More support for disadvantaged learner drivers

Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

Sixteen organisations have been awarded funding through the latest Learner Driver Mentor Program 2020-21 grant round to help more Tasmanians get their licence.

The program allows local community-based organisations to provide disadvantaged learner drivers with access to a car and a supervisory driver to help them reach their required on-road hours.

A driver's licence can be an important part of getting a job, becoming more independent and keeping up important family and social connections, but the cost of lessons can put pressure on the household budgets of lower-income families.

This program has proven incredibly successful over a number of years and has gone from strength to strength, with more learners and mentors engaged in it than ever before.

The hardworking volunteer mentors are the backbone of the program and provide disadvantaged learners around Tasmania with the on-road hours needed for them to achieve their P1 licence.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is providing $1 million a year through our $75 million Road Safety Action Plan to support these local programs and Driver Mentoring Tasmania.

A further $113,000 will be provided for the program in 2020-21 to assist with one off purchases, including new five star vehicles to improve fleet safety, and improvements for mentor recruitment and induction.

LDMP 2020-21 funding round successful applicants

*Ucaan Drive is a new program operated from Bucaan Community House in Chigwell