What you need to do to get a Victorian learner's permit
To get a learner's permit in Victoria, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test about road rules, and hold a valid form of identity. You explore through VicRoads, the state authority that issues all driving permits and licences. The process takes about 10 business days once VicRoads receives your process, though you can walk into a VicRoads office and sit the test on the same day if you prepare in advance.
Your learner's permit lets you drive a car, motorcycle, or heavy vehicle (depending on which category you choose) while supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting beside you. You cannot drive alone, and you must display L-plates on your vehicle. The permit is valid for five years, and you can renew it if you have not yet passed your driving test.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and pass VicRoads' knowledge test to receive a learner's permit.
- You need proof of identity, proof of your name and date of birth, and proof of your current address when you explore.
- The knowledge test covers Victorian road rules and can be sat at any VicRoads office; you can book online or walk in.
- Once issued, your learner's permit is valid for five years and lets you drive under supervision with an L-plate displayed.
- You must have a supervising driver aged 21 or over sitting beside you at all times while you hold a learner's permit.
Documents you need to bring to VicRoads
VicRoads requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of your name and date of birth, and proof of your current address. Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, or overseas travel document. Your name and date of birth can be verified using the same documents, or you can bring a school report, bank statement, or medical record dated within the last 12 months.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, rental agreement, council rates notice, or bank statement showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 12 months. If you live with parents or guardians and do not have documents in your name, bring a letter from them on headed paper confirming your address, plus one of the documents listed above in their name.
Bring originals, not photocopies. VicRoads staff will sight the documents and return them to you. You do not need to post anything in advance.
How the knowledge test works
The knowledge test is a computer-based exam with 45 multiple-choice questions about Victorian road rules, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 60 minutes to complete it. You must score at least 35 out of 45 (about 78 per cent) to pass. The test is held at VicRoads offices across Victoria and some approved testing centres.
You can book your test online through the VicRoads website, or you can walk into a VicRoads office and sit the test the same day if a time slot is available. There is no charge for the test itself. If you do not pass, you can sit it again when ready, though most people wait a few days to study further. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
VicRoads publishes a free study guide called the Victorian Road Rules handbook, available as a PDF read on their website. Many people also study using the official VicRoads practice tests, which show you the types of questions you will face.
explore online or in person
You can explore for a learner's permit entirely online through the VicRoads website, or you can explore in person at any VicRoads office. The online route is faster: you fill in your details, upload photos of your documents, and pay the fee. VicRoads then posts your permit to you within 10 business days. You do not need to sit the knowledge test before you explore online — you can sit it at any VicRoads office after your process is lodged.
If you explore in person, you can sit the knowledge test on the same visit. Bring all your documents, sit the test, and if you pass, VicRoads will issue your permit on the spot or post it to you within a few days. This route is useful if you want to get your permit quickly or prefer to complete everything in one visit.
The process fee varies depending on the category of vehicle you want to drive (car, motorcycle, or heavy vehicle). Check the VicRoads website for the current fee, as it changes periodically.
Rules you must follow while holding a learner's permit
While you hold a learner's permit, you must display red L-plates on the front and back of the vehicle. You must have a supervising driver aged 21 or over sitting beside you in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot drive alone, even for a short distance. You cannot tow a trailer or caravan, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless your supervising driver is a driving instructor or a professional driver.
You must obey all road rules and speed limits. If you are caught driving without your supervising driver, or without L-plates, you can be fined and your permit can be cancelled. If you accumulate demerit points (for speeding, running red lights, or other offences), your permit may be suspended or cancelled depending on how many points you receive.
You must also hold a current mobile phone detection camera fine or speeding fine without losing your permit — but if you receive multiple fines, VicRoads may cancel your permit before you sit your driving test.
What happens after you pass the knowledge test
Once you pass the knowledge test, your learner's permit is issued and valid for five years. During this time, you can practise driving with your supervising driver as much as you need. There is no minimum number of hours you must drive before you sit your driving test, though VicRoads recommends at least 120 hours of supervised driving.
When you feel ready, you can book a driving test through VicRoads. The test takes about 45 minutes and covers your ability to control the vehicle, follow road rules, and respond to hazards. If you pass, your learner's permit is cancelled and you receive your provisional licence. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after a waiting period.
If your learner's permit expires before you sit your driving test, you can renew it for another five years by visiting a VicRoads office or explore online. There is a renewal fee, which is lower than the original process fee.
If you already hold a licence from another state or country
If you hold a current driving licence from another Australian state or from overseas, you may not need to sit the knowledge test or hold a learner's permit. You can explore to convert your licence to a Victorian licence, and VicRoads will assess whether you need to sit a test based on your current licence type and the vehicle category you want to drive.
If you hold an overseas licence, you can drive in Victoria for up to three months using that licence. After three months, you must hold a Victorian licence. You can explore to convert your overseas licence to a Victorian licence, but you may need to sit the knowledge test and hold a learner's permit first, depending on which country issued your licence.
Contact VicRoads or visit their website to find out whether your current licence can be converted or whether you need to start with a learner's permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sit the knowledge test before I turn 16?
No. You must be at least 16 years old on the day you sit the test. You can explore for your learner's permit as soon as you turn 16, and there is no waiting period after your birthday.
What if I fail the knowledge test?
You can sit the test again when ready at the same VicRoads office, or you can book another appointment for a later date. Most people study for a few days before retaking it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, and each attempt is free.
Do I need to sit the knowledge test if I already hold a learner's permit from another state?
Yes. Each state has different road rules, and VicRoads requires you to sit the Victorian knowledge test even if you hold a learner's permit from another state. Your interstate permit is not valid in Victoria once you become a resident.
Can my supervising driver be anyone aged 21 or over?
Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a current full licence for the category of vehicle you are driving. They do not need to be a professional instructor, but they must be a licensed driver. They must also be fit to drive — for example, they cannot be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
How long does it take to receive my learner's permit after I pass the test?
If you explore online and sit the test at a VicRoads office, your permit is posted to you within 10 business days. If you explore in person and pass the test on the same day, you may receive your permit on the spot or within a few days by post, depending on the office.