Prerequisites
To get your learner permit in VIC you must pass the Learner Permit Knowledge Test. The resources on this site should help you achieve this. You must also be 16 or older, prove your identity, be medically fit to drive, and pay the licence and test fees (we can’t help with this).
Permit features
When you pass the Learner Permit Knowledge Test, your learner permit is issued for 10 years or until you get your Red Ps (probationary P1 licence) or Green Ps (probationary P2 licence). Your pass mark is valid for 12 months. If a learner permit is not issued in this time, a new test is required.
If you do not progress, your learner permit can be renewed after 10 years. If your permit is current or expired for less than 5 years, you can renew without sitting another Learner Permit Knowledge Test. Permit renewal after 5 years of expiry requires you to re-take the test.
In addition to following the road rules like all road users should, there are specific rules associated with a learner permit. Disobeying these additional rules could result in heavy fines or loss of licence.
| Blood Alcohol Concentration | Zero (no alcohol in your system) |
| Demerit points | 5 points in a 1-year period or 12 points in a 3-year period |
| Plate display | L plates (black L on a yellow background) must be displayed clearly on front and back of the vehicle (visible from 20m) |
| Maximum speed limit | The limit as signed (no learner limit) |
| Supervision | A supervising driver must be seated in the passenger seat while driving. This experienced driver must hold a full and current (not probationary, probationary or learner’s) car licence and be under the 0.05 BAC limit |
| Mobile phone | No mobile phone use (including hands-free, hand-held, and messaging) |
| Towing | No towing a caravan or trailer |
| Vehicle | Only applies cars (not buses, trucks or motorcycles) |
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Requirements to progress to a probationary licence
People under 21
People under 21 move to a probationary P1 licence (Red Ps) when they progress from a learner permit. This progression requires you to take and pass first the Hazard Perception Test and then the Drive Test (practical driving assessment).
Hazard Perception Test
Before attempting the Hazard Perception Test you must be at least 17 years and 11 months old. You must pass this test before you can attempt the Drive Test. As such, you should avoid scheduling these tests close together to ensure you don't have to reschedule.
Drive Test
You must be at least 18 years old to attempt the Drive Test. You must also have held your learner permit for a continuous period of at least 12 months up to the day of the test.
Before the test can begin, your Learner Log Book must be checked to confirm you're eligible to progress. You must have completed the Learner Log Book by recording at least 120 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours of night driving between sunset and sunrise).
Interstate and overseas learner permit holders
If you are an interstate or overseas learner permit holder under 21 (permit issued after 1 July 2007), you must meet the same 120-hour (10 night hours) requirement before taking the Drive Test in Victoria.
However, previous interstate/overseas driving experience can count towards your Victorian requirement. Whether you've recorded 120 hours or more, less than 120 hours, or have experience but haven't recorded it, there are steps you can take to get this experience recognised in Victoria. Under certain circumstances, you may also be granted an exemption for a certain number of hours.
If you need more supervised hours to meet the 120-hour requirement after your interstate/overseas experience is counted, you will be issued with a Victorian Learner Log Book at no charge. Supervised hours from that point should be recorded using this log book.
For full details, please see the relevant section of the VicRoads website.
L2P learner driver mentor program
If you do not have access to a supervising driver or vehicle, meeting the 120-hour requirement can be a challenge. As such, VicRoads have put together a mentoring program that matches learner drivers with licensed volunteers and sponsored vehicles so they can get the necessary experience.
To join the program you must be between 16 and 20, hold a current learner's permit and not have access to either a vehicle, supervising driver, or both. The program is free for eligible people and funded by the Transport Accident Commission.
For full details, please see L2P page on the VicRoads website.
People over 21
People over 21 when they progress from a learner permit move to a probationary P2 licence (Green Ps). This progression requires you to take and pass first the Hazard Perception Test and then the Drive Test.
You must pass the Hazard Perception Test before you can attempt the Drive Test. As such, you should avoid scheduling these tests close together to ensure you don't have to reschedule.
If over 21 and under 25, you must have held your learner permit for a continuous period of at least 6 months before your Drive Test. People over 25 are required to hold the learner permit for a continuous period of only 3 months before the Drive Test.
People over 21 are not required to complete and record a set number of supervised driving hours before attempting to progress. However, it is recommended that you get a similar amount of experience (120 hours) in varied conditions to ensure you are ready to drive independently when you pass your Drive Test.
Check out the other resources available to help you pass the Learner Permit Knowledge Test and get your learner permit (L plates):
For comprehensive information on the learner permit and Learner Permit Knowledge Test, please refer to the VicRoads website. The above information is a summary of this content and although current when published may now be outdated. To ensure you are accessing the most current and accurate information, use the VicRoads website or visit your nearest VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
Learner Permit
Probationary P1 Licence (Red Ps)
Probationary P2 Licence (Green Ps)
Full Licence