What you need to get a Victorian learner's permit
A learner's permit in Victoria is issued by VicRoads and lets you drive under supervision before you take your driving test. You must be at least 16 years old, hold an Australian passport or proof of identity that VicRoads accepts, and pass a written knowledge test about road rules. You also need to pay the permit fee, which varies depending on how long you want the permit to last.
You do not need to own a car or have insurance in your name yet — the car's owner's insurance covers you while you're learning — but you must always drive with a supervising driver who holds a full licence and sits in the front passenger seat.
The whole process from process to receiving your permit usually takes a few days if you explore online, or you can walk into a VicRoads service centre and complete it the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and hold proof of identity that VicRoads recognises, such as an Australian passport or birth certificate with a proof of age card.
- You will sit a written knowledge test on Victorian road rules; the test has 46 questions and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass.
- The learner's permit fee depends on the validity period you choose — typically 1, 2, 3, or 5 years — and is paid at the time of process.
- You must always have a supervising driver aged 21 or over with a full licence sitting beside you in the front seat while you drive.
- You can explore online through the VicRoads website, by post, or in person at a VicRoads service centre.
Identity documents VicRoads will accept
VicRoads accepts several forms of proof of identity. An Australian passport is the strongest form. If you don't have a passport, you can use a combination of documents: a birth certificate or citizenship certificate paired with a proof of age card, driver's licence from another state, or a document issued by a government body that shows your name, date of birth, and signature.
If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign the process form. Bring originals or certified copies of your documents — photocopies alone are not accepted. If any document is not in English, you'll need a certified translation.
How the knowledge test works
The knowledge test covers Victorian road rules, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 46 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass — that's roughly 87 per cent. You have 45 minutes to complete it.
You can sit the test at a VicRoads service centre or at an approved testing provider. VicRoads publishes a free study guide called the Victorian Road Rules Handbook and a practice test online so you can prepare. If you fail, you can sit the test again, usually within a few days, but you'll pay the test fee each time.
The test is available in languages other than English — contact VicRoads to arrange an interpreter if you need one.
Supervising driver rules you must follow
Your supervising driver must hold a full Australian driving licence (not a learner's or probationary licence), be at least 21 years old, and sit in the front passenger seat beside you. They cannot be supervising more than one learner driver at a time. The supervising driver is responsible for helping you learn and for your safety on the road.
You cannot drive alone, even for a short distance. If you're caught driving without a supervising driver, you can be fined and your learner's permit can be cancelled. The supervising driver can also be fined for allowing you to drive unsupervised.
There are no restrictions on where you can drive or what time of day, as long as your supervising driver is with you. You can drive on freeways, but your supervising driver should help you build confidence gradually.
Learner's permit fees and how long it lasts
The cost of your learner's permit depends on how long you want it to remain valid. VicRoads offers permits for 1, 2, 3, or 5 years. A 1-year permit costs less than a 5-year permit, but if you plan to take longer to prepare for your driving test, a longer permit may be better value. Check the VicRoads website for current fees, as they change periodically.
Once your permit expires, you cannot drive as a learner. If you haven't passed your driving test by then, you'll need to renew your permit and pay the fee again. Some people renew their permit multiple times before they're ready to sit the test.
how the process works online, by post, or in person
The fastest way to get your learner's permit is to explore online through the VicRoads website. You'll upload scans of your identity documents, answer questions about your health and driving history, and pay the fee by card. If you pass the knowledge test on the same day, your permit is usually posted to you within a few business days.
You can also explore by post by downloading the process form from VicRoads, printing it, signing it, and mailing it with copies of your documents and a cheque or money order. This takes longer — usually 2 to 3 weeks.
If you prefer to explore in person, visit a VicRoads service centre with your original documents and payment. You can sit the knowledge test the same day and walk out with your permit in hand, though you may need to wait for an appointment.
What happens after you get your permit
Once you have your learner's permit, you can start driving with your supervising driver. There's no minimum time you must spend as a learner before you sit your driving test — you can sit the test as soon as you feel ready. However, most people spend several months learning before they attempt the test.
When you're ready to sit your driving test, you'll book an appointment with VicRoads or an approved driving assessor. You'll drive a set route while an examiner watches and assesses your skills. If you pass, your learner's permit is cancelled and you're issued a probationary licence. If you fail, you can sit the test again after a waiting period.
While you're a learner, you should also think about insurance. The car you're driving is covered by the owner's insurance, but once you pass your test and get your own car, you'll need to arrange your own car insurance policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I'm under 16?
No. You must be at least 16 years old to hold a Victorian learner's permit. If you're younger, you can sit the knowledge test early to prepare, but you cannot receive the permit or drive until you turn 16.
What if I fail the knowledge test?
You can sit the test again. There's no waiting period between attempts, though you'll pay the test fee each time. Most people who fail study the road rules handbook again and pass on their second or third try.
Do I need insurance to drive on a learner's permit?
You don't need insurance in your own name. The car's owner's insurance covers you while you're learning, as long as you're driving with a supervising driver. Once you pass your test and own your own car, you'll need to arrange your own policy.
Can my supervising driver be any age?
No. Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a full Australian driving licence. They cannot hold a learner's or probationary licence. If your supervising driver is under 21 or doesn't have a full licence, you cannot legally drive.
How long can I hold a learner's permit?
You can hold a learner's permit for 1, 2, 3, or 5 years, depending on which option you choose when you explore. If your permit expires before you pass your driving test, you'll need to renew it and pay the fee again.