Learning to drive is an exciting step to take. Here's a basic step-by-step guide to walk you through what you need to do to score yourself a set of Ls.
Step 1. Turn 16 and get prepared
You have to be at least 16 years old to get your car learner permit. You need to obtain a copy of the Road To Solo Driving handbook (new window). You can buy a copy from VicRoads, RACV and most newsagents. It's a great source of information and covers all aspects of learning to drive.
You need to read and understand everything in it in order to pass your learner permit test.
Step 2. Sit the test
Make an appointment to take the computerised road law knowledge test at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. You will also have an eyesight test. To do this you can either:
- Call VicRoads on 13 11 71 (Monday to Saturday, 8:30am - 5:00pm)
- Visit your nearest VicRoads Customer Service Centre (new window)
If you make the appointment by phone, you'll be asked to pay immediately by credit card.
The road law knowledge test takes about 20 minutes to complete. To complete the test you'll have to answer 32 questions about:
- Controlling the car
- Obeying the road rules
- Cooperating with other road users
- Driving safely
Make sure you're prepared, because if you don't pass, you won't see your money again. You can take the test as many times as you want until you pass, but to make sure you pass first time, check out the practice learners test at VicRoads (new window).
Step 3. Pick up your learner permit
Once you've passed, you'll be asked to pay for your brand new learner permit. You will also need to prove your identity.
To prove your identity you need to bring along:
- One primary document (e.g. passport or original birth certificate - birth certificate extracts don't count)
- One secondary document (e.g. Medicare card, student identity card)
- One evidence of residence document (you'll only need this if your address isn't shown on your primary and secondary documents)
You have to have the original documents with you in order to get your learner permit. Photocopies don't count. And at least one of these documents has to have your signature on it. If you don't have the right evidence of identity, you won't be able to get your learner permit.
For full details about what counts as an evidence of identity document, check out the evidence of identity page (new window) on the VicRoads website.
Don't forget that you'll need to let VicRoads know about any medical conditions (epilepsy, poor eyesight, etc.) that may affect your driving.
Step 4. Get out on the road
Now that you're an official learner permit holder, it's time for you to get out there and learn! To find out what you need to know about learning to drive, check out our On your Ls page.
And for an easy-to-follow, fun guide to getting your drivers licence, check out the "Direct Route to Licence Town" cartoon (new window) on the VicRoads Arrive Alive website.
Links
Arrive Alive! - The Graduated Licensing System (new window)
Use the online tool to select what kind of driver you are and find out how the new licensing laws affect you.
Arrive Alive! - Victoria's Road Safety Strategy (new window)
Info about the main safety issues for Victorian drivers - and particularly young drivers - including road design, speeding, drink driving, fatigue and vehicle safety.
Vic Roads - Introduction to Licensing (new window)
Links, tips, information and answers to questions on dozens of licence and driving related topics including fees, types of licences, getting of Ls and getting your Ps.
Transport Accident Commission (TAC) - Safety (new window)
In this section of the TAC site there are a number of tools to help you while you gain practice on the roads. There's information about the kind of practice you'll need, how to get your parents to stop making excuses, and tips on how to drive in different road conditions.
Victoria Police - Young Drivers (new window)
Victoria Police is committed to providing specialist and support services aimed at ensuring that Victoria's roads remain some of the safest in Australia.
