Photo: Bal Jinder, Pexels
For the VicRoads drive test you bring your own car, or your instructor’s. VicRoads does not supply one. The car must be registered and roadworthy, have a speed display the testing officer can see and seatbelts for everyone, and show L plates. If no instructor comes with you, it needs a handbrake the testing officer can reach. This checklist covers every car requirement in Victoria, plus what happens if you test in an automatic.
Drive test car checklist (Victoria)
- Registered, with current registration.
- Roadworthy.
- Speed display on the dashboard that the testing officer can easily see.
- Seatbelts for all occupants.
- L plates displayed.
- For a test without a driving instructor: a centrally mounted handbrake the testing officer can reach. Cars with an electronic or foot-operated park brake cannot be used for solo tests.
- For a dual-control car with your instructor: the instructor must hold a current Driving Instructor Authority.
Not on the list means a wasted booking. Read the vehicle section of the Transport Victoria “Drive test for a Victorian driver’s licence” page before test day.
Can you do the VicRoads drive test in a car with an electronic handbrake?
Not if you are testing without an instructor. The testing officer must be able to reach a handbrake and use it if needed. Transport Victoria says a car with an electronic or foot-operated park brake cannot be used for a solo test. Many newer cars have a button park brake, so check before you book.
Your options if your family car has an electronic park brake:
- Borrow a car with a centre pull-up handbrake that meets the rest of the checklist.
- Take the test in a driving instructor’s dual-control car, with the instructor in the car.
Dual-control cars and having your instructor in the test
A dual-control car has extra pedals on the passenger side for the accompanying driver. If you test in a dual-control car and your instructor holds a current Driving Instructor Authority number, the instructor can come with you. Otherwise only the VicRoads testing officer rides with you. Other passengers are not usually allowed.
VicRoads guidance on dual-control test cars also mentions working buzzers or pedal covers, and says left-hand-drive vehicles are not acceptable. Your instructor will know their car meets this. If you are unsure, check the Transport Victoria drive test page.
Testing in an automatic: the A condition
If you pass the drive test in an automatic car, your probationary licence carries an automatic-only restriction (the A condition). For your whole P1 and P2 period you may drive only automatic vehicles. The only way to remove it sooner is to pass another drive test in a manual car. Driving a manual while restricted to automatics is a licence condition offence.
Once you move from P2 to a full licence, the automatic condition is removed automatically, as long as no medical condition requires it. The full process is in upgrading from an automatic to a manual licence in Victoria.
| Automatic test car | Manual test car | |
|---|---|---|
| Licence you get | P licence with A condition | P licence, no transmission restriction |
| Can drive manuals on Ps? | No, unless you pass a manual test | Yes |
| After your Ps | A condition drops off at full licence | No change |
Learning manual once you are on your Ps
A P plater with the A condition who is learning or being tested in a manual must display a yellow plate, about 150 mm by 150 mm, with “Driver under instruction” in black letters. Your red or green P plates stay on too. A fully licensed supervisor must sit beside you, and the car must be one P drivers are allowed to drive (not a probationary prohibited vehicle unless you hold an exemption).
What else to bring on test day
- Your appointment number.
- Your current learner permit.
- Your completed Learner Log Book with the Declaration of Completion and List of Supervising Drivers, or a completed declaration in the myLearners app (if under 21).
- Glasses or contact lenses if you need them for the eyesight test.
- A medical certificate if you have a condition affecting your driving that VicRoads does not know about.
If you cannot prove 120 hours including 20 at night, you will not be allowed to sit the test. You lose your fees and must wait at least six weeks. See the Victoria 120 hour logbook.
Common questions
Does VicRoads provide a car for the drive test?
No. Your supervising driver or instructor provides it.
Can I use a car with an electronic park brake if my instructor comes?
Transport Victoria states the electronic park brake ban for solo tests. If you plan to test in your instructor’s dual-control car with them present, ask your instructor whether their car is accepted.
Can my parent sit in the back during the test?
Not usually. Only the testing officer, plus your instructor in a dual-control car, are normally allowed.
Should I test in an automatic or a manual?
An automatic is often easier, but it locks you to automatics for at least three years of Ps. If you will need to drive manuals for work or the family car, consider testing in a manual.
Can I use a car with a warning light on?
The car must be registered and roadworthy. Get any fault checked and fixed before test day.
Related guides
- Learning to drive in Victoria
- The VicRoads drive test explained
- VicRoads drive test fails
- VicRoads Ls and Ps fees
Sources
- Transport Victoria, “Drive test for a Victorian driver’s licence” (transport.vic.gov.au)
- VicRoads, “How to get your Ps” (vicroads.vic.gov.au)
- VicRoads, “Upgrade your probationary licence to drive a manual vehicle” (vicroads.vic.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Planning, “Road to Solo Driving” handbook, Step 7 and Drive Test (edge.sitecorecloud.io)