Road to Solo Driving

Several organisations have contributed to the preparation of this

handbook, and their help is gratefully acknowledged.

343.9450946

I. Roads Corporation (Vic)

3. Traffic safety Victoria Handbooks, manuals, etc.

2. Traffic regulations Victoria Handbooks, manuals, etc.

1. Automobile driver education Victoria Handbooks, manuals, etc.

National Library of Australia cataloguing-in-publication data:

Roads Corporation.
Road to Solo Driving:
Learning to drive driving to learn includes index.
ISBN 0 7311 9000 9

First published 2000

Crown Copyright 2000
Updated November 2013.

Published by VicRoads
60 Denmark Street, Kew, Victoria 3101
Roads Corporation, Victoria,
Australia 2000

The term driver is generally used to cover different road users

and simplify the language. It does not mean that one group is
more important than the other.

Most things in this handbook apply to drivers. Motorcycle riders

should also refer to the Victorian Rider Handbook for further
information. Bus and heavy vehicle drivers should refer to the
Victorian Bus and Truck Driver Handbook for further information.
Much of the information in the Road to Solo Driving also applies
to pedal cyclists.

You will need to consult the appropriate Acts and Regulations

if you want a complete knowledge of the road law. Remember
that ignorance of what the law says on a particular subject is not
accepted as an excuse by the courts. Victorian legislation can be
found at legislation.vic.gov.au

This handbook sets out many of the legal requirements for drivers.
It is intended as a guide only. It does not set out in full all of the
requirements of the law.

Road laws change from time to time. It is your responsibility to ensure

that you have the most recent edition of this handbook which you can
check by visiting vicroads.vic.gov.au If you are in doubt, check with
any of the VicRoads Customer Service Centres listed on the inside
back cover.

Road laws and legal requirements

The Victorian Government is committed to improving road safety.

The Road to Solo Driving is one of the important initiatives that
help to do this.

The Guide for Supervising Drivers booklet explains how your

supervising driver can help you right through your learner period.

The Guide for Learners helps you structure your driving practice
and keep track of your progress as you work towards your Ps.
The Guide for Learners includes the Learner Log Book that you
must use to show you have gained at least 120 hours driving practice
to get a licence, if you are under 21 years of age at the time of your
licence test. The Guide for Learners and the Learner Log Book
will help you make the most of your minimum 120 hours of driving
experience and help you to become a safer driver.

t
UIF
Guide for Supervising Drivers.

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UIF
Guide for Learners (with the Learner Log Book)

The Road to Solo Driving is the first of a series of handbooks.

When you become a learner driver you will be given the Learner
Kit. The Learner Kit includes:

The Road to Solo Driving handbook is designed to help you

understand the road rules, know your legal responsibilities and
prepare you for the challenges of driving. The learner permit test
questions are based on this handbook. You will also need to know
the information in the Road to Solo Driving to pass your drive test
to get your licence.

Introduction

5
6
7
8
26
29
32
34
37
39
41
43
44
45
46

Welcome to the Road to Solo Driving

How to use this handbook
The licensing journey
The 10 steps to getting your licence
Key points

1 The challenges of driving

Driving is not that easy

Some facts about new solo driving

2 Learning to drive

Hazard perception
Practice is the best way
Your supervising driver is there to help
Put variety into your driving practice
Getting confident
Checking your progress

How to use this book

Contents

69
71
75
77
79
84
91

Alcohol
Drugs, medicine and driving
Seatbelts
Speed limits
Road signs
Road markings

51
52
53
55
56
57
58
59
59
60
67

49

4 Rules and responsibilities

Alcohol and drugs

Speed
Mobile phones and other electronic devices
Passengers
Other distractions
Fatigue
Seatbelts
Vehicle safety
Vehicle maintenance
Keys to reducing your risk of a crash
Driving and the environment

3 Managing risk

Traffic controls at intersections

Give Way rules
Police direction
Turning
Freeways
Driving safely in tunnels
Sharing the road safely
Co-operative driving
Keeping your cool when driving
Sharing the road with other motorists
Using emergency signals
How to overtake safely
Sharing the road with pedestrians
Sharing the road with cyclists & motorcyclists
Sharing the road with trams
Sharing the road with buses
Sharing the road with police & emergency vehicles
Sharing the road with trucks & other heavy vehicles
Sharing the road with animals
Railway level crossings

Rules and responsibilities (cont.)

98
100
111
112
122
124
125
125
126
126
129
130
131
136
138
141
141
141
144
145
Test yourself questions
Resources to help you
Index

Resources

Parking
Penalties
Legal responsibilities
Crash responsibilities
Assisting victims following motorcycle accidents

Rules and responsibilities (cont.)

164
166
168

146
152
155
158
162

Contents

 licence tests

road rules

demerit points

P licences (P1, P2)

learner permits

the Learner Log Book

the Graduated Licensing System

the age requirements

There is a lot to know before you get your learner permit,

such as:

understand the rules and responsibilities of driving.

manage and reduce your risks as a new driver

find out how you will learn to drive

prepare for the challenges of driving

The aim of this handbook is to help you:

problems caused by alcohol and drugs, and so on.

This handbook will help you if you are going for a learner
permit, a probationary licence, or converting an interstate or
overseas licence to a Victorian licence.

New drivers are three times more likely to be involved in

casualty crashes than more experienced drivers. Learning the
information in the Road to Solo Driving is the first step to
becoming a safer driver. Reading this handbook alone wont
make you a safer driver. What matters is how you use the
information.

The Road to Solo Driving will help make all this information
a bit clearer. Your learner permit test will be based on the
information in this book. You will also need this information to
pass your drive test and get your probationary licence.

hazards and risks

Welcome to the Road to Solo Driving

Welcome

How to use this book

It is important to know that when there is a statement

of road law, the word must is used.

Important information

Chapter 4 describes some of the most important

road rules and responsibilities.

Chapter 3 describes the risks of driving and

strategies to manage these risks.

Chapter 2 covers the process of learning to drive

and the importance of supervised driving practice.

Chapter 1 explains the challenges facing new drivers.

The next section explains the steps to getting your

licence and becoming a driver.

This handbook is divided into five sections.

Each is colour coded with a vertical band on the outside
edge of each page.

How to use this handbook

You will spend at least 3 years on a P2 (green)

Probationary Licence. There are some special
rules for P2 drivers to recognise your improving
safety as you get closer to a full licence.

You will spend at least 12 months on a

P1 (red) Probationary Licence. There are some
special rules for P1 drivers to help you stay safer
while you gain experience as a young solo driver.

This is a computerised hazard perception test

and then a driving test. You will need to have a
lot of experience to pass these tests.

Go for your Probationary Licence test.

If you have a good,

safe driving record,
you will continue on
to a full licence.

Use the four stages in

the Learner Kit to make
sure you get the right
sort of practice. It will
also help you decide
when you are ready to
go for your licence.

When you are a Learner you should get as much experience

as possible with a supervising driver. If you are under 21
years when you go for your drive test you will need to show
you have had at least 120 hours of driving experience.

If you are 21 years or over

you go straight to a P2 (green)
Probationary Licence.

Read, study,
and understand
the Road to
Solo Driving.

YOU ARE
HERE

Go for your Learner

Permit test. This is a
computerised test
based on the Road
to Solo Driving.

You are starting on your licensing journey. Here is a quick overview of the path ahead.

The licensing journey

The 10 steps to getting your licence

10
11
13
14
16
18
21
21
25

3 Pass your learner permit test

4 Pay for and be granted your learner permit

5 Get as much driving experience as possible using the four stages in the Learner Kit

6 Book your probationary licence test

7 Pass your probationary licence test

8 Pay for and be granted your probationary licence

9 Follow the P plate rules, stay safe and keep your licence

10 Receive your full driver licence

page

2 Book your learner permit test

1 Read and understand Road to Solo Driving

The 10 steps to getting your licence

When you sit for your learner permit test or your

probationary licence test, you can choose to do the
learner permit test and the Hazard Perception Test on
the computer in any of the 20 languages available
(for a full list, see page 25).

Language options

Learning the information in this handbook and knowing the

road rules are the first step to being ready to take the learner
permit test.

Make sure you have the latest edition of this handbook and
read it thoroughly. You can check whether you have the latest
version of this handbook by visiting vicroads.vic.gov.au
which will tell you when the latest edition was printed.

Step 1 - Read and understand Road to

Solo Driving

The 10 steps to getting your licence

10

t
date of birth

You can book your learner permit test:

t
in person (go to any VicRoads Customer Service Centre

listed on the inside back cover of this handbook.)

