LEARNER drivers are the safest drivers on our roads, according to the Australian Automobile Association, but when they switch to P-plates, those statistics change dramatically.

Keys2drive is a program aimed at improving driver safety but, come the end of the year, the program could be scrapped.

Five years ago the Australian Government committed $17 million over five years to develop and implement the program nationally.

AG Licensing owner Andrew Gale, who has personally put more than 200 students through the program, said it had changed the focus of lessons for the better.

"We started to focus on teaching people not only how to drive, but to drive by themselves," Mr Gale said.

"P-platers have the highest crash rate and we believe it's because they are not used to thinking for themselves.

"It's a great program which pushed road safety to the next level and I don't want to see it cut."

The keys2drive coaching approach is designed to provide a learning experience that is more real, more thorough and attuned to the reality of licensed driving.

It's designed to guide learner drivers, parent/supervisors and instructors through the learning experience.

"During the lessons instead of giving students directions, I give them destinations," Mr Gale said.

"That way they are thinking about the best route and hazards along the way.

"They go to familiar places like school and home and then we discuss which route may have been better or safer."

Mr Gale said he noticed an astounding difference thanks to the program while teaching his own children to drive.

"My eldest son learnt to drive before the program came out," he said.

"Now my second eldest is about to sit for his license and I think he is a lot more prepared then the first.

"People need to remember kids don't become experienced the second the P-plate goes up."

Australian Automobile Association executive officer Andrew McKellar, who helped develop the keys2drive program, said he would be disappointed if the contract was terminated.

"It's been a great program, very successful and has created a lot of safety benefits," Mr McKellar said.

"We are currently in discussions with the government and hopefully they decided to renew the contract."

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) supports and co-ordinates the activities of its constituent motoring clubs and represents the interests of all Australian motorists nationally and internationally.

Mr Gale encouraged parents and students to take advantage of the program before the end of the year.

The Daily News was unable to gain comments from Federal Minister Transport Minister Anthony Albanese.