The 10 steps to getting your licence

Make sure you have the latest edition of this handbook and read it thoroughly. You can check whether you have the latest version of this handbook by visiting vicroads.vic.gov.au which will tell you when the latest edition was printed.

Learning the information in this handbook and knowing the road rules are the first step to Language options When you sit for your learner permit test or your probationary licence test, you can choose to do the learner permit test and the Hazard Perception Test on the computer in any of 20languages available (for a full list, visit vicroads.vic.gov.au) being ready to take the learner permit test.

You must be at least 16 years old before you can sit the test. You can book your learner

permit test:

Online at vicroads.vic.gov.au (using a valid Mastercard or Visa)

By phone (using a valid Mastercard or Visa) Tel: 13 11 71

Internation calls: +61 3 9854 7764 (licensing)

TTY: 13 36 77

Speak and Listen: 1300 555 727

In person (go to any Vicroads Customer Service Centre listed on the inside back cover of this handbook.)

You will be asked:

• Your full name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Phone number

When and where you would like to be tested. Booking ad test fees apply and must be paid at the time of booking. You will be given an appointment number that you should write down. You will need to bring this number with you for your test.

Note: If you cannot keep your appointment, you need to give Vicroads 24 hours notice to cancel test. Otherwise fees will not be refunded unless you produce a medical certificate or other supporting evidence. If you transfer your appointment, regardless of when you contact Vicraods, and additional appointment fee will apply.

You need to bring:

• Your appointment number
• Evidence of identity and age, as set out on page 12
• Payment for your 10years learner permit.

If you have poor vision you must bring an eyesight certificate from an optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye doctor). If you have a disability or illness that may affect your driving, you will need to bring a medical report from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive. If you are unsure or would like advice, contact VicRoads for further information. Once you have a learner permit, you must tell VicRoads if you develop any medical condition that may affect your driving.

The best way to prepare for the test is:

• Read and study this handbook until you understand it all
• When you understand the handbook, use the practice test on the VicRoads website atvicroads.vic.gov.au to help revise.
​​

The practice test items on the website are good, but they don’t test all the information you will need to know to pass the learner test and the probationary license later on. That information is in this handbook. Before you sit for your learner permit or your probationary license you must prove who you are and that you live in Victoria by bringing certain documents to a VicRoads Customer Service Center.

All evidence of identity documents must be originals and you must also ensure that all names on each of the documents match and are in the same/correct order. Photocopies, certificate or otherwise, are not acceptable.

You need to bring:

• One category A evidence document For example a passport (current or expired by up to two years) or Australian birth certificate (birth extracts and commemorative certificate are not acceptable).
• One category B evidence document For example a phone, gas or electricity bill (no more than one year old); or a current Medicare card, entitlement card issued by the Commonwealth, student identity card,credit or account card issued by a bank, building society or credit union.
• Evidence of Victorian residence If not shown on the category A or B evidence documents or if you have changed address. If documents cannot be provided, you can ask a referee (who has known you at least 12 months and holds a current Victorian license) to complete the ‘Victorian residence declaration’ on your License or learner permit application form.
• Evidence of change of name of differing names If there is a difference in names between the category A and B evidence document that shows your correct name, for example a marriage or Change of Name certificate.

For more information and a complete list of evidence of identity documents visit vicroads.vic.gov.au/evidenceofidentity

After you pass the least test you will:

• Pay for your learner permit, which is valid for ten years
• Have your photo taken for your learner permit
• Be given a paper learner permit receipt
• Receive a Learner Kit containing the Guide for Learners with the Learner LogBook and the Guide for Supervising Drivers.

The Learner Kit will help you get through your learner period and pass the probationary licence test. If you are not given a Learner Kit, you should ask for one. You will be able to practice driving on the paper learner receipt until you receive your learner permit card.Your learner permit card will be sent to you through the mail in about a week. Make sure VicRoads has your correct current address.

The best way to prepare for the Drive Test at the end of the learner period is to get as much supervised experience as possible in many different driving situations. This is true for all learner drivers – it is much harder to pass the test if you only have a small amount of experience.

If you are less than 21 years old when you go for your licence test you must:

• Complete a minimum of 120 hours supervised driving experience including 10hoursof driving at night.
• Take your completed Learner Log Book with you when you go for your probationary licence test. This will be checked before you take the drive test to make sure everything has been completed correctly.