TTY: 13 36 77
Speak and Listen: 1300 555 727

International calls: + 61 3 9854 7764 (licensing)

Note: If you cannot keep your appointment, you need to give

VicRoads 24 hours notice to cancel your test. Otherwise
fees will not be refunded unless you produce a medical
certificate or other supporting evidence. If you transfer your
appointment, regardless of when you contact VicRoads,
an additional appointment fee will apply.

You will be given an appointment number that you should

write down. You will need to bring this number with you for
your test.

Booking and test fees apply and must be paid at the time
of booking.

t
when and where you would like to be tested.

t
by phone (using a valid Mastercard or Visa)

Tel: 13 11 71

t
phone number

t
online at vicroads.vic.gov.au (using a valid Mastercard

or Visa)

t
address

t
your full name

You will be asked:

You must be at least 16 years old before you can sit the test.

Step 2 - Book your learner permit test

The 10 steps to getting your licence

Once you have a learner permit, you must tell VicRoads if you
develop any medical condition that may affect your driving.

If you have poor vision you must bring an eyesight certificate

from an optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye doctor). If you
have a disability or illness that may affect your driving, you will
need to bring a medical report from your doctor stating that
you are medically fit to drive. If you are unsure or would like
advice, contact VicRoads for further information.

payment for your 10 year learner permit.

evidence of identity and age, as set out on page 12

your appointment number

You need to bring:

Step 3 - Pass your learner permit test

The practice test items on the website are good, but they
dont test all the information you will need to know to pass the
learner test and the probationary licence test later on. That
information is in this handbook.

when you understand the handbook, use the practice test

on the VicRoads website at vicroads.vic.gov.au to help
revise.

read and study this handbook until you understand it all

The best way to prepare for the test is:

a computerised, multiple-choice test based on this

handbook to test your knowledge of road law and road
safety.

reading an eyesight chart to test your vision

The learner permit test includes:

11

The 10 steps to getting your licence

12

t
one category B evidence document

For example a phone, gas or electricity bill (no
more than one year old); or a current Medicare card,
entitlement card issued by the Commonwealth,
student identity card, credit or account card issued
by a bank, building society or credit union.

t
one category A evidence document

For example a passport (current or expired by up to
two years) or Australian birth certificate (birth extracts
and commemorative certificates are not acceptable).

You need to bring:

All evidence of identity documents must be originals

and you must also ensure that all names on each of the
documents match and are in the same/correct order.
Photocopies, certified or otherwise, are not acceptable.

Before you sit for your learner permit or your

probationary licence you must prove who you are and
that you live in Victoria by bringing certain documents
to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

Evidence of identity

For more information and a complete list of evidence

of identity documents visit
vicroads.vic.gov.au/evidenceofidentity

t
evidence of change of name or differing names

If there is a difference in names between the category A
and B evidence documents or if you have changed your
name, one document that shows your correct name,
for example a marriage or Change of Name certificate.

t
evidence of Victorian residence

If not shown on the category A or B evidence
documents or if you have changed address.
If documents cannot be provided, you can ask a
referee (who has known you at least 12 months
and holds a current Victorian licence) to complete
the Victorian residence declaration on your Licence
or learner permit application form.

The 10 steps to getting your licence

Your learner permit card will be sent to you through the mail in
about a week. Make sure VicRoads has your correct current
address.

You will be able to practice driving on the paper learner

receipt until you receive your learner permit card.

The Learner Kit will help you get through your learner period
and pass the probationary licence test. If you are not given a
Learner Kit, you should ask for one.

receive a Learner Kit containing the Guide for

Learners with the Learner Log Book and the Guide for
Supervising Drivers.

be given a paper learner permit receipt

have your photo taken for your learner permit

pay for your learner permit, which is valid for ten years

After you pass the test you will:

Step 4 - Pay for and be granted your

learner permit

13

The 10 steps to getting your licence

14

If you are 21 years or over you are encouraged to use the

Learner Kit, but you do not need to present the Learner Log
Book when you go for your probationary licence test.

take your completed Learner Log Book with you when

you go for your probationary licence test. This will be
checked before you take the drive test to make sure
everything has been completed correctly.

complete a minimum of 120 hours supervised driving

experience including 10 hours of driving at night.

