When most people are still asleep, 20-year-old Matilda is already on her way to work.

As a baker in Lucas, her days begin long before sunrise. For years, getting there meant riding her motorbike through Ballarat's cold, wet winter mornings. It got her to work, but it wasn't always easy. Even a simple trip to the supermarket meant balancing the groceries in a backpack for the ride home.

Like many young people, Matilda wanted to get her driver's licence. The challenge wasn't learning to drive – it was finding someone to help her complete the 120 hours of supervised driving needed before she could take her test.

That's when she joined the Ballarat Foundation's TAC L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program.

Matched with volunteer mentor Kieran, Matilda began building her confidence behind the wheel. Despite working full time with Victoria Police, Kieran volunteered around three hours each week to help her gain the experience she needed.

Now, after months of practice, Matilda is preparing for the next exciting milestone – her driving test.

"I can't wait to drive myself to work," she said.

"It will make such a difference, especially not having to ride my motorbike on Ballarat's freezing mornings or carry all my shopping in a backpack."

For Matilda, getting her licence is about much more than convenience. It's about independence.

"Without the L2P Program, I wouldn't have been able to get the driving practice I needed to go for my licence," she said.

"When my friends got their licences at 18, I felt like I'd been left behind. It took me a little longer to find a program I could rely on, but now I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of it."

Stories like Matilda's are exactly why the L2P Program exists. Volunteer mentors don't just help learner drivers complete their hours. They help young people access employment, education and everyday opportunities that many of us take for granted.

Kieran's commitment is one example of the generosity shown by more than 100 volunteer mentors who dedicate their time to supporting young people across our region. Their encouragement, patience and willingness to share a few hours each week can make a life-changing difference.

While Matilda is now preparing to achieve her licence, many other young people are still waiting for the same opportunity.

If you've ever considered becoming an L2P mentor, there has never been a better time. Just a few hours a week could help a young person take the next step towards greater independence.

For Matilda, that next step is almost here.