Road Safety in Victoria for Young People with Learning Challenges: A Community Innovation
- Linda Jane
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Road Safety in Victoria for Young People with Learning Challenges: A Community Innovation
Road safety remains a serious concern across Victoria, particularly for young and inexperienced drivers. While many new drivers face challenges when learning the road rules, young people with learning difficulties often experience additional barriers when trying to enter the licensing system. Without targeted support, these barriers can prevent them from gaining the skills and knowledge needed to drive safely. Programs like the Get My L’s initiative aim to address this issue by providing accessible driver education and support for disadvantaged learners.
A Road Safety Issue in the Community
Across Victoria, road trauma continues to impact communities every year. According to data from Victoria Police, drivers aged 18–25 are significantly over-represented in crashes. Young drivers in their first year on the road are almost four times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury crash compared with more experienced drivers.
Several factors contribute to this increased risk, including:
Inexperience with road conditions
Poor hazard perception skills
Risk-taking behaviours such as speeding or distraction
Research from RACV has also identified many high-risk intersections across Victoria, highlighting the ongoing challenges communities face in improving road safety.
Across the state, road trauma remains a significant concern. In 2023–24, more than 5,600 people were seriously injured on Victorian roads, with the majority of incidents occurring in metropolitan areas.
For young people with learning challenges, these risks can be even greater. Difficulties with reading comprehension, memory, or information processing may make it harder to understand road rules or pass the learner permit test. Without additional support, some young people may struggle to access driver education or develop the knowledge needed to drive safely.
The Get My L’s Program
The Get My L’s program was developed as a practical solution to support young and disadvantaged learners before they begin independent driving. The initiative focuses on providing accessible and supportive education to help participants successfully obtain their learner driver permit.
Through structured workshops, participants receive:
Clear explanations of road rules aligned with VicRoads requirements
Training in hazard perception and safe decision-making
Guidance on driver and passenger responsibilities
Support and practice to build confidence before completing the learner permit test
Importantly, the program adapts learning materials and teaching methods to suit participants with different learning needs. Interactive discussions, simplified explanations, and supportive mentors help ensure that all learners can understand and apply road safety knowledge.
The initiative is strengthened through partnerships with community organisations, schools, youth groups, and volunteers. Collaboration with organisations such as Victoria Police and local Lions Clubs also reinforces key road safety messages and helps create stronger community support for young drivers.
Safer Drivers and Stronger Communities
By helping young people gain their learner permits and understand safe driving practices early, the Get My L’s program contributes to improved road safety across Victoria.
Key outcomes include:
Increased licensing access for disadvantaged young people
Improved knowledge of road rules and hazard awareness before independent driving
Greater confidence and reduced test anxiety among learners
Safer driving behaviours that reduce crash risk over time
Research shows that drivers who receive structured education and mentoring early in their driving journey are more likely to develop safe habits and responsible attitudes toward driving.
Ultimately, initiatives like Get My L’s do more than help individuals pass a test—they contribute to a safer road culture. By supporting young people, particularly those with learning challenges, the program helps create a generation of drivers who are better prepared, more responsible, and more aware of the risks on Victorian roads.
As communities continue to grow and more young people begin driving, education-based programs like this will play a vital role in reducing crashes, protecting passengers, and saving lives.
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Tags:
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