How to apply for your driving test in Victoria: A step-by-step approach

Victorian roads beckon, tempting with views of basking in warm beaches and embarking on countryside excursions. Yet, before embarking on a journey along Phillip Island or conquering the Great Ocean Road, there is a crucial initiation: getting your driver's licence!

Don't worry, my friend! This won't be a gruelling journey through the Outback with a herd of cattle. We'll guide you through every twist and turn, from understanding the unique road rules of Victoria to acing the knowledge test. Your learner's permit? Check. How to prepare for your tests? Check. Confidence? Check. Now, let's hit the open road!

Learn the road rules

Knowing the road rules is crucial for practising safe and conscientious driving in Victoria. Not only does it prioritise your well-being, but it also safeguards the safety of your fellow road users. An in-depth understanding of the complexities of Victorian road rules fosters a positive attitude towards respect and cooperation on the roadways. By honing this valuable knowledge, it effectively minimises the chances of accidents and traffic violations, ultimately leading to a smoother and more efficient flow of traffic.

To effortlessly navigate through the intricacies of Victorian road rules, The government of Victoria, crafted a guide, A-Z summary of road rules. Simply go through it and equip yourself with the knowledge to confidently make informed decisions on the roads of Victoria.

Get Your Learner's Permit

Getting your learner's permit (Ls) in Victoria is the initial step toward driving with supervision. It means you can drive a car on the road as long as there's a supervising driver with you. To start this journey, you need to pass the Learner Permit Test.

How to Apply

Follow the below-mentioned steps to get your Learner’s Permit:

Step 1: Ensure that you are eligible to get the permit. Firstly, you’ll at least have to be 16 years old and meet the following criteria:

• Have a Victorian residential address
• Provide evidence of your identity
• Be medically fit to drive
• Not disqualified from obtaining a learner's permit
• Not under a Fines Victoria licence suspension
• Have no outstanding relicensing requirements
• Have passed all required tests
• Pay the applicable fees
  

Step 2: Choose whether you want to take the Learner Permit Test online or in person.

Step 3: If you want to apply online, enrol in the Learner Permit Test Online course once you are over 15 years and 11 months old. Complete the 4-6 hour online course on road rules and safe driving skills. Since 15 August 2022, the government has made the first attempt free. Pass the final assessment to apply for your learner's permit.

Note: This test is currently available in English only. Interpreter services are available for in-person testing.

Step 4: If you wish to apply for an In-Person test, make an appointment at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. Choose in-person testing if you speak a language other than English, need an interpreter, lack computer or internet access, have hearing or vision impairments, or prefer an in-person experience.

The test is available in various languages, including Albanian, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, Persian, Spanish, Turkish, and more.

Practice Learner Permit Test

The practice learner permit knowledge test is designed to effectively prepare individuals for the upcoming learner permit knowledge test. To ace this test, one must refer to the most recent edition of the Road to Solo Driving handbook, which covers all four chapters for a thorough understanding.

Specifically tailored to simulate the official VicRoads test, this practice test includes 32 randomly generated questions with a required 78% pass mark. And, if you do happen to get any answers wrong, the test will direct you to the appropriate chapter in the handbook for additional review.

For those opting for the online practice test, two modes are available:

• Feedback Mode: Offers immediate correct answers and additional information after each question.
• Practice Mode: Provides overall results after completing all questions.
  

Teachers are also able to keep their students engaged through the use of paper-based practice tests. These tests are easily generated in a format that is easy to print, and students can access previous tests for up to a month simply by using the reference number provided. With this convenient and user-friendly approach, students can have a seamless practice experience.

Medical Declaration

If your ability to drive is impacted by an illness, disability, medical condition, or injury, including the effects of treatment, obtaining a medical report is essential. VicRoads requires this report for clearance before issuing a driver's licence. Unsure if you need to submit a medical report? If you still have any doubts, call VicRoads at 13 11 71 for any clarifications.

Fees for the Driving test

The fees for learner's permits and various types of driver's licences, including car, motorcycle, dual, and heavy vehicle licences, have been summarised in the table below.

If you are using VISA or Mastercard, there will be a fee for card payments applied. Also, the $26.00 fee for getting a learner permit is free with the Motorist Package and Safe Driver Discount.

* A reissue is like applying again for a license or permit. You might need to do this if your license was cancelled, expired for more than five years (without having other licenses in different places), or if you lost it.

# If you're getting a probationary license for the first time, the fee for a new license is free as part of the Motorist Package and Safe Drive Discount.

A fee is applicable for payments made using VISA or Mastercard. A reissue is necessary when reapplying for a licence or permit after a cancellation period, in cases of expiration exceeding five years (with no concurrent licences or permits in other jurisdictions), or due to loss of the original licence.

It's noteworthy that the new issue fee for a probationary licence is exempted under the Motorist Package and Safe Drive Discount. However, additional charges such as appointment and test fees may apply; refer to Licence appointment fees for detailed information.

Under the Motorist Package and Safe Driver Discount, individuals holding car, motorcycle, and heavy vehicle licences across all age groups, who have maintained a clean record without demerit points or road safety violations for three years preceding their licence renewal, may qualify for a 25% discount on their subsequent renewal.

Eligibility Criteria for Driving Test

To be eligible for a driving test in Victoria, ensure you have:

• Completed and declared your 120 hours of driving practice (if applicable).
• Successfully passed your Hazard Perception Test.
• Chosen a testing vehicle that meets all Drive Test criteria. Refer to the section 'Can I use my own car?' and 'Pre-drive Check'  for details.

You have to pass the Hazard Perception test

Ensuring safe driving requires a keen sense of hazard perception. Through the Hazard Perception Test (HPT), your ability to identify and handle potential hazards is evaluated. For your first attempt, the HPTO can be completed online at no cost. You must be at least 17 years and 11 months of age to sit for this test.

Additionally, a two-step verification process is in place to enhance the security of your myVicRoads account. Overseas licence holders must first pass the Learner Permit Test before taking the Hazard Perception Test Online (HPTO). Verification of identity and licence is necessary for this step.

To take the HPT in person, make an appointment at a VicRoads Centre. The test is available in multiple languages to accommodate various needs. Book an in-person HPT appointment online or call 13 11 71. Be sure to bring your learner permit card or valid identification. Passing the HPTO is a prerequisite for the driving test. To adequately prepare, leave a few days between tests for practice.

What to do on the day of the Driving test

On the day of your driving test, remember to bring the following things:

• Your current Victorian learner permit card.
• Your appointment number and/or appointment receipt.
• If you're under 21, bring your Learner Log Book, showing completion of 120 hours of supervised driving correctly.
• For overseas licence holders, provide proof of your overseas licence, translated if not in English.
• If you lack an Australian learner permit with a photo, ensure full evidence of identity; check acceptable documents at https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/evidence-of-identity/types-of-identity-documents.
• Payment for your licence (Mastercard, Visa, cheque, EFTPOS, or cash).
  

Please note: A card payment fee applies for Mastercard or Visa. If documents are missing or incorrect, or if you're late, you won't be able to take the test, and fees won't be refunded. Wait at least six weeks for a retest.

On Road Driving Test

In Victoria, on-road driving tests are conducted in two distinct stages, each assessing different aspects of driving proficiency.

On-Road Driving Test: Stage One

In stage one, the authorities will check how safely you drive in simpler conditions. The tester will give clear instructions, like turning right at the next street. Just follow their lead, and drive safely, and it takes about 10 minutes. If you need more clarification, ask for a repeat. Watch out, though—if you do anything unsafe or illegal, the test ends, and it's a no-go from there.

Stage one might cover starting and stopping, turns at intersections, and lane changes. There's also a slow parking task—either reverse parallel parking or a three-point turn. If puzzled, chat with your instructor or supervising driver.

On-Road Driving Test: Stage Two

Passed stage one? Great! Stage two ups the ante, happening in busier traffic. It checks how well you handle everyday driving tasks. Expect more clear instructions, like turning right at the next street. Show safe and efficient driving for about 20 minutes.

But, caution: If you slip up with something unsafe or illegal, the test ends, and success slips away.

Stage two could involve driving in traffic, changing lanes, merging, and cruising on straight and curved roads. Stay cool and keep it safe!

Get your Probationary Licence

Upon successfully passing the driving test, payment for your probationary driver's licence is required. You will receive a receipt serving as proof of your probationary status, allowing you to drive until the official probationary driver's licence card arrives. This receipt remains valid for 3 months or until the receipt of your probationary driver's licence card in the mail. The type of probationary driver's licence issued is based on your age: those under 21 receive a 4-year probationary licence, while those 21 or older receive a 3-year probationary licence. Conditions may vary for individuals with overseas driver licences, and it's advisable to check applicable conditions and restrictions for a probationary driver licence.

Conclusion

Congratulations on acing the roads of Victoria! Your journey began with the excitement of obtaining a driver's licence, guided by our comprehensive roadmap. From mastering road laws to acing tests, you embraced the challenge. Our A-Z guide made you a virtuoso in Victoria's road rules, preparing you for the learner's permit test. By exploring fees, eligibility, and honing hazard perception, you can now face the driving test day with confidence. The two-stage on-road assessment evaluates your skills, culminating in the triumph of a probationary licence. Now, revel in the freedom of the open road, steering with newfound expertise and unwavering confidence!

FAQs

1. What is the Hazard Perception Test?

The Hazard Perception Test is a key assessment in Victoria, gauging your aptitude to identify and respond to potential hazards while driving. Successfully navigating this test ensures that you are ready for safe and vigilant driving on Victorian roads.

2. What happens if I fail?

If you happen to fall short in the Hazard Perception Test, you can attempt again, but it may incur a test fee for each new try that you do.

3. What is DKT (Driver’s Knowledge Test)?

The DKT (Driver’s Knowledge Test) is a standardised test across Australia for obtaining a learner's licence. It tests on the knowledge that an individual must know beforehand.

4. What are the fees for the Learner licence?

Learner licence fees in Victoria are subject to variation. For precise and current details, refer to the table given above.

5. How to get an International driving licence?

If you plan to drive abroad for a short duration, you might require an International Driving Permit (IDP). In Victoria, you can obtain an IDP through the RACV. Keep in mind that the IDP serves as a translation of your driver's licence and must be accompanied by your valid driver's licence to be effective.

6. Can we do an online practice test?

Certainly, an online practice test is available to hone your skills for the learner permit knowledge test in Victoria. It serves as a valuable resource for mastering intricate road rules and safe driving practices.

7. Where should I apply for the driving test?

When applying for the driving test in Victoria, you have the option to either schedule an appointment in person or do it online. Both methods have been explained above. Choose the method that aligns with your convenience.