120 HOURS THAT CHANGED A FUTURE

When Ken joined the TAC L2P program, he brought with him a great sense of humour and a willingness to give driving a go. What followed was much more than completing 120 hours of driving practice. It was a journey built on friendship, trust, persistence and the shared belief that Ken could achieve his goal of getting his driver licence.

From the beginning, Ken and his mentor, Colin, gelled well. Colin describes Ken as someone who was always keen to listen, learn and improve. One of the things that stood out was Ken’s determination to revisit the same spots where he had made mistakes, giving himself another opportunity to practice and get it right. That willingness to learn and keep trying became a defining part of their time together.

Their drives took them well beyond the streets of Ballarat, with trips to Daylesford, Ballan, Beaufort, St Arnaud, Horsham and even Torquay. Ken’s favourite destination was Anglesea, but one drive remains a memorable story. One of Ken’s most memorable experiences was his first night drive with Colin. It turned out to be quite an adventure, with a storm bringing dust and then heavy rain. Despite the challenging weather, the drive took them past the Arch on Remembrance Drive in Ballarat. With the night sky, the dramatic weather storm and heavy rain. The Arch at Remembrance Drive was illuminated by the lights, surrounded by clearing fob, it became a sight that stayed with Ken. What could have been an ordinary driving lesson turned into a special memory that he still looks back on with a smile.

For Ken, however, the most important part of the experience was the relationship he built with Colin. Having a mentor who treated him like a friend made all the difference. They shared countless conversations, developed trust in each other and built a friendship that Ken says was crucial to his success. He knew he could not have achieved the 120 hours alone, and having someone beside him who believed in him made the journey possible.

There were moments when Ken wondered whether he would ever get his licence. But the day he finally passed was one of pure excitement and pride. He was simply over the moon. As Ken puts it, he can now confidently say, “I have a skill and proof of it” – holding his driver licence in his hands.

The licence has opened new possibilities for Ken. He is looking forward to starting a landscaping job with McCallum, taking another important step towards greater independence and opportunity.

While Ken is excited about what lies ahead, he is also sad that his regular drives with Colin have come to an end. The partnership has meant so much to him, and the friendship they developed will remain a special part of his L2P experience.

Ken and Colin’s story is a wonderful reminder that L2P is about so much more than learning to drive. It is about the people who show up, the trust that grows along the way, and the confidence that comes from having someone believe in you. Sometimes, a volunteer mentor helps a learner gain much more than a licence – they help them see what they are capable of.