A drive to learn

By Nicole Williams
GREATER Dandenong’s L2P program is a lifesaver for some and an opportunity to make a difference for others.
For recent ‘graduate’ Kayla Conyers the freedom of having her licence was something she couldn’t pass up.
She got her learner’s permit when she was 17 but moved out soon after – with no licence and no car.
“This was something that could help me to achieve something that I had really wanted since I was 17,” the 20-year-old said.
“I thought it sounded like a great opportunity to do it and now I wouldn’t change it.”
Kayla started driving with her mentor Julie Sant in February last year and passed her test in November.
“I achieved something in my life that had been up and down,” she said.
“I hadn’t done anything for myself in a few years so I put my mind to it and now I recommend it to anyone.”
Kayla and Julie are now the “best of friends”.
“Julie was awesome, we’re the best of friends now,” she said.
“The next person to get her as their mentor is very lucky.”
Julie said her experience with Kayla was so good she is looking forward to meeting her next learner.
“I had a fantastic learner who was very enthusiastic and took the opportunity and went with it,” she said.
“I love it and I am meeting my new learner this week.”
For Julie, the opportunity to get involved in the program stemmed from a tragic car accident that took her brother’s life 26 years ago.
“I just want to pass on my experience so another kid doesn’t pass away in another accident,” she said.
“So many people complain about learners but no-one helps.”
The L2P program is a program designed to give learner drivers who have barriers in obtaining their probationary licence access to driving practice with a fully-licensed volunteer driver.
Anyone interested in the program can contact 9793 2155.