Learner Driver Mentor Programs (LDMPs) are designed to assist learner drivers in accessing a supervising driver and vehicle so they can gain the driving experience needed to obtain a drivers licence.
Having a drivers licence can enhance:
- Employment opportunities
- Access to education/employment programs
- Access to appointments and other services, particularly in rural or regional areas
- Independent living skills.
While LDMPs are seen to assist disadvantaged members of the community to gain a drivers licence, they also have the capacity to include a road safety focus and develop safer drivers. In 2013, Youthsafe was awarded an Australian Road Safety Community Award for our work on enhancing the road safety aspects of LDMPs.
LDMP Volunteer Mentor Workshops
Youthsafe has designed a workshop session, tailor-made to support the needs of volunteers embarking on their important role as an on-road supervising driver for LDMP participants.
Youthsafe provided the program with excellent mentor training.
It [the training] was fantastic.
Excellent coverage, well presented.
Keep doing the great job you are doing!
The facilitator was well qualified and outlined information with enthusiasm and helpfulness.
Great trainer, very engaging.
The training is run as a 6-hour workshop to:
- Increase understanding of the Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS) and its importance (why 120 hours?)
- Explain the impact adolescent brain development has on young people and road related injury risk
- Explore how mentors should supervise their learner driver to help them through the GLS stages
- Help volunteer mentors understand their role and boundaries
- Help volunteer mentors communicate effectively and diffuse stressful encounters
There are sufficient breaks and activities to get participants up and moving, with group activities and discussions to engage. We cap participant numbers at 12 per session.
Youthsafe is happy to discuss specific elements of the session and can be flexible with delivery according to individual program needs. We ask a few key questions about the program prior to the workshop to make sure we understand program purpose, structure, etc so we can make any necessary adjustments to ensure the session is relevant.
We run the training at a location and date convenient to you and your volunteer mentors.
Contact presentations@youthsafe.org to book or for more information.
In addition to the training, Youthsafe has developed a step-by-step guide to LDMP planning, implementation and evaluation.
We also offer program support and advice for emerging and existing LMDPs.