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On a Victorian learner permit you must display L plates, drive with a fully licensed supervising driver beside you, keep a zero blood alcohol concentration, never touch a phone or other device, and not tow. This explainer sets out every learner rule in Victoria, plus the rules your supervising driver must follow, so you both know where you stand before your first drive.
Victorian learner permit rules at a glance
All car learner permit holders in Victoria must:
- carry their learner permit card or paper receipt whenever they drive
- display L plates on the front and rear of the car, visible from 20 metres
- be accompanied at all times by a supervising driver with a full (not probationary) licence
- have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at all times while driving
- not touch or use voice controls on a hand-held or mounted phone or other device
- not tow a trailer, caravan or another vehicle
- only drive a car (not a bus, truck or motorcycle).
A learner permit is valid for 10 years. You cannot practise on public roads or in car parks without one.
Phones and devices for learners
Since 31 March 2023, learners and P platers can only use a phone or device for navigation or to play or stream audio, and only if it is set up before driving.
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Navigation or audio set up before you start driving | Touching a phone or any portable, mounted or wearable device (including a smart watch) while driving |
| Brief audio, climate and navigation-setting adjustments on the car’s inbuilt system, such as the volume (not entering an address or scrolling) | Voice commands |
| Interacting with a device once you are parked | Texting, scrolling, entering numbers or text, social media, video, photos, emails |
No driver may rest a device on their lap or pass it to a passenger while driving. Phone enforcement cameras operate in Victoria. More detail: Victoria phone and device rules for L and P platers.
Zero alcohol for learners
Learners must have a zero BAC whenever they drive, not just under 0.05. That means no alcohol at all before driving. See zero alcohol for learners and P platers for how this compares across Australia.
Rules for your supervising driver in Victoria
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Licence | Current full (not probