Driving License
Obtain A VIC License
To get a Victorian driver’s license, you’ll progress through three main stages:
- Learner's Permit
- P1 and P2 Probationary Licences
- Full Licence
Victoria follows a graduated licensing system over 5 years, prioritizing learning and experience for safer driving. Each stage prepares you for the next, leading to the attainment of a full license.
01. LEARNER'S PERMIT
Getting your Victorian Learner’s Permit involves these steps:
- Study the Road to Solo Driving handbook to learn road rules and basics.
- Practice for the theory-based learner permit test, which covers essential driving knowledge.
- Use free practice tests to assess your knowledge and improve.
- Book the learner’s permit test through VicRoads once you’re ready.
- Whether a beginner or an overseas license holder, passing the test is mandatory.
- Overseas license holders must get a Victorian license within six months of becoming a resident.
- Meet additional requirements like an eyesight test, medical fitness, identity proof, and relevant fees.
- Ensure no Fines Victoria license sanctions, outstanding relicensing requirements, or disqualifications.
Prepare thoroughly and follow the process to obtain your Learner’s Permit and start your driving journey in Victoria.
To obtain your learner’s permit, you must be at least 16 years old.
Obtaining a learner’s permit involves paying for the permit and the permit test. Here are the costs:
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| A new learner permit for a car or motorcycle | $26 |
| Learner permit test online | $25.40 |
| Learner permit test in-person | $45 (Test: $25.40, Appointment: $19.60) |
| A car learner permit renewal | $26 |
| Replacement learner permit for a car or motorcycle | $25.40 |
02. P1 & P2 PROBATIONARY LICENSE
How to Get Your Probationary Licence (P1 and P2)
A probationary driver’s licence in Victoria consists of two stages: P1 and P2. P1 comes with more extensive restrictions compared to P2.
Under 21: Progress from Learner Permit to P1 Probationary Licence (Red Ps):
– Minimum 12 months on learner permit
– Complete 120 hours of driving (including 20 hours at night) in the logbook
– Pass the driving test, eyesight test, and Hazard Perception Test
Under 21: Progress from P1 to P2 Probationary Licence (Green Ps):
– Minimum 12 months on P1 without incident
– Graduate to P2 without additional tests or steps
Aged 21-24: Progress from Learner Permit to P2 Probationary Licence (Green Ps):
– Minimum 6 months on the learner permit
– Pass the driving test, eyesight test, and Hazard Perception Test
Over 25: Progress from Learner Permit to P2 Probationary Licence (Green Ps):
– Minimum 3 months on the learner permit
– Pass the driving test, eyesight test, and Hazard Perception Test
Drivers over 21 years skip the P1 stage and directly proceed to the P2 probationary licence. You can book the tests for your P1 or P2 licence accordingly.
Note: For full details and restrictions, please refer to the official source.
| Licence Type | 3 Years | 4 Years | 10 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
P2 Probationary Licences: New Licence, Reissued Licence, or Licence Renewal | $85.50 | N/A | $292.80 |
P1 Probationary Licences: New Licence, Reissued Licence | N/A | $113.90 | N/A |
Free Licence Scheme: For eligible drivers under 25 | Free | N/A | Free |
| Appointment/Test Type | Included Costs | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Hazard Perception Test (Online) | Test Fee Total | $19.40 $19.40 |
| Hazard Perception Test (In-Person) | Test Fee Appointment Fee Total | $19.40 $19.60 $39.00 |
| Car Driving Test | Practical Car Driving Test Appointment Fee Total | $47.10 $19.60 $66.70 |
03. FULL LICENCE
How to Obtain Your Full Licence:
To acquire a full driver’s licence, follow these steps:
- Hold your green P’s (P2) licence for a minimum of 3 years.
- Maintain a good driving record.
- Successfully pass an eyesight test.
A good driving record means avoiding licence cancellations or suspensions and refraining from drink or drug offences. If you maintain a clean driving record, you will automatically progress to your full licence after 3 years of holding a P2 licence. A letter will notify you of this graduation to your full licence.
However, a bad driving record can extend your P2 licence period by at least 6 months. If your licence faces suspension, the suspended period won’t count towards the 3-year probationary requirement. In such cases, the probationary period starts anew, and any previous accumulated time becomes void.
Licence cancellations or suspensions may result from court convictions, actions by VicRoads, the Sheriff’s Office, accumulation of demerit points, or Traffic Infringement Notices.
Upon receiving your full licence, it remains valid for either 3 or 10 years, depending on your choice. Specific driving rules apply to a full licence, alongside the general road rules that must always be followed. These specific rules are as follows:
- Blood Alcohol Concentration: Levels must not exceed 0.05.
- Demerit Points: You start with 0 demerit points and accumulate points with driving offences. The limit is 12 points in any 3-year period.
- Plate Display: You do not need to display any P plates.
- Supervision: You can supervise a learner of your licence category.
- Vehicle Restrictions: If tested in an automatic vehicle, you can only drive an automatic vehicle.
- Mobile Phone Usage: You must not use a hand-held mobile phone while driving; hands-free use is allowed.
- Licence Category: Your full licence allows you to drive vehicles not exceeding 4.5 tonnes of Gross Vehicle Mass, accommodating up to 12 adults (including the driver).
To obtain your full licence, you must have held your green P’s (P2 licence) for a minimum of 3 years and pass an eyesight test.
| Licence Type | 3 Years | 4 Years | 10 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Licence: New Licence, Reissued Licence, or Licence Renewal | $85.50 | N/A | $292.80 |
| Free Licence Scheme: For eligible drivers under 25 | Free | N/A | Free |