If you are less than 21 years old when you go for your licence
test you must:

The best way to prepare for the drive test at the end of the
learner period is to get as much supervised experience as
possible in many different driving situations. This is true for all
learner drivers it is much harder to pass the test if you only
have a small amount of experience.

Step 5 - Get as much driving experience

as possible

The Learner Log Book is your record of your progress

and is essential proof that you have achieved your
120 hours.

The Guide for Supervising Drivers explains the four

stage plan to your supervisor so they know how to help.

The Guide for Learners gives you a four stage plan for
your 120 hours.

The Road to Solo Driving has important information

about road rules that all drivers need to know. You are
expected to know and comply with the road rules when
you attempt the probationary licence test.

This handbook and the Learner Kit are essential in getting your
120 hours of driving experience.

The 10 steps to getting your licence

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is a measure of

the amount of alcohol you have in your blood.

Definition

only drive a car (not a bus, truck or motorcycle).

not tow a caravan or a trailer

not use a hands free or hand held mobile phone,

or send or read text messages

have a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

(see pages 71 - 75 for more information)

display L plates on the front and rear of your vehicle

carry your learner permit (or valid paper receipt)

have an accompanying driver with you who has a full

(non-probationary) car licence

When you are learning to drive, you must:

15

The 10 steps to getting your licence

16

6 months if you are over 21 years but under 25 years

3 months if you are 25 years or over.

pass a computerised Hazard Perception Test and then

pass the driving test (see Drive Test on pages 19-20).

not be disqualified from driving in Victoria, in Australia

or overseas

These periods may be reduced if you are the holder of

a motorcycle licence or permit and have held this for
12 or more months.

12 months if you are under 21 years when you apply

for a probationary licence

have held a learner permit for a continuous period of

at least:

be at least 18 years

To get your probationary licence, you must:

Step 6 - Book your probationary

licence test

All necessary details must be completed and each

entry signed.
The Declaration of Completion must be signed by
both the applicant and a supervising driver. The List
of Supervising Drivers must be completed and signed
by all supervising drivers.
You should carefully read the instructions on the front
of the Learner Log Book to understand how to fill in
the logbook correctly.

If you are under 21 years when you apply for a

probationary licence, you must produce evidence of
having completed 120 hours of supervised driving
(including at least 10 hours at night) by presenting the
Learner Log Book:

Continuous period means that the permit must not

have been broken by a licence suspension or a break in
continuity such as allowing the permit to expire before
regaining a new permit.

Definition

The 10 steps to getting your licence

Note: If you cannot keep an appointment you will need to

give VicRoads 24 hours notice to cancel your test, otherwise
fees will not be refunded unless you produce a medical
certificate or other supporting evidence. If you transfer your
appointment, regardless of when you contact VicRoads, an
additional appointment fee will apply.

There are serious consequences if entries in the Learner Log

Book are found to be incomplete or incorrect. You will lose
your booking and test fees, and be prevented from taking the
probationary licence test for at least six weeks. You may also
be liable to penalties under the Road Safety Act 1986.
You can book your test:
online by visiting vicroads.vic.gov.au (This can be made
using a valid MasterCard or Visa)
by phone (see page 10)
in person (go to any VicRoads Customer Service Centre
listed on the inside back cover of this handbook).

An incomplete or incorrect Learner Log Book will not

be accepted. You will not be able to take your driving
test, all your fees will be forfeited, and you cannot take
your test for six weeks.

Fact

17

The 10 steps to getting your licence

18

t
payment for your probationary licence.

t
completed Learner Log Book which includes the

completed Declaration of Completion and List of
Supervising Drivers (if you are under 21 years, when you
apply for a probationary licence)

t
current learner permit

t
appointment number

You need to bring your:

Your driving supervisor or instructor has to provide a

registered, roadworthy car with a speed display on the
dashboard that the testing officer is able to easily see, have
seatbelts for all occupants and that is fitted with L plates for
the drive test. The car needs to also have a centrally mounted
handbrake accessible to the VicRoads testing officer if you
will be sitting the driving test without a driving instructor.

You can be tested at any of the VicRoads Customer Service

Centres listed on the inside back cover of this handbook.

