Victoria graduated licence stages (L and P plates)

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name each stage of Victoria's licensing system in order.
• You can work out your own minimum learner period from your age.
• You can explain who starts on P1 and who starts on P2.
• You can say which plates to display at each stage and how visible they must be.
• You can explain what a good driving record means for moving up.

What you need to know and understand

• You can get a learner permit from age 16, and it is valid for 10 years.
• The minimum continuous learner period is 12 months if you are under 21, 6 months if you are 21 to under 25, and 3 months if you are 25 or older.
• You must be at least 18 to get a probationary licence.
• Under-21 applicants start on a red P1 licence for at least 1 year, then a green P2 licence for at least 3 years.
• Applicants aged 21 or over start on a green P2 licence for at least 3 years.
• L and P plates go on the front and back of the car and must be visible from at least 20 metres.

The road from L plates to a full licence

Think of the system as a ladder. You climb one rung at a time, and you cannot skip the minimum time on each rung.

1. Learner permit (L plates): pass the learner permit test and eyesight check, then drive only with a fully licensed supervising driver.
2. Hazard perception test and drive test: taken at the end of your learner period, once you meet the age and minimum-period rules.
3. P1 probationary licence (red plates): for drivers under 21 when they get their Ps, for at least 12 months.
4. P2 probationary licence (green plates): at least 3 years, whether you came from P1 or started here at 21 or older.
5. Full driver licence: issued when your P2 period ends, provided you have a good driving record.

Why your age changes the timeline

Your age when you apply decides two things: how long you must hold your learner permit, and which P licence you start on. A 17-year-old who gets their Ls at 16 cannot sit the drive test until 18, needs at least 12 months on Ls, then spends at least 1 year on P1 and 3 years on P2. That is a minimum of four years on P plates.

Someone who starts at 30 needs only 3 months on a learner permit and goes straight to P2 for three years. The learner period must be continuous: if your permit expires, or is suspended or cancelled, the clock starts again.

• Under 21: 12 months on Ls, then P1 then P2.
• 21 to under 25: 6 months on Ls, then straight to P2.
• 25 or older: 3 months on Ls, then straight to P2.

Keeping a clean record so you can move up

A good driving record means your licence has not been suspended or cancelled and you have no drink or drug driving offences. If your P licence is suspended, for example for reaching your demerit point limit, your P1 or P2 period is extended. If it is cancelled, your probationary period starts again from the beginning, no matter how close you were to finishing.

There is a reward for getting it right. If you will be under 25 when your Ps expire, have held a Victorian probationary licence for 4 years and have no traffic offences, VicRoads may offer you a free three-year driver licence. Our Learning to drive in Victoria guide walks through each stage in more depth.

Common mistakes

• Assuming the learner clock keeps running after your permit lapses. Renew it before it expires so your continuous period is not broken.
• Thinking everyone does P1. If you are 21 or older when you apply, you go straight to P2.
• Putting plates where they cannot be seen. They must be on the front and back and visible from 20 metres.
• Treating demerit points lightly on Ps. A suspension pushes back your full licence date.

Test yourself: Victoria graduated licence stages (L and P plates)

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in Victoria
• Moving to Victoria
• Auto to Manual Licence in Victoria