More than 900 driving instructors across the country have signed up for the Federal Government’s keys2drive program, but none in Bathurst.

Under the program, L-platers – and their usual supervising driver – can book a free driving lesson with a registered driving instructor.

The keys2drive website lists the benefits for instructors, calling the program an opportunity for them to take a leadership role and to add to their skills and experience.

But the nearest registered instructor for Bathurst learners is George Bullivant of Orange.

Keys2drive was developed by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) with support from the driver training industry.

It provides on-road technical skills and off-road learning.

Infrastructure and transport parliamentary secretary Catherine King said every parent with a child learning to drive should take the time to have a keys2drive lesson with that child.

“Unfortunately, young drivers are more likely to be involved in a car crash. This is because they are not yet experienced driving solo,” she said

“This is particularly true for drivers in the first six months of their provisional licence.

“The good news is that the risks in these early stages of driving can be reduced with more supervised driving practice during the learner period.

“Keys2drive is invaluable for equipping both parents and learner drivers with driving skills and information.”

Keys2drive was rolled out as 279 young people aged between 17 and 25 were killed on Australia’s roads last year.