Once you get your learner permit it’s time to get behind the wheel and practise.
Before you get out on the road there are a few things you need to know about driving on your Ls.
Display your L plates
It's up to you whether you decide to buy or borrow your L plates.
The main thing is that you display them correctly.
Requirements for L plates in Victoria are listed on the VicRoads displaying L Plates page, including:
- how you need to display them
- what they need to look like.
Drive up to 120 hours on your Ls
If you're under 21 you’ll need to complete at least 120 hours of supervised driving (including 20 hours at night) before you can take the drive test when you turn 18.
Needing to drive for 120 hours might sound like a lot, but if you drive for two to three hours every week for a year you'll get there.
If you're under 21 you have to be on your Ls for a full 12 months before you can go for your Ps.
If you’re over 21 years of age you don’t need to fill out a learner log book or complete any minimum amount of supervised driving.
Log your driving hours
If you are under 21 you need to record all your 120 driving hours in your learner log book. These hours must be recorded in the free MyLearners app, or an official learner log book.
Each time you drive you must sign the learner log book. Your supervising driver must also sign it.
Plan some drives when on your Ls
Plan short and long trips and practise driving in different situations.
Some longer trips may take a few hours or even more which can get you to completing 120 hours even sooner.
Suggested drives include:
- driving outside of your suburb or town
- driving to and from regional towns
- tackling the traffic in a busy area at peak hour
- practising your hook turns in Melbourne's city business district
- driving in quiet residential streets and on freeways and highways.
Find someone to supervise your driving
You have to find a fully licensed driver to supervise you while you practise driving on your Ls. It might be a family member or a friend. You can also pay to get driving lessons from a professional driving instructor.
If you don't have access to a supervising driver or a car to practise driving in, you may be eligible for the TAC L2P program. This program can help you get access to a car and a volunteer driving supervisor so you can get your 120 hours.
Rules and restrictions for learner drivers
Remember that when you're on Ls you:
- must display your L plates on the front and back of your car when driving
- must be with a full licence holder (not a P-plater) at all times when driving
- must not drive a car which is towing a trailer or another vehicle
- must have zero blood alcohol content at all times when driving
- must carry your learner permit at all times when driving
- are not allowed to use a mobile phone (including hands-free, handheld and all messaging) while driving
The VicRoads website has the full list of rules for learners.
Get your probationary driver licence (Ps)
You're ready to sit for your probationary licence test once you've:
- turned 18
- driven up 120 hours (including 20 hours of night driving) if under the age of 21
Our getting your Ps page lets you know what to do when you’re ready to get your P licence.
