Learning to drive is an exciting step towards freedom and independence, but there are things to do before you can get into the driver’s seat.  

First thing is to get your learner permit also known as your Ls. Once you have your Ls you can drive a car on the road with a supervising driver.  

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting 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. 

You must also:  

2. Enrol for the Learner Permit Test

You can now chose to take the Learner Permit Test either online or in-person.

Taking the test online

The Learner Permit Test Online is an interactive 4-to-6-hour online course that teaches you about the road rules in Victoria and how to develop safe driving skills. You do not need any prior driving knowledge before beginning the course. Once you enrol, you have 12 months to complete the course.

What you need to enrol

You can enrol in the course when you are 15 years and 11 months old, but you will only be issued with a learner permit when you're 16 years of age or older.

The online course is currently available in English only. If you require interpreter services, you can still make an appointment to sit the Learner Permit Test in-person at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. 

Taking the test in-person

If you are taking the Learner Permit Test In-person you will need to make an appointment to visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. 

You can take the test in-person if you: 

  • speak a language other than English or require an interpreter 
  • don’t have access to a computer or internet 
  • have a hearing or vision impairment or 
  • prefer to take the test in-person.  

To book you can either:

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

3. Prepare for the test

If you are enrolled in the Learner Permit Test Online, you do not need any prior driving knowledge to get started.

If you have booked an appointment to take the test in-person, you can prepare in two ways:

4. Pass the test

Once you have enrolled for the Learner Permit Test online, you have 12 months to complete the course and pass the final assessment.

If you are completing the test in person, you need to get a minimum of 78 per cent on the test to pass. There are 32 questions on the 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. 

You can take these tests as many times as you want until you pass, but you may have to pay additional fees.

5. Complete your application

Once you've successfully completed the course online or passed the test in-person, you'll need to attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre to:

  • apply for your learner permit
  • prove your identity
  • complete an eyesight test
  • have your photo taken.

You don't need an appointment for your visit.

To prove your identity you need to bring along: 

  • one primary document (for example, a passport or original birth certificate - birth certificate extracts don't count) 
  • one secondary document (for example, a Medicare card, student identity card or bank card) 
  • one evidence of Victorian 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, see the evidence of identity page on the VicRoads website. 

Don't forget that you'll need to let VicRoads know about any medical conditions (for example, epilepsy, poor eyesight) that may affect your driving.

6. Get out on the road

Now that you have your Ls, it's time for you to get out there and learn how to drive.  

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 driving on your Ls page. 

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