How licensing works in Victoria
Victoria uses a graduated licensing system. You start with a learner permit (L), then move to a P1 probationary licence with red plates, then a P2 licence with green plates, and finally a full licence. Each step gives you more freedom as you gain experience.
| Stage | Minimum age | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Learner permit (L) | 16 | Pass the learner permit test and an eyesight test. Valid for 10 years or until you get your Ps. |
| Hazard Perception Test | 17 years and 11 months | Must be passed before your drive test. |
| P1 (red P) | 18 | Pass the drive test. Zero alcohol, one peer passenger limit. |
| P2 (green P) | After P1 | Zero alcohol, no phone use, green plates. |
| Full licence | After your years on Ps | Finish four years on Ps with no traffic offences and get a free three-year licence. |
The learner permit test
The learner permit test checks that you know the road rules and safe driving ideas in The Road to Solo Driving handbook. Questions come from all four chapters, so read the whole book.
- 32 multiple-choice questions.
- Pass mark: 78%, which is 25 correct answers.
- Questions are picked at random, so every attempt is different.
Option 1: online course and test
- Enrol in the free online course through myVicRoads. A laptop or desktop is best, but a phone works.
- The course and end test take about 4 to 6 hours, and you can take as much time as you need.
- You have 12 months after enrolling to finish. You can repeat the course as often as you like before the test.
- Your first attempt is free. If you fail, you can try again, but you pay a fee.
- After you pass, apply online in myVicRoads, then visit a Customer Service Centre with your original documents. You do your eyesight test there. Bring your glasses if you wear them.
Option 2: in person
You can book the test at a Customer Service Centre if you do not have a computer or need an interpreter. Allow 45 minutes. The in-person test is offered in 13 languages besides English, including Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Persian, Spanish and Vietnamese. If you pass, you get your permit at the same visit. If you fail, you can take the online test once more for free.
Rules for learner drivers
- Alcohol: zero BAC every time you drive.
- Phones: you must not use a phone or other portable device in any way while driving, not even for navigation or hands-free calls.
- L plates: on the front and back of the car, visible from at least 20 metres away.
- Towing: learners must not tow a trailer, caravan or another vehicle.
- Permit: carry your digital permit, permit card or receipt every time you drive.
Your supervising driver
- Must sit in the front passenger seat at all times.
- Must hold a current full licence for that type of vehicle. A P licence does not count.
- Must have a BAC below 0.05. Driving instructors must have zero.
- Must carry their licence and fill in their part of your logbook.
Logbook hours
If you are under 21, you must log at least 120 hours of supervised driving, with at least 20 hours at night, and hold your Ls for at least 12 months without a break. You can log hours in the myLearners app or a paper logbook. Keep your paper logbook, because it is checked before your drive test.
Getting and keeping your Ps
To get your Ps you must be at least 18, pass the Hazard Perception Test (you can sit it from 17 years and 11 months) and pass the drive test. If you pass the drive test in an automatic car, you get an A condition and may only drive automatics.
P1 (red P plates)
- Zero BAC.
- Red P plates on the front and back, visible from 20 metres.
- No phone use of any kind, including navigation.
- No more than one passenger aged 16 to under 22. Your partner, brothers and sisters do not count.
- Towing only in limited cases, such as work or farm use, or with a fully licensed driver beside you.
- No probationary prohibited vehicles, except in listed cases such as some work use.
P2 (green P plates)
P2 drivers still need zero BAC, green P plates front and back, no phone use, and must not drive probationary prohibited vehicles. If you finish your four years on Ps with no traffic-related offences, you get a free three-year licence.