills.

James’s journey highlights how a supportive mentor and encouragement at the right time can make all the difference. James encourages young people to fully commit to the program, stating he would not have achieved his probationary licence without Jeff and the L2P Program’s support.

According to Jeff, while the early stages of mentoring can be challenging, the reward is witnessing learners grow in skills, confidence, and independence.