Step 7 - Pass your probationary

licence test

t
a driving test to assess your driving skills (see Drive Test,

pages 19-20).

t
a computerised Hazard Perception Test to see how

safely you respond to traffic situations

t
reading an eyesight chart to test your vision

The test includes:

If you have a medical condition that may affect your driving

and you have not previously told VicRoads, you must provide
a medical certificate which states your fitness to drive. Once
you hold a probationary licence, you must tell VicRoads if you
develop any medical condition that might affect your driving.

If you cannot prove that you have completed 120 hours of

driving practice, including 10 hours at night, you will not be
permitted to sit the test. Your appointment and test fees will
be forfeited and you will also have to wait at least six weeks
before you can take the driving test.

The 10 steps to getting your licence

You can take this test when you are 17 years and 11 months.
You have to pass the Hazard Perception Test before you can
sit the Drive Test. The Hazard Perception Test will indicate
how well you are able to observe the whole road environment
and anticipate potential hazards (see Practice is the best
way on pages 41-42).

For other items, there is no time when it is safe to

perform the driving task and you should not click the
mouse button.

For some items, you click the mouse button when it is

safe to perform the driving task.

You have to respond safely to each traffic situation.

For each item in the Hazard Perception Test, you will

watch a video of a traffic situation where you are asked
when it is safe to do something like slow down or make
a turn.

The Hazard Perception Test is designed to see how safely you

respond to traffic situations.

The Hazard Perception Test

However 120 hours experience does not guarantee that you

will pass. You need to also demonstrate safe and legal driving
during the test (so you should brush up on your road rules or
read this handbook again before you attempt the drive test.)

have had driving experience in a broad range of different

driving conditions such as at night, in wet weather, and
on roads with different speed zones.

have had more than 120 hours of driving experience

You are more likely to pass the drive test if you:

The on-road driving test is designed to identify drivers with

the safe driving skills that develop with driving experience.

Drive Test

A potential hazard can be anything in the road

environment that could present a danger or a risk
while driving.

Definition

19

The 10 steps to getting your licence

20

If you are tested in a car that has dual controls and your
instructor holds a current Driving Instructor Authority Number,
you can have your driving instructor with you. Otherwise,
only the VicRoads testing officer will be with you. Other
passengers are not usually permitted.

Further information about the Drive Test is available at

vicroads.vic.gov.au

If you do something that is unsafe in the test, the test

will be stopped and you will fail.

Your ability to drive safely in less demanding situations will be

assessed first. This is to make sure that you have basic car
control and traffic skills. If you pass this part of the test, you
will then be assessed in a broad range of traffic situations.

demonstrate safe driving skills.

co-operate with other road users

obey the road rules

control the vehicle correctly

You will drive for about 30 minutes during the test and the test
route will include a range of driving conditions and tasks.
You will have to show that you can:

If you hold a probationary licence and you are undergoing

instruction or testing in a manual vehicle, you must display
a yellow plate measuring approximately 150 mm by 150 mm
inscribed in black letters with the words Driver under
instruction. Your P plates must also be displayed.

If you are tested in a vehicle that is fitted with an automatic

transmission you will be restricted to driving only vehicles
that are fitted with an automatic transmission during your
probationary period. The only way this restriction can be
removed earlier is by passing another drive test in a manual car.

If a car has dual controls, it has additional pedal(s) on

the passenger side for use by the accompanying driver.

Definition

The 10 steps to getting your licence

Your probationary licence card will be sent to you through the

mail in about a week. Make sure VicRoads has your current
and valid address.

You will be able to drive on the paper probationary licence

receipt until you receive your probationary licence card.

be given a paper probationary licence receipt.

have your photo taken for your probationary licence

You will need a good driving record to progress through the

licence system. A good driving record means your licence
has not been cancelled or suspended and you have not
had any drink and/or drug driving offences. Your licence
may also be suspended if you get too many demerit points
probationary drivers have a stricter limit than other drivers.

Severe penalties may be applied for breaching any of the

rules, including licence suspension, extension of your
probationary period, or licence cancellation. Additional
penalties for drink driving offences also include fitting of
alcohol ignition interlocks and other heavy penalties.

Having your probationary licence will mean you have

demonstrated the minimum skills required to drive solo.
New probationary drivers have three times the risk of crashing
compared to experienced drivers. There are some rules for
probationary drivers to help them stay as safe as possible.

