RoadVisa Beta

How to get a driving licence in Victoria

Getting a car licence from scratch, country by country.

More states coming soon.
Car licence, Class C

Getting your licence in Victoria

Online course and learner permit test4–6 hours
First online attemptFree
Each further attempt$28.70
Learner permit and P licenceFree
Hazard Perception Test, in person$44
Drive test, incl. appointment fee$75.30

2026 fees. The hazard perception test is free online on your first try.

Before you start driving

2
Learner permitYes. Pass the learner permit test, best done online with the free course (4–6 hours).
Medical checkAn eyesight test. A medical report only for some conditions.

Required lessons

2
Supervised practice (under 21)120 hours logged, including 20 at night. Minimum time on the learner permit: 12 months under 21, 6 months at 21–24, 3 months from 25.
Driving lessonsOptional. Lessons with an instructor count towards your hours.

Good to know

8
Minimum age16 for a learner permit, 18 for a probationary licence. Under 21, a full licence after 4 years on P plates; from 21, after 3.
Licence validity3 or 10 years.
Exam languagesOnline in English. In person in 13 other languages (including Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese), or with an interpreter.
If you failOnline learner permit test: first try free, then $28.70 each. Drive test: book and pay again.
Automatic or manualPassing in an automatic limits your licence to automatic cars. Switching to manual means another drive test.
New driversUnder 21: red P plates for 1 year, then green P plates for 3. From 21: green P plates for 3 years. Zero alcohol on L and P plates.
Already have a licence from abroad?Licences from Australia's recognised countries are converted without tests. Others take the knowledge, hazard perception and drive tests. See the Abroad tab.
Also worth knowing
  • Take the learner permit test online: your first attempt is free.
  • Practise hook turns if you'll drive in central Melbourne.

Step by step

  1. Learner permit testOnline or in person, plus an eyesight test.
  2. Learner permitPractise with a supervisor. Under 21: 120 logged hours over at least 12 months.
  3. Hazard Perception TestA computer test of how you spot risks in traffic.
  4. Drive testWith a VicRoads tester. Pass to get your red P1 licence.
  5. P platesP1, then P2, then a full licence.

Tips From driving schools and examiners

  • About 3 in 4 failed drive tests end with an immediate termination error, such as failing to give way, speeding, or running a stop sign or red light.
  • The most common smaller errors are not checking for other road users, not indicating, and driving too slowly for the conditions.
  • Take lessons early and throughout your learner stage, not just the week before. And make sure your supervisor isn't passing on habits like speeding.
  • Do a quick check before the test: lights, wipers, washer fluid and tyres. A faulty car can mean no test.
  • If you make a mistake, let it go and focus on the road ahead.

Based on: RACV: Why people fail the Victorian driving test (VicRoads data, 2022) ↗

Official links

VicRoads: Getting your Ls ↗Victorian Legislation: Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2019 ↗Last checked 20 Oct 2026
Wrong information? Help us fix itTell us what's incorrect and we'll check it against the official sources.

About: This page

Frequently asked questionsCoverage, sources and how RoadVisa works.

Why isn't my country listed?

RoadVisa is still growing. It covers 42 countries and all 50 US states plus Washington, D.C. so far, and more are added step by step. Each country is checked against its own official sources, in its own language, before it goes live.

Why isn't Africa covered?

Many African licensing authorities publish little detail about their driving rules online, so we can't yet check the answers against official sources. We'll add African countries as official information becomes available.

Where does the information come from?

From official sources only: licensing authorities, ministries, police and government websites, read in each country's own language. Every answer links to its sources and shows when it was last checked.

What's the difference between Visiting and Moving?

Visiting covers short stays such as holidays and business trips, when you keep your home licence. Moving covers becoming a resident, when most countries want you to exchange your licence or take tests by a deadline.

What is an International Driving Permit?

A translation of your licence in a standard format. It's only valid together with your own licence, and you get it in the country that issued your licence, usually from a motoring club or the licensing authority. RoadVisa tells you when a country expects one.

Does RoadVisa cover motorcycles or trucks?

Not yet. The answers are about car licences: category B in Europe, and the local equivalent elsewhere, such as Class C or D in most US states. Other licences may follow later.

Is RoadVisa official?

No. RoadVisa is an independent guide and isn't linked to any government or licensing authority. The authority that handles your application always has the final word.

Is RoadVisa free?

Yes, RoadVisa is free to use.

I found a mistake. What should I do?

Use "Wrong information? Help us fix it" above. We check every report against the official sources and correct the answer.

About RoadVisa and disclaimerWho we are, and how to use this information.

An independent guide. RoadVisa is a private project. It is not run by, linked to or approved by any government, licensing authority (such as a national road traffic agency or a US DMV), embassy or driving school.

Information only, not legal advice. RoadVisa sums up official rules in plain English. It does not replace the official rules, and it is not a decision about your case. Only the authority that handles your application can decide that.

Rules change. Every answer shows when it was last checked and links to the official source. Check that source before you drive, book a test, move or apply. If RoadVisa and the official source differ, follow the official source.

Your situation matters. The answer can depend on your residence status, licence category, age and when your licence was issued. If you're unsure, ask the licensing authority or your embassy.

Car hire and insurance. Car hire companies and insurers can set their own rules, for example asking for an International Driving Permit even where it isn't required. Check with them too.

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