What tests do I need to complete to get my driver license?
- Learner Permit Knowledge Test: The first step in getting a license in Victoria is to pass the Learner Test. This online course covers everything that you need to know about driving in the state. After passing the test, you’ll need to take the final assessment to apply for a learner permit.
- The Hazard Perception Test (HPT): This assessment aims to test how well you can respond to driving hazards. It does so by watching videos that show real driving situations. Previously you were required to make a booking to complete the HPT at VicRoads Customer Service Center, however due to COVID, VicRoads has recently announced you could do it online from home. Now it can be taken online or in-person.
- An eye-sight check (Other Medical check if required, depending on individual)
- Practical Drive Test: The Drive Test usually takes around 30 minutes. In order to take it, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are under 21, to prove that you have been supervised enough to drive safely, you must complete the Learner Log Book (Min. 120 Hours).
If you have a disability or are having a hard time understanding English, VicRoads can help you arrange a special test.
What documents do I have to provide for my drive test?
- Current Victorian learner permit
- Appointment booking receipt
- Learner Log Book if under 21 years old
- If you’re an overseas driver, you must show proof of your overseas licence. You also need to provide a translation of your license in English, if it’s not written in English.
- If you don’t have an Australian learner permit, you’ll need to prove your identity by producing proof of photo ID.
- Bank card or cash payment for your licence
If you can’t provide documents that prove that you’re who you claimed to be, or if you’re late for your appointment, there’s a chance that you won’t be able to take the test.
Can I do drive test in any vehicle?
You could do the drive test in your own car or your driving instructor car. Either way, the drive test vehicle must meet the following criteria:
- Both external side mirrors working
- Front and rear (if fitted) demister operational
- Registered, roadworthy & tidy
- Seatbelt for all Occupants
- Functioning Air conditioning unit to maintain the temperature
- Equipped with L plates
- Have a primary speedometer that can be viewed by the licensing officer at all times. If the speedometer is not visible at all times, a supplementary unit should be used.
- Headlights (low beam) functional
- Vehicle body with exit door for all occupants.
- For solo drive test, the vehicle must have a centrally mounted handbrake. This is not required for a driving instructor dual controlled car if the driving instructor is present at the front passenger sit.
- Manual transmission vehicle, if you are going for a manual driver licence.
During the test, electronic devices such as speed warning, navigation, cruise control must be off. Parking assist device including reverse camera, sensor can be left on.
Can anyone else sit in the car during the driving test?
The test will be conducted by a VicRoads licensed testing officer. A 2nd officer might also be in the car to observe the performance of the test. A driving instructor is permitted to sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle with dual controls, they are not allowed to communicate with you in any shape or form [No sign language or Coughing :)]
How Does the VicRoads On-Road Drive Test Work?
The practical drive test is divided into 2 parts:
1) Pre-Drive Check
2) On-Road Driving (2 stages)
The on-road driving module is further split into 2 stages. In order to advance to stage 2, you must successfully pass the stage 1. If you wish to learn more about the practical drive test criteria, please read our another blog How does the VicRoads Drive Test Work? we have covered this topic in great detail.
Essentially, the drive test aims to assess the safe driving behaviours of new drivers in a variety of driving situations. To save you time and money, we recommend that you should only book the drive test with VicRoads, if you can independently perform all driving tasks without any assistance from an instructor or supervising driver. Consider using the following checklist to figure out if you are ready for the drive test. Once you have ticked all those checklists, you could go ahead and book the drive test.
What happens during the practical drive test?
After all of your administrative tasks are completed at the customer service centre office; you will walk to your car with the VicRoads test officer for a short pre-driving check. After the pre-driving check, the two stages on-road drive test will begin. It will take approx. 30 Min. to complete the both stages.
The first stage of the test is focused on assessing your driving abilities in less challenging situations. It goes for approx. 5-10 Min. It allows VicRoads’ test officer to see how ready you are to take the test. At the end of the stage one assessment, the testing officer will ask you to pull over to the kerb side. The officer will calculate your score for the first portion of the test. If you fail, you will return to the VicRoads customer service centre to receive further feedback. If you pass the first stage, you will then continue to the second stage of the assessment.
The second stage of the test is approx. 20 Min long. It involves driving in a variety of complex traffic conditions to test your driving skills. Your test officer will give you clear instructions. If you do anything that is unsafe, the test will be stopped and you may fail. If you didn’t commit any unsafe act then the assessment will continue as normal. At the end of the both stages you will return to the VicRoads Customer Service Centre and you will receive your result and feedback.
How is your on-road driving assessed on the drive test?
- The first stage of the test is designed to test your driving skills in less challenging situations. You’ll be instructed to perform turns at intersections, change lanes, reverse parallel park or 3-point turn, and then stop the car at kerb.
- The second stage of the test is held on busy roads. You will be assessed when you turn left or right and merge with other traffic.
Throughout the test, you will be assessed on a score sheet that shows your level of performance. The testing officer will assess you based on following safe driving behaviours and skills:
- Observation
- Signalling
- Gap Selection
- Speed Choice
- Following Distance
- Lateral Position
- Stop Position
- Parking Observation
- Parking Movement
- Leaving Parking
- Turning Movement
- Car Control
At the end of the drive test, the testing officer will give you feedback about your performance.