Once you have passed the test, you will:

pay for your probationary licence

Step 9 - Follow the P plate rules, stay safe

and keep your licence

Step 8 - Pay for and be granted your

probationary licence

21

The 10 steps to getting your licence

22

not drive a probationary prohibited vehicle (unless

you are driving the vehicle during working hours at the
request of your employer or have been granted a written
exemption by VicRoads)

you will start on a P2 probationary licence (the P2

probationary licence period lasts for a minimum of three
years)

not tow a caravan or a trailer (unless for work or if under

instruction)

not use a hands free or hand held mobile phone, or send

or read text messages

have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC)

(see Alcohol on pages 71-75)

If you are 21 years or over when applying for a probationary

licence:

after holding your probationary licence for a minimum of

three years with a good driving record, you can then be
issued with a full driver licence.

carry your probationary licence (or valid paper receipt)

with you at all times

display red P plates on the front and rear of your vehicle

(plates measuring approximately 150 mm square bearing
a white letter P on a red background) and must be clearly
visible from a distance of 20 metres

In addition to obeying the rules that apply to all drivers, when

you are driving on a P1 probationary licence, you must:

P1 probationary licence

after holding your probationary licence for a minimum of

four years with a good driving record, you can then be
issued with a full driver licence.

if you have a good driving record you then progress to the

P2 licence period that lasts for a minimum of three years

you will start on a P1 probationary licence (the P1 licence

period lasts for a minimum of one year)

If you are less than 21 years old when applying for a

probationary licence:

The 10 steps to getting your licence

For more information about probationary prohibited

vehicles (PPV) or the passenger restriction, visit the
VicRoads website vicroads.vic.gov.au

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P2 probationary licence
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23

The 10 steps to getting your licence

24

has a nominated high performance six

cylinder engine.

has an engine that has been modified to increase

the vehicles performance (other than a modification
made by the manufacturer in the course of the
manufacture of the vehicle) or

has a turbocharged or supercharged engine (except

diesel powered vehicles or some lower powered
turbocharged or supercharged vehicles which
have been exempted and can be operated by a
probationary driver who has been granted a written
exemption by VicRoads)

has eight or more cylinders

A probationary licence holder cannot drive a vehicle if it:

Probationary Prohibited Vehicle (PPV)

You may drive a PPV if you are exempted to do so by

VicRoads. Application forms can be obtained from
vicroads.vic.gov.au. If granted an exemption to drive a
PPV you should carry the letter given to you by VicRoads
during your probationary period.

turbocharged or supercharged with a power to weight

ratio between 100kW and 125kW per tonne and that
is considered to be a family type vehicle (four seats or
more) rather than a sports type vehicle. A family type
vehicle is a sedan, station wagon or hatch normally used
to carry families/passengers with four or more seats,
equipped with child restraint anchorages. A family type
vehicle does not include a sports car (two door coupe).

turbocharged or supercharged with a power to weight

ratio of less than 100kW per tonne

A lower performance turbocharged or supercharged

vehicle is a vehicle with six cylinders or less that is:

The 10 steps to getting your licence

If you do not receive a renewal notice, it is still your responsibility

to renew your licence by the expiry date.

You must have a good driving record to graduate from a

P2 licence to a full driver licence. If you do not have a good
record, you might have to remain on your P2 licence for
longer than three years.

Before your P2 probationary licence expires, you will be sent

a notice to renew it. You will need to take the renewal notice
to any photo point listed on the accompanying pamphlet, pay
the renewal fee and be photographed. You will then be issued
with a full driver licence paper receipt and your licence card
will be sent to you in the mail.

Step 10 - Receive your full driver licence

Greek
Italian
Laotian
Macedonian
Polish
Romanian
Russian

Serbian
Sinhalese
Somali
Spanish
Turkish
Vietnamese

If you speak a language or dialect that is not on this list,

you can have an interpreter present during the test. If
you are hearing impaired, you can ask to have an Auslan
or sign language interpreter present. Interpreters are
provided free of charge. When you book your test, let the
VicRoads officer know you need an interpreter.

Albanian
Arabic
Cambodian
Chinese (Mandarin)
Croatian
English
German

When you sit for your learner permit test or your

probationary licence test, the road law questions and
the Hazard Perception Test are available in the following
languages:

Language options

25

The 10 steps to getting your licence

26

DURATION

L
10 years

!"./"#/:&)$"62/.$"90$A"2(.%0B+7$$"/7"
" 2(.%B2$)%A"/7"#$00(1&.1"/+"(.*"3&.%
!"./",/4&.1"("'(7(-(."/7",7(&)$7"
!"%7&-$0"("'(7"/.)*";./,"(":90A",79'3"
" /7"#/,/7'*')$<

!"#90,"'(77*")$(7.$7"6$7#&,"42$."%7&-&.1
!"(''/#6(.&$%":*"("%7&-$7"42/"2(0
" ("+9))"'(7")&'$.'$";./."67/:(,&/.(7*<
!"=$7/">?@

" /+"-$2&')$"42$."%7&-&.1

CONDITIONS !"5"6)(,$0"%&06)(*$%"(,"+7/.,"8"7$(7""

!"3./4)$%1$",$0,

1 years (P1)

!"./,"'(77*"#/7$",2(."/.$"6(00$.1$7"
" (1$%":$,4$$."CG"(.%"DC"*$(70"/+"(1$
!"&+",$0,$%"&."(."(9,/#(,&'"-$2&')$A"/.)*"
" %7&-$0"("-$2&')$"4&,2"(9,/#(,&'"
" ,7(.0#&00&/.

!"67/:(,&/.(7*"67/2&:&,$%"-$2&')$
!"./",/4&.1"("'(7(-(."/7",7(&)$7"
" ;9.)$00"+/7"4/73"/7"&+"9.%$7"&.0,79',&/.0<

!"./"#/:&)$"62/.$"90$A"2(.%0B+7$$"/7
" 2(.%B2$)%A"/7"#$00(1&.1"/+"(.*"3&.%

!"#90,"'(77*")&'$.'$"42$."%7&-&.1
!"=$7/">?@

!"HIJ"K"6)(,$0"%&06)(*$%"(,"+7/.,"8"7$(7"
" /+"-$2&')$"42$."%7&-&.1

!"67(',&'()"%7&-&.1",$0,"

(This test must be passed before the

practical driving test can be conducted.
This test can be undertaken at the age
of 17 years and 11 months)

!"$*$0&12,",$0,
"
!"2(=(7%"6$7'$6,&/.",$0,

!"#$%&'())*"+&,
!"$-&%$.'$"/+"&%$.,&,*
!")$(7.$7"6$7#&,"2$)%"'/.,&.9/90)*"
" +/7"("#&.&#9#"/+"/.$"*$(7""
!""5$(7.$7"5/1">//3"3$6,"4&,2"("#&.&#9#
" /+"CDE"2/970"096$7-&0$%"%7&-&.1"67(',&'$"
" &.')9%&.1"CE"2/970"(,".&12,

"CF"*$(70

"CG"*$(70
!"#$%&'())*"+&,
!"$-&%$.'$"/+"&%$.,&,*

!"#!$%&'()%*'$+#,)-.*-.

,.'$*.$#!.$/)(

ASSESSMENT !"$*$0&12,",$0,

DRIVER'S
ELIGIBILITY

DRIVER'S
MINIMUM AGE

3 years (P2)

!"=$7/">?@
!"67/:(,&/.(7*"67/2&:&,$%"-$2&')$
"""7$0,7&',&/.
!"&+",$0,$%"&."(."(9,/#(,&'"-$2&')$A
" /.)*"%7&-$0"("-$2&')$"4&,2"(9,/#(,&'"
" ,7(.0#&00&/.
!"./"#/:&)$"62/.$"90$A"2(.%0B+7$$"
" /7"2(.%B2$)%A"/7"#$00(1&.1"/+"
" (.*"3&.%
"

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" 8"7$(7"/+"-$2&')$"42$."%7&-&.1
!"#90,"'(77*")&'$.'$"42$."%7&-&.1

!"1//%"%7&-&.1"7$'/7%

!"KC"67/:(,&/.(7*")&'$.'$"2$)%"+/7"
" ("#&.&#9#"/+"/.$"*$(7"
" ;4&,2"./")&'$.'$"0906$.0&/.<
!"#$%&'())*"+&,

CO"*$(70

!4#!$%&'()%*'$+#,)-.*-.

