The Practical Drive Test is an important part of getting your driver’s licence. It tests your knowledge of driving safely with other traffic and road users.
The practical drive test is divided into 2 parts:
- Pre-drive check
- On-road driving
Pre-drive check
Before you take the test on the road, the instructor will instruct you on how to safely operate your vehicle. VicRoads Pre-drive check requirements:
- Identify and operate the following vehicle controls:
- indicators
- windscreen washer and wipers
- horn
- headlights (high and low beam)
- hazard lights
- brake lights.
- Identify the handbrake.
- Identify but not operate the following vehicle controls:
- windscreen demister
- rear window demister (where fitted).
- Start the engine.
If you cannot complete items 1 and 2, and if any of the vehicle’s control are not functional, you will not be able to take the drive test.
Note: Nepal Driving School supplies vehicle that are fully compliant with VicRoads requirements for a practical drive test.
On-road driving
The on-road driving module is split into 2 stages. In order to advance to stage 2, you must successfully pass the stage 1.
On-road driving Stage 1:
This test is designed to test the driver, if they can safely drive in less challenging conditions. The objective is to determine if they can safely follow simple, clear instructions. The stage 1 will last for approximately 10 minutes. At the end of the stage 1, the test officer will ask you to stop the vehicle safely at the kerb side and they will take a note of your score. If you do anything illegal or unsafe, the test will end.
What driving manoeuvre are tested on stage 1 of the drive test?
Stage 1 may consist of:
- Starting and stopping the vehicle
- Turning vehicle at intersections
- Lane change
- Either reverse parallel parking OR three-point turn
If you are unsure about how to do these tasks, speak to one of our VicRoads drive test specialists driving instructor.
On-road driving Stage 2:
After passing the first stage, you will progress to the second stage. This test is designed to evaluate your ability to safely perform standard driving tasks. The stage 2 will last for approximately 20 minutes. If you do anything illegal or unsafe, the test will end and you will fail the drive test.
What driving manoeuvre are tested on stage 2 of the drive test?
Stage 2 may consist of:
- Driving in busy traffic
- Lane change
- Merging
- Driving on straight and curved roads.
During both stages you must consistently exhibit the safe driving behaviours while driving in different driving conditions during the test drive. The test officer will be assessing you based on:
- Observation skills
- Signalling
- Gap Selection
- Speed Choice
- Following Distance
- Lateral Position
- Stop Position
- Parking Observation
- Parking Movement
- Leaving Parking
- Turning Movement
- Car Control
Note: All electronic devices must be turned off during the drive test including in-car devices I.e., cruise control, navigators, speed warning devices and any other audio/visual recording equipment. The test will be terminated if any of these device’s sound or used. Parking assist device including reverse camera, sensor can be left on.
After the test, the test officer will notify you, if you have been successful or un-successful on your drive test. The driving test officer will then give you feedback and advise on how to improve. If you consistently exhibit the safe driving behaviours and if you do not make any serious errors including “Immediate Termination Error”, “Critical Error” than you should be able to pass your test in first try.
Source: VicRoads
