Learners Permit | Learners Permit Test | Youth Central

Learning to drive is an exciting step towards freedom and independence. Here's 7 easy steps to scoring your Ls.

1. Turn 16 (or 18)

In Victoria, you have to be at least 16 years old to get your car learner permit and 18 to get your motorcycle learner permit.

If you're not yet 16 (or 18), don't stress - it's only a matter of time. And it means more time to prepare! Speaking of which…

2. Get prepared

To prepare for your car learner permit test you can buy the Road to Solo Driving handbook, available in five languages (including English).

If you're applying for a motorcycle learner permit, you'll need to buy the Victorian Rider handbook, which is available in English only.

You can purchase a copy of these books from: 

You can download .pdfs of both books from the VicRoads website (scroll to the bottom of the page for the links):

Make sure you read the whole book, because the questions on the test are based on all four chapters.

3. Book in for your test

Next, make an appointment to take the learner permit knowledge test.

Car learner permit tests are held at VicRoads Customer Service Centres. To book you can either:

If you make the appointment by phone or online, you'll need to pay immediately by credit card. If you drop in to make your appointment you can pay by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card.

Motorcycle learner permit tests are conducted by VicRoads accredited providers. To book a motorcycle test you need to contact providers directly.

4. Sit the test

To get a car learner permit you will need to pass:

  • A computer-based multiple choice theory test on road law
  • An eyesight test

The test takes about 20 minutes. You'll have to answer 32 questions about:

  • Controlling the car
  • Obeying the road rules
  • Cooperating with other road users
  • Driving safely

You need to get a minimum of 78% on the test to pass.

You'll also take your eyesight test when you take the road knowledge test.

To get a motorcycle learner permit you will need to pass:

  • A multiple choice theory test on road law knowledge and motorcycle skills
  • An eyesight test
  • A practical test

Most accredited motorcycle learner permit test providers offer training courses that can prepare you for this test.

Make sure you're prepared, because if you don't pass, you won't get a refund! If you want to do the test again, you'll have to pay for it all over 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 learner permit test at VicRoads.

5. Prove your identity

If you pass, you'll need to prove your identity before you can get your new learner permit.

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 only need this if your address isn't on your primary and secondary documents)

You must have the original documents with you to get your learner permit. Photocopies don't count. At least one of these documents has to have your signature on it.

For full details about what counts as an evidence of identity document, check out the evidence of identity page 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.

6. Pay for it

Once you've proven who you are you'll be asked to pay for your learner permit. You can pay using cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card. A list of licence and learner permit fees is available on the VicRoads website.

7. Get out on the road

Now that you have your Ls, it's time for you to get out there and learn! If you're under 21 you’ll need at least 120 hours of logged (and supervised) driving experience before you can move onto your Ps. 

You'll need a set of L plates displayed on the car while learning to drive. Whether you decide to buy, borrow or make your own, it's important to make sure that they meet the requirements listed on the VicRoads Displaying L Plates page.

To find out what you need to know about learning to drive, visit our On your Ls page.

Links

TAC L2P
The TAC L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program matches learner drivers under 21 with supervising drivers and vehicles so that they can qualify to sit the probationary licence test.

Vic Roads - Licences
Links, tips, information and answers to questions on dozens of licence and driving related topics including fees, types of licences, getting your Ls and getting your Ps.

TAC - Learning to Drive
Information about the kind of practice you'll need, how to get your parents to stop making excuses, and how to drive in different conditions.