When you turn 18 and have had at least 120 hours of driving experience (including 10 hours of night driving), you can think about moving onto your probationary licence.
If you don't have access to a supervising driver or a vehicle to practise driving in, check out the L2P program
(new window), which teams up with local councils to help you get your 120 hours.
Here's a simple step-by-step for taking the big step from Ls to Ps.
Step 1. Book in for your tests
To get your licence you'll need to pass three tests:
- An eyesight test
- The Hazard Perception Test - this checks your ability to recognise and deal with traffic hazards using short video sequences of traffic situations (The HPT must be passed before you can take the Drive Test)
- The practical test (also known as the Drive Test)
To book these tests you can either:
- Visit your nearest VicRoads Customer Service Centre (new window)
- Call VicRoads on 13 11 71
- Visit the VicRoads online booking service (new window)
You have to pay to take the test, and if you book online or by phone you'll need to pay straight away by credit card, so make sure you have a credit card handy.
Note that when you're paying online you can only pay using Visa or Mastercard.
Step 2. Take the Hazard Perception Test
Your first test will be the Hazard Perception Test. This test shows you video scenes and requires you to make a safe response. It takes about 30 minutes.
The Transport Accident Commission's (TAC) free Drive Smart CD ROM (new window) will help you understand what the test involves. You can also check out a sample of the Hazard Perception Test (new window) on the VicRoads website.
Step 3: Have your eyesight checked and (if everything's ok) take the Drive Test
When you front up for the Drive Test you'll be required to have your eyesight tested first. If there's nothing amazingly wrong with your eyesight you'll be able to move on to the next and final stage - taking the Drive Test!
On the day of the Drive Test you will need to bring:
- Your appointment number and/or appointment receipt (this was issued to you when you made your appointment)
- The logbook , signed by you and your supervising driver, that proves you have had a minimum of 120 hours of driving practice (this is compulsory if you are under 21)
- A clean, registered, roadworthy vehicle with L plates
- Payment for your licence
You also need to bring evidence of your identity. Documents you can use as evidence of your identity include:
- 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 also need to make sure that your signature is on at least one of these documents. For a list of all acceptable identity documents, check out the VicRoads evidence of identity documents page (new window).
The Drive Test lasts for about 30 minutes and checks that you can:
- Correctly control your vehicle
- Obey the road rules
- Co-operate with other road users
- Drive safely
In the test, your VicRoads Testing Officer will give you simple, clear instructions, like, "At the next street, turn right."
If you're unsure of an instruction, you can ask the Testing Officer to repeat it. They will mark you on how well you follow the instructions.
You have to get a score of 85 percent on the Drive Test to pass. If you do anything illegal or unsafe during the test, the Testing Officer can stop the test at any time. They can also stop the test if anyone interferes or tries to help you.
Step 4. Celebrate successfully getting your Ps
If you pass all three tests, then congratulations! You're now officially a P-plater! Now it's time to familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations that apply to probationary drivers. Check out our On your Ps page for more information.
Good luck and safe driving!
Links
L2P
The L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program matches learner drivers under 21 with supervising drivers and vehicles so that they can qualify to sit the probationary license test.
The L Site
L Site was created to help pre learners and learners before taking their L and P plate tests, and to provide assistance for their supervising drivers.
The Graduated Licensing System
Introduction to the Victorian Licensing System and an explanation of how P1 and P2 licenses work.
Arrive Alive! - Victoria's Road Safety Strategy
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
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
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
Information about the key risks for young drivers and reasons why unsafe driving happens.