3 years or 10 years

!"9.%$7"PEQ">?@
!"#90,"'(77*")&'$.'$"42$."%7&-&.1"
" &+"9.%$7"DG"*$(70"/+"(1$
!"./,"90$"("2(.%B2$)%"#/:&)$"
" 62/.$"42&)$"%7&-&.1

!"1//%"%7&-&.1"7$'/7%

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" ("#&.&#9#"/+"N"*$(70
" ;4&,2"./")&'$.'$"0906$.0&/.0<

DD"*$(70

01,,#2$)3.$#,)-.*-.

The Graduated Licensing System for people who are under 21 years when they apply for a probationary licence.

Key points

DURATION

L
10 years

!"(''/#6(.&$%":*"("%7&-$7"42/"2(0"("+9))"'(7"
" )&'$.'$";./."67/:(,&/.(7*<
!"=$7/">?@
!"./"#/:&)$"62/.$"90$A"2(.%0B+7$$"/7"2(.%B2$)%A"
" /7"#$00(1&.1"/+"(.*"3&.%
!"./",/4&.1"("'(7(-(."/7",7(&)$7"
!"%7&-$0"("'(7"/.)*";./,"(":90A",79'3"/7"#/,/7'*')$<

!"5"6)(,$0"%&06)(*$%"(,"+7/.,"8"7$(7"/+"-$2&')$"
" 42$."%7&-&.1
!"#90,"'(77*")$(7.$7"6$7#&,"42$."%7&-&.1

CONDITIONS

3 years (P2)

!"LHIIM"K"6)(,$0"%&06)(*$%"(,"+7/.,"8"7$(7"
" /+"-$2&')$"42$."%7&-&.1
!"#90,"'(77*")&'$.'$"42$."%7&-&.1
!"=$7/">?@
!"67/:(,&/.(7*"67/2&:&,$%"-$2&')$"7$0,7&',&/.
!"&+",$0,$%"&."(."(9,/#(,&'"-$2&')$A"/.)*"%7&-$0"
" ("-$2&')$"4&,2"(9,/#(,&'",7(.0#&00&/.
!"./"#/:&)$"62/.$"90$A"2(.%0B+7$$"
" /7"2(.%B2$)%A"/7"#$00(1&.1"/+"(.*"3&.%

!"67(',&'()"%7&-&.1",$0,

driving test can be conducted)

!"$*$0&12,",$0,
!"2(=(7%"6$7'$6,&/.",$0,"
"""(this test must be passed before the practical

!"$*$0&12,",$0,
!"3./4)$%1$",$0,

DRIVER'S ELIGIBILITY

ASSESSMENT

21 years

16 years
!"#$%&'())*"+&,
!"$-&%$.'$"/+"&%$.,&,*
!")$(7.$7"6$7#&,"2$)%"'/.,&./90)*"+/7"("
" #&.&#9#"/+"G"#/.,20"&+"DC",/"DR"*$(70A"
" /7"N"#/.,20"&+"DQ"*$(70"/7"/-$7

P2 PROBATIONARY LICENCE

LEARNER PERMIT

!"#$%&'())*"+&,
!"$-&%$.'$"/+"&%$.,&,*

DRIVER'S MINIMUM AGE

3 years or 10 years

!"9.%$7"PEQ">?@
!"#90,"'(77*")&'$.'$"42$."%7&-&.1"&+"9.%$7"
"""DG"*$(70"/+"(1$
!"./,"90$"("2(.%B2$)%"#/:&)$"62/.$"42&)$"%7&-&.1

!"1//%"%7&-&.1"7$'/7%

!"67/:(,&/.(7*")&'$.'$"2$)%"+/7"("#&.&#9#"
" /+"N"*$(70";4&,2"./")&'$.'$"0906$.0&/.0<

24 years

FULL DRIVER LICENCE

The Graduated Licensing System for people who are 21 years and older when they apply for a probationary licence.

27

Key points

28

The rules for drivers vary from state to state. You

should contact the Interstate Transport Authority to
check if additional rules apply.

Fact

The conditions of the GLS for those aged under 21 years

when they apply for a probationary licence are on page 26.
The conditions for those aged 21 years or over when they
apply for a probationary licence are on page 27.

Victorias Graduated Licensing System (GLS) aims to reduce

this risk. New drivers are introduced to driving progressively.
This ensures they can move through the learner permit and
the P1 and P2 probationary licence stages to earn their full
driver licence without being exposed to challenging driving
situations before they are ready.

The risk of being killed or injured in a crash is much higher during

the first few months and years of driving than it is later on.

Key points