Drive On Ballarat
On July 1st 2007, VicRoads introduced new legislation making it mandatory for all learner drivers who gained their permit after that date, to accumulate 120 hours of documented supervised driving experience.
Lead On could see that this new legislation was going to significantly impact on young disadvantaged people in the community and so by partnering with the Ballarat City Council, VicRoads, Road Safe, Victoria Police, the Ballarat Light Car Club and other local community groups, devised the Drive On program.
The aim of the program is to provide eligible young people with the opportunity to gain 120 hours of supervised driving practice. The barriers these young people often face may include -not having access to a vehicle or a supervising driver, or not having the money to afford professional driving lessons.
Like all Lead On projects, Drive On has a strong mentoring focus. Paarticipants are matched with a suitable mentor who can also act as a positive role model, improving the young person's confidence and skills; helping them to make positive choices for themselves when driving as well as in their everyday lives.
Volunteer mentors are sourced from the community and all necessarry training and support is provided by lead On and Vic Roads.
In 2007, Lead On received the 'Victorian Crime and Violence Prevention Award' in the category 'Local Solutions to Local Issues' for the Drive On program.
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