Not only can learning to drive seem like a daunting prospect, but the price of lessons can be just as discouraging. But, thanks to a new statewide initiative, learning to master the wheel has just got a whole lot easier – and cheaper – for families.
Learner drivers and their supervising parents or guardians can now access a free 60-minute professional driving session, to make getting confident behind the wheel a smoother journey. The program aims to equip young drivers with essential road safety skills and give supervising drivers the confidence to support their learners in completing the 120-hour practice requirement.
Delivered by accredited driving instructors, the initiative is set to benefit around 15,000 families – but who is eligible? You meet the criteria if you are a Victorian learner permit holder aged 16 to 19 who has completed 10 to 30 hours of driving practice and has a fully licensed supervising driver available to join the lesson.
The initiative aims to reduce the risks for young drivers, who are nearly four times more likely to experience a serious crash in their first year on P-plates. This free session follows Victoria's Graduated Licensing System, which has reduced serious crashes among young drivers by 40 per cent since 2007.
Plus, driving instructors can access free training to become accredited for this program, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
With the average professional driving lesson costing up to $100, this initiative will be a financial helping hand for busy families struggling with the cost of living and a crucial step toward creating safer roads and safer drivers.
The registrations for the 'myLearners Free Lesson' initiative are now open. Visit the website here to book your free session or to find out more about becoming an accredited instructor.
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