What you need to get a Victorian learner permit

To get a learner permit in Victoria, you must be at least 16 years old, hold an Australian passport or proof of identity recognised by VicRoads, and pass a hazard perception test and written knowledge test. You do not need to hold a previous licence — the learner permit is your first step toward driving. You explore through VicRoads, which is the Victorian government body that issues all driving licences and permits.

The process takes about 10 working days once VicRoads receives your process. You can explore online, by post, or in person at a VicRoads office. The learner permit itself costs a set fee (this varies by year, so check the VicRoads website for the current amount) and is valid for five years from the date it is issued.

Once you hold a learner permit, you can drive only with a supervising driver who holds a full licence and sits in the front passenger seat. You must display L-plates on the front and back of the vehicle, and you cannot drive on certain roads or at certain times depending on your age and how long you have held the permit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and hold proof of identity recognised by VicRoads before you can get a learner permit in Victoria.
  • You need to pass both a written knowledge test and a hazard perception test to receive your permit.
  • The learner permit is valid for five years and costs a set fee that you can find on the VicRoads website.
  • Once you have a learner permit, you can only drive with a supervising driver in the front passenger seat and must display L-plates on your vehicle.
  • VicRoads processes applications within about 10 working days if you explore online, by post, or in person at an office.

Proof of identity VicRoads will accept

VicRoads accepts an Australian passport as proof of identity. If you do not have a passport, you can use a combination of documents that together prove your identity and age. These include a birth certificate, a Medicare card, a school photo ID, a bank statement, or a utility bill in your name. You do not need all of these — VicRoads has a list of acceptable combinations on its website, and you should check which documents you have before you explore.

If you were born overseas and do not yet hold Australian citizenship, you will need to provide your visa or migration documents along with your proof of identity. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies alone are not accepted. If you are unsure whether your documents meet VicRoads' requirements, you can contact VicRoads directly or bring them to a VicRoads office to have them checked before you submit your full process.

The knowledge test and hazard perception test

The written knowledge test covers road rules, road signs, and safe driving practices under Victorian law. You answer 45 multiple-choice questions and must get at least 35 correct to pass. The test takes about 45 minutes. You can sit the test at a VicRoads office or at an approved testing centre. You can sit the test as many times as you need — there is no limit on attempts, though you must pay the test fee each time.

The hazard perception test shows you video clips of real driving situations, and you click a button when you spot a developing hazard. You watch 23 clips and must score at least 67 per cent to pass. This test takes about 20 minutes. Both tests are computer-based and you receive your result when ready after you finish.

You can study for both tests using the VicRoads learning materials, which are free and available online. Many people also use third-party study apps and practice tests. You do not have to pass both tests on the same day — you can pass one, then sit the other whenever you are ready. However, you cannot hold a learner permit until you have passed both.

how the process works for your learner permit

You can explore online through the VicRoads website, by post, or in person at a VicRoads office. The online route is fastest — you fill in your details, upload photos of your identity documents, and pay the fee. Your process is processed within about 10 working days, and your permit is posted to you.

If you explore by post, you send a completed process form (available on the VicRoads website) along with certified copies of your identity documents and a cheque or money order for the fee. Processing takes longer by post because VicRoads must verify your documents by hand.

If you explore in person, you bring your original identity documents and payment to a VicRoads office. Staff check your documents on the spot and can often issue your permit the same day or within a few days. This is the fastest route if you want your permit quickly and have all your documents ready.

Restrictions that explore while you hold a learner permit

While you hold a learner permit, you can only drive with a supervising driver who holds a full Australian driving licence and sits in the front passenger seat next to you. The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old (or 20 if they have held a full licence for at least one year). You must display red and white L-plates on the front and back of the vehicle so other drivers know you are a learner.

If you are under 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You also cannot drive on certain roads, including some freeways and high-speed roads. These restrictions are in place for the first 12 months you hold your learner permit. After 12 months, some restrictions ease, but you still cannot drive alone and must still display L-plates.

You cannot use a mobile phone while driving, even hands-free, and you cannot tow a trailer or caravan. If you break these rules, you can be fined and your learner permit can be cancelled. Your supervising driver is also responsible for making sure you follow the rules, so choose someone who knows the road rules well.

Moving from learner permit to provisional licence

After you have held your learner permit for at least 12 months (or nine months if you are over 18), you can sit a practical driving test. This test is conducted by an approved driving examiner and takes about 45 minutes. You drive a real vehicle on real roads while the examiner watches and scores your driving.

If you pass the practical test, you are issued a provisional licence. This licence lets you drive alone, but you still have some restrictions — for example, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. if you are under 21, and you must display P-plates. The provisional licence is valid for three years. After three years, or once you turn 21 (whichever comes first), you can explore for a full licence.

If you do not pass the practical test, you can sit it again. There is no limit on how many times you can attempt it, though you must pay the test fee each time. Many people sit the test multiple times before they pass, and this is normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner permit if I have never held a licence before?

Yes. The learner permit is designed for people who have never held a licence. You do not need any previous driving experience or qualification — you only need to be 16 or older, hold proof of identity, and pass the knowledge and hazard perception tests.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test or hazard perception test?

You can sit the test again as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts. You must pay the test fee each time you sit it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so failing once does not mean you cannot get your permit.

Can my learner permit be cancelled or suspended?

Yes. Your learner permit can be cancelled if you break the rules — for example, if you drive without a supervising driver, drive alone, or accumulate too many demerit points. If your permit is cancelled, you must reapply and pass the tests again. You can also lose your permit if you commit certain driving offences.

How much does a learner permit cost in Victoria?

The cost varies by year. You can find the current fee on the VicRoads website. The fee covers the permit itself and is separate from the cost of sitting the knowledge and hazard perception tests, which also have their own fees.

Do I need to renew my learner permit after five years?

If you still hold a learner permit after five years, it will expire and you will need to reapply. However, most people move to a provisional licence within 12 to 18 months of getting their learner permit, so renewal is uncommon. If your permit expires before you sit your practical test, you must reapply and pass the tests again.