If you are 21 years or over you are encouraged to use the Learner Kit, but you do not need to present the Learner Log Book when you go for your probationary licence test. This handbook and the Learner Kit are essential in getting your 120hours of driving experience.

• The Road to Solo Driving has important information about road rules that all drivers need to know. You are expected to know and comply with the road rules when you attempt the probationary licence test.
• The Guide for Learners gives you a four stage plan for your 120 hours.
• The Guide for supervising Drivers explains the four stage plan to your supervisor so they how to help.
• The Learner Log Book is your record of your progress – and is essential proof that you have achieved your 120 hours.

Do not practice without a learner permit. Remember, you can’t get behind the wheel unless you have a learner permit. Without a learner permit you can’t practice on public roads and in car parks. Doing so can result in you being charged with unlicensed driving. Driving safely requires a number Of skills. Getting your learner permit helps you understand the road rules, know your legal responsibilities and prepare for the challenges of driving.

All car learner permit holders must:

• Carry their learner permit card or receipt at all times while driving
• Display L plate on the front and rear of the vehicle, visible from distance of 20meters
• Be accompanied by an experienced driver holding a full (not probationary) driver licence at all times while driving
• Must have a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at all times while driving (see71-74 for more information)
• Not use a mobile phone, including hands-free or hand-held, or messaging of any kind
• Not tow a trailer or vehicle

Definition

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is a measure of the amount of alcohol you have in your blood.

To get your probationary licence test, you must:

• Be at least 18 years
• Have held a learner permit for a continuous period of at least:

– 12 months in the period immediately before applying for a driver licence if you are under 21 years

– 6 months in the period immediately before applying for a driver licence if you are over 21 years but under 25 years

– 3 months in the period immediately before applying for a driver licence if you are 25 years or over.

These period may be reduced if you are the holder of a motorcycle licence or permit and have held this for 12 or more months.

• Not be disqualified from driving in Victoria, in Australia or oversea
• Pass a computerised hazard Perception Test and then pass the driving test.

Definition

Continuous period means that the permit must not have been broken by a suspension, cancellation or a break in continuity such as allowing the permit to expire before regaining a new permit.

ul>

If you are under 21 years when you apply for a probationary licence, you must produce evidence of having completed 120 hours of supervised driving (including at least 10 hours at night) by presenting the Learner Log Book:

– All necessary details must be completed and each entry signed.

– The declaration of Completion must be signed by both the applicant and a supervising driver. The List of Supervising Drivers must be completed and signed by all supervising drivers.

– You should carefully read the instructions on the front of the Learner Log Book to understand how to fill in the log book correctly. An incomplete or incorrect Learner Log Book will not be accepted. You will not be able to take your driving test, all your fees will be forfeited, and you cannot take your test for six weeks. There are serious consequences if entries in the Learner Log Book are found to be incomplete or incorrect. You will lose your booking and test fees, and be prevented from taking the probationary licence test for at least six weeks. You may also be liable to penalties under the Road Safety Act 1986.

You can book your test:

• Online by visiting vicroads.vic.gov.au(this can be made using a valid MaserCard or Visa)
• By phone (see page 10)
• In person (go to any VicRoads Customer Service Centre listed on the inside back cover of this handbook).

Note: If you cannot keep an appointment you will need to give VicRoads 24 hours notice to cancel your test, otherwise fees will not be refunded unless you produce a medical certificate or other supporting evidence. If you transfer your appointment, regardless of when you contact VicRoads, and additional appointment fee will apply.

You can be tested at any of the VicRoads Customer Service Centre listed on the inside back cover of this handbook. You driving supervisor or instructor has to provide a registered, roadworthy car with a speed display on the dashboard that the testing offer is able to easily see, have seatbelts for all occupants and that is fitted with L plate for the drive test. The car needs to also have a centrally mounted handbrake accessible to the VicRoads testing offer if you will be sitting the driving test without a driving instructor.

You need to bring your:

• Appointment number
• Current learner permit
• Completed Learner Log Book which includes the completed Declaration of completion and List of supervising Drivers (if you are under 2 years, when you apply for a probationary licence) Payment for your probationary licence.

If you cannot prove that you completed 120 hours of driving practice, including 10 hours at night, you will not be permitted to sit the test. Your appointment and test fees will be forfeited and you will also have to wait at least six weeks before you can take the driving test. If you have a medical condition that may affect your driving and you have not previously told VicRoads, you must provide a medical certificate which states your fitness to drive. Once you hold a probationary licence, you must tell VicRoads if you develop any medical condition that might affect your driving.

The test includes:

• Reading and eyesight chart to test your vision
• A computerised Hazard Perception Test to see how safely you respond to traffic situations
• A driving test to assess your skills (see Drive Test, pages 19-20)

The Hazard Perception Test

The Hazard Perception Test is designed to see how safely you respond to traffic situations.

• For each item in the Hazard Perception Test, you will watch a video of a traffic situation where you are asked when it is safe to do something like slow down or make a turn.
• You have to respond safely to each traffic situation.
• For some items, you click the mouse button when it is safe to perform the driving task.
• For other items, there is no time when it is safe to perform the driving task and you should not click the mouse button.

You can take this test when you are 17 years and 11 months. You have to pass the Hazard Perception Test before you can sit the Drive Test. The Hazard Perception Test will indicate how well you are able to observe the whole road environment and anticipate potential hazards (see Practice is the best way on pages 41-42). Definition

A potential hazard can be anything in the road environment that could present a danger or a risk while driving.

Drive Test The on-road driving test is designed to identity drivers with the safe driving skills that develop with driving experience. You are more likely to pass the drive test if you:

• Have had more than 120hours of driving experience
• Have had driving experience in a broad range of different driving conditions – such as at night, in wet weather, and on roads with different speed zones.

However 120 hours experience does not guarantee that you will pass. You need to also demonstrate safe and legal driving during the test (so you should brush up on your road rules or read this handbook again before you attempt the drive test). You will drive about 30 minutes during the test and the test route will include a range of driving conditions and tasks. You will have to show that you can:

• Control the vehicle correctly
• Obey the road rules
• Cooperate with other road users
• Demonstrate safe driving skills.

Your ability to drive safely in less demanding situations will be assessed first. This is to make sure that you have basic car control and traffic skills. If you pass this part of the test, you will then be assessed in broad range of traffic situations. If you do something that is unsafe in the test, the test will be stopped and you will fail. Further information about the Drive Test is available at Vicroads.vic.gov.au If you are tested in a car that has dual controls and your instructor holds a current Driving Authority Number, you can have your driving instructor with you. Otherwise, only the VicRoads testing officer will be with you. Other passengers are not usually permitted.

Definition

If a car has dual controls, it has additional pedal(s) on the passenger side for use by the accompanying driver. If you are tested in a vehicle that is fitted with an automatic transmission you will be restricted to driving only vehicles that are fitted with an automatic transmission during your probationary period. The only way this restriction can be removed earlier is by passing another drive test in a manual car. If you hold a probationary licence and you are undergoing instruction or testing in a manual vehicle, you must display a yellow plate measuring approximately 150 mm by 150 mm inscribed in black letters with the words ‘Driver Under instruction’. Your P plates must also be displayed.

Once you have passed the test, you will:：

• Pay for your probationary licence
• Have your photo taken for your probationary licence
• Be given a paper probationary licence receipt

You will be able to drive on the paper probationary licence receipt until you receive your probationary licence card. Your probationary licence card will be sent to you through the mail in about a week. Make sure VicRoads has your current and valid address.

Having your probationary licence will mean you have demonstrated the minimum skills required to drive solo. New probationary drivers have three times the risk of crashing compared to experienced drivers. There are some rules for probationary drivers to help them stay as safe as possible.

Severe penalties may be applied for breaching any of the rules, including licence suspension,extension of your probationary period, or licence cancellation. Additional penalties for drink driving offences also include fitting of alcohol ignition interlocks and other heavy penalties.

You will need a good driving record to progress through the licence system. A good driving record means your licence has not been cancelled or suspended and you have not had any drink and/or drug driving offences. Your licence may also be suspended if you get too many demerit points – probationary drivers have a stricter limit than other drivers.​​

If you are less than 21 years old when applying for a probationary licence:：

• You will start on a P1 probationary licence (the P1 licence period lasts for a minimum of one year)
• If you have a good driving record you then progress to the P2 licence period that lasts for a minimum of three years
• After holding your probationary licence for a minimum of four years with a good driving record, you can then be issued with a full driver licence.

If you are 21 years or over when applying for a probationary licence:

• You will start on a P2 probationary licence (the P2 probationary licence period lasts for a minimum of three years)
• After holding your probationary licence for a minimum of three years with a good driving record, you can then be issued with a full driver licence.。 P1 probationary licence

In addition to obeying the rules that apply to all drivers, when you are driving on a P1 probationary licence, you must:

• Display red P plates on the front and rear of your vehicle (plates measuring approximately 150 mm square bearing a white letter P on a red background) and be clearly visible from a distance of 20 meters
• Carry your probationary licence (or valid paper receipt with you at all times
• Have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) (see Alcohol on pages 71-75)
• Not drive a probationary prohibited vehicle (unless you are driving the vehicle during working hours at the request of your employer or have been granted a written exemption by VicRoads)
• Not use a mobile phone, including hands-free or hand-held, or messaging of any kind
• Not tow a caravan or a trailer (unless for work and at the request of your employer, or for driving solely in connection with agriculture, horticulture, dairying, pastoral or commercial fishing or under instruction with an experience driver present in the vehicle).
• Not carry more than one passenger aged between 16 and less than 22 years (unless exempt). Automatic exemptions exist for carrying immediate family members, when you’re with a fully licensed supervising driver (as is the case for learner drivers) or for driving an emergency vehicle
• Drive only a vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission if you passed the drive test in a vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission
• Have less than five demerit points in twelve months
• Have a good driving record to progress to a P2 licence – if you don’t, your P1 licence will be extended and you will have a stricter passenger limit.

Tip

For more information about Probationary prohibited vehicles (PPV) or the passenger restriction, visit the VicRoads website vicroads.vicgov.au

P2 probationary licence

In addition to obeying the rules that apply to all drivers, when you are driving on a P2 probationary licence, you must:

• Display green P plates on the front and rear of your vehicle (plates measuring approximately 150 mm square bearing a white letter P on a green background) and must be clearly visible from a distance of 20 meters carry your probationary licence (or valid paper receipt) with you at all times
• Have less than five demerit points in twelve months
• Have a good driving record to progress to a full driver licence – if you don’t, your P2 licence will be extended
• Not use a hands-free or hand-held mobile phone, or send or read text messages
• Have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) (see Alcohol on pages 71-75)
• Not drive a probationary prohibited vehicle (unless you are driving the vehicle during working hours at the request of your employer or have been granted a written exemption by VicRoads)
• Drive only a vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission if you passed a drive test in a vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission.

Probationary prohibited vehicles (PPV)）

Vehicles manufactured on or after 1 January 2010 A Vehicles manufactured on or after 1 January 2010 will be defined as a probationary prohibited vehicle if it has:

• A power to mass ration of greater than 130 kilowatts per tonne,or
• An engine that has been modified to increase performance (other than a modification made by the manufacturer in the course of the manufacture of the vehicle).

Vehicles manufactured on or Before 1 January 2010

A Vehicles manufactured before 1 January 2010 will be defined as a probationary prohibited

vehicle if it has:

• Has an engine with eight or more cylinders
• Has a turbocharged or supercharged engine (except diesel powered vehicles or some lower powered turbocharged or supercharged vehicles which have been exempted and can be operated by a probationary driver who has been granted a written exemption by VicRoads)
• Has an engine that has been modified to increase the vehicle’s performance (other than a modification made by the manufacturer in the course of the manufacture of the vehicle)
• Has a VicRoads nominated high performance six cylinder engine.

You many drive a PPV if you are exempted to do so by VicRoads. Application forms can be obtained form vicroads.vic.giv.au. if granted an exemption to drive a PPV you should carry the letter given to you by VicRoads during your probationary period. For further information on probationary prohibited vehicles and restrictions, please visit vicroads.vic.gov.au

Before your P2 probationary licence expires, you will be sent a notice to renew it. You will need to take the renewal notice to any photo point listed on the accompanying pamphlet, pay the renewal fee and be photographed. You will then be issued with a full driver licence paper receipt and your licence card will be sent to you in the mail.​​You must have a good driving record to granted from a P2 licence to a full driver licence. If you do not have a good record, you might have remain on your P2 licence for longer than three years.If you do not receive a renewal notice, it is still your responsibility to renew your licence by the expiry date.

Language options

When you sit for your learner permit test or your probationary licence test, the road law questions and the Hazard Perception Test are available in some languages, please check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the current list. If you speak a language or dialect that is not on this list, you can have an interpreter present during the test. If you are hearing impaired, you can ask to have an Auslan or sign language interpreter present. Interpreters are provided free of charge. When you book your test, let the VicRoads officer known you need an interpreter.