The L2P program provides driving practice to L-platers who would otherwise struggle to accrue the minimum amount of on-road experience.

VicRoads has offered to fund the mentor program, including insurance costs, volunteer training needs and the employment of a co-ordinator, over a three-year period.

Donations of a vehicle would be sought from car manufacturers or possibly subsidised by service clubs.

Wangaratta Council hopes to run the program in partnership with the North East Support and Action for Youth group.

A report to be put to a council meeting tonight states the program would increase opportunities for young people in the city.

“Access to a driver’s licence provides a foundation stepping stone to a wide range of employment,” it reads.

“In this sense, L2P will help the mobility and potential social and economic success of our young people.”

L-platers under 21 need 120 hours of driving experience to qualify for their Ps.

Concerns were raised about youth who did not have easy access to a car or suitable supervising drivers.

“It is important to ensure that these young people are not disadvantaged by the experience requirement,” the report states.

The report recommends council enter into a service agreement with VicRoads to receive funding for the L2P program.

If approved, the youth action body would be asked to convene a meeting of key stakeholders and community members to gauge support.

The group is the service provider of the L2P program in the Alpine, Indigo, Benalla and Mansfield councils.

If a need is identified, the next step would be to establish a steering committee to submit a funding application to VicRoads for consideration.