How to book your learner permit test through VicRoads
You book your learner permit test (also called the Learner Permit Knowledge Test or LPKT) through the VicRoads website or by phone. VicRoads is the Victorian government authority that runs all driving tests and licensing in Victoria. You cannot book through a third party or a driving school — the booking must go directly to VicRoads.
The test itself is a computer-based multiple-choice exam with 45 questions. You need to score at least 35 correct answers (78%) to pass. The test covers road rules, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Victoria. You can take the test at any VicRoads Customer Service Centre that offers testing, and you can book a date and time that suits you, subject to availability.
Booking is free. You pay the test fee only when you sit the test, and that fee is currently $50.50 (fees can change, so check the VicRoads website for the current amount before you book). You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid proof of identity to book and sit the test.
Key Takeaways
- Book your test directly through the VicRoads website (vicroads.vic.gov.au) or by calling 13 11 71; you cannot book through a driving school or third party.
- The test is 45 multiple-choice questions on a computer, and you must score at least 35 correct (78%) to pass.
- You pay the test fee ($50.50 as of the last update) only when you sit the test, not when you book.
- You must bring a valid proof of identity to the test centre on the day of your test, or you will not be allowed to sit the test.
- Test dates and times vary by location; popular times fill up quickly, so book as soon as you are ready to sit the test.
Booking online through the VicRoads website
Go to vicroads.vic.gov.au and look for the "Book a learner permit test" link. You will need to create a VicRoads online account or log in if you already have one. The account requires your email address and a password you create.
Once logged in, you will be asked to select your preferred test centre (VicRoads has centres across Victoria in Melbourne and regional areas). You then choose from available dates and times. The system shows you what slots are open at each centre. If your preferred centre is fully booked, you can check other nearby centres or book a date further ahead.
After you select your date and time, the system will ask you to confirm your personal details (name, date of birth, address). Check these carefully — they must match your proof of identity exactly, or you will not be allowed to sit the test. Once you confirm, your booking is complete. VicRoads will send you a confirmation email with your booking reference number and test details.
Booking by phone with VicRoads
Call VicRoads on 13 11 71 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm; Saturday 9 am to 1 pm). A customer service officer will ask for your personal details and help you choose a test centre, date, and time. They will give you a booking reference number over the phone and send a confirmation by email or post.
Phone booking takes longer than online booking because you are speaking to a person, so expect to wait on hold, especially during peak times (early morning, lunch time, and late afternoon). If you have a complex question about your booking or your identity documents, phone booking can be useful because you can ask the officer directly.
What to bring on the day of your test
You must bring one valid proof of identity. Acceptable documents include a current passport, a state-issued proof of age card (such as a Victorian Proof of Age Card), a birth certificate with a photo ID, or a Medicare card plus another form of ID with your photo. Your name and date of birth on the identity document must match exactly what you provided when you booked.
Bring your booking reference number (from your confirmation email or letter). You do not need to print it, but having it on your phone or written down helps the test centre staff find your booking quickly. Arrive at least 10 minutes early so you have time to check in.
Do not bring mobile phones, smartwatches, or any other electronic devices into the test room. You will be asked to leave these in a locker or with the test centre staff. Bringing banned items can result in your test being cancelled and your fee forfeited.
Rescheduling or cancelling your test booking
You can reschedule or cancel your test through the VicRoads website using your booking reference number and email address. Log into your account, find your booking, and select the option to reschedule or cancel. If you reschedule to a different date, there is no extra fee. If you cancel, you forfeit your $50.50 test fee unless you cancel at least 7 days before your test date — cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable.
You can also reschedule or cancel by phone on 13 11 71. Again, the 7-day rule applies: cancel at least 7 days ahead to keep your fee, or you lose it.
What happens after you pass or fail the test
If you pass, VicRoads will issue your learner permit on the day of the test. You will receive a temporary permit (usually printed on the spot) that is valid when ready. Your full plastic learner permit card will arrive by post within 10 business days. You can start driving with the temporary permit as soon as you leave the test centre, as long as you meet all other learner permit conditions (supervising driver, L-plates, etc.).
If you fail, you can book another test when ready. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the $50.50 fee again for each test you sit. Many people sit the test a second time within a week or two of failing, so book your next attempt while you study the areas you found difficult.
Common mistakes when booking your test
The most common mistake is providing a different name or date of birth when you book than what appears on your identity document. VicRoads will not let you sit the test if these details do not match exactly. Check your booking confirmation carefully and make sure your identity document is current and matches what you entered.
Another mistake is booking a test centre that is inconvenient to reach and then having to reschedule because of travel problems. Choose a centre you can actually get to on the day. If you live in a regional area and the nearest centre is far away, book well ahead so you have time to arrange transport.
A third mistake is not reading the test rules before you arrive. VicRoads has strict rules about what you can and cannot bring into the test room, and about behaviour during the test. Read the rules on the confirmation email or the VicRoads website before test day so you are not surprised or disqualified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a test if I am under 16?
No. You must be at least 16 years old to sit the learner permit test in Victoria. You can book a test as soon as you turn 16. If you are close to turning 16, you can create a VicRoads online account early and prepare, but you cannot complete the booking until you reach 16.
How long does it take to get a test appointment after I book?
This depends on how busy the test centres are and how far ahead you book. In busy periods (school holidays, early in the year), you may have to wait 2 to 4 weeks for an appointment. If you book during a quieter time, you may get a slot within a few days. Book as soon as you are ready to sit the test to get the earliest available date.
What if I lose my booking reference number?
Log back into your VicRoads online account and you will see your booking details there, including your reference number. If you do not have an online account or cannot remember your login, call 13 11 71 and give the customer service officer your name and date of birth — they can look up your booking and give you the reference number.
Can I sit the test in a language other than English?
The test is available in English only in Victoria. You can bring a dictionary or translation aid into the test room if you have a disability or language support need — contact VicRoads before you book to arrange this. Call 13 11 71 and explain your situation so they can note it on your booking.
What if I am nervous about the test and want to do a practice test first?
VicRoads provides a free practice test on their website (vicroads.vic.gov.au). You can sit this as many times as you want before you book your real test. The practice test has the same format and types of questions as the real test, so it is a good way to see what to expect and to identify areas you need to study more.