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The VicRoads drive test is the on-road test you pass to get your probationary licence in Victoria. It starts with a pre-drive check of the car’s controls, then about 30 minutes of driving in two stages: roughly 10 minutes in quieter conditions, then about 20 minutes in busier traffic. This guide explains each part, what the testing officer assesses, the car you need and the fee as of November 2026.
Key facts
- You must be at least 18, have passed the Hazard Perception Test and held your learner permit for the minimum time.
- Under 21: bring proof of 120 hours (20 at night) in the myLearners app or the Learner Log Book.
- Pre-drive check, then stage one (about 10 minutes) and stage two (about 20 minutes). You must pass stage one to go on to stage two.
- Nine assessed areas, from observation to car control.
- Fee: $53.20 plus a $22.10 appointment fee ($75.30).
- Give 24 hours notice to cancel or you lose your fees.
Before the test: what to bring and the car
Bring
- Your appointment number and current learner permit.
- If under 21: your completed Learner Log Book with the Declaration of Completion and List of Supervising Drivers signed, or the completed declaration in the myLearners app.
- A medical certificate if you have a condition affecting your driving that you have not already reported.
If you cannot prove 120 hours including 20 at night, you cannot sit the test, your fees are forfeited and you must wait at least six weeks.
The car
VicRoads does not supply cars. Your supervisor or instructor provides one that:
- is registered and roadworthy, with L plates fitted
- has a speed display the testing officer can easily see
- has seatbelts for everyone in it
- for a test without a driving instructor, has a centrally mounted handbrake the testing officer can reach. A car with an electronic or foot-operated park brake cannot be used for solo tests.
If the car has dual controls and your instructor holds a current Driving Instructor Authority, the instructor can sit in. Otherwise only the testing officer goes with you. Full checklist: which cars you can use for the VicRoads drive test.
Part 1: the pre-drive check
Before you move off, the testing officer asks you to identify and operate the car’s controls. Know where everything is in the car you are tested in, especially if you have borrowed it.
Part 2: stage one (about 10 minutes)
Stage one is in less demanding traffic. It checks that you have basic car control and traffic skills before you go anywhere busier. It includes a low speed manoeuvre such as a reverse parallel park or a three point turn. If you do not pass stage one, the test ends there.
Part 3: stage two (about 20 minutes)
Stage two covers a broader range of traffic situations: busier roads, more complex intersections and higher speed zones. You must show you can control the car, obey the road rules, cooperate with other road users and drive safely without help.
What the testing officer assesses
| Skill | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Observation | Scanning, mirror use and head checks before every move |
| Signal use | Indicating early enough, for long enough, and cancelling |
| Gap selection | Choosing safe gaps when turning, merging and changing lanes, without unnecessary hesitation |
| Speed choice | Keeping to the limit and adjusting for conditions |
| Following distance | Leaving a safe gap to the vehicle in front |
| Lateral position | Keeping a sensible position within your lane |
| Stop position | Stopping at the correct point at lines, signs and lights |
| Parking | Parking and leaving a park safely and legally |
| Control | Smooth steering, braking, acceleration and gear use |
Serious mistakes end the test straight away or count as critical errors. See VicRoads drive test fails: termination and critical errors.
How to book and what it costs (as of November 2026)
- Book online, by phone on 13 11 71 or at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. Fees are paid when you book.
- Drive test fee $53.20 plus appointment fee $22.10, total $75.30.
- Cancel with at least 24 hours notice or your fees are not refunded (unless you have a medical certificate or other evidence). The appointment fee is not refundable, and changing your appointment means paying it again.
All fees: VicRoads Ls and Ps fees 2026.
After the test
- Pass: pay for your licence (issue is free under the Motorist Package), have your photo taken and drive on the paper receipt until the card arrives in about a week. Under 21 you start on P1; 21 or over you start on P2. See Victorian P1 and P2 rules.
- Tested in an automatic: you can only drive automatics during your P period unless you pass another test in a manual. See upgrading from automatic to manual.
- Not successful: rebook; test and appointment fees apply to each booking.
How to get ready
- Get well beyond 120 hours if you can, in a broad mix of conditions: night, rain and different speed zones. The handbook says 120 hours does not guarantee a pass.
- Finish the Stage 4 checklist in the Learner Kit, driving as if solo with your supervisor saying nothing.
- Revise the Road to Solo Driving before the test, especially give way rules, school zones and parking.
- Practise your reverse parallel park and three point turn until they are routine.
Common questions
How long is the VicRoads drive test?
About 30 minutes of driving: stage one about 10 minutes, stage two about 20 minutes, after the pre-drive check.
Can I use a car with an electric handbrake?
Not for a solo test. You need a centrally mounted handbrake the testing officer can reach, unless you are tested in an instructor’s dual control car.
Can my parent sit in the car during the test?
No. Only a driving instructor in a dual control car may come along. Other passengers are not usually permitted.
What happens if I fail stage one?
The test ends and you are unsuccessful. You do not go on to stage two.
Do I need the Hazard Perception Test first?
Yes. You must pass the Hazard Perception Test before the drive test.
Do I need a log book if I am over 21?
No. The 120 hour proof only applies if you are under 21 when you apply for your licence.
Back to the full guide: learning to drive in Victoria.
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, “Ls and Ps fees” (vicroads.vic.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Planning, “Road to Solo Driving” handbook (edge.sitecorecloud.io, transport.vic.gov.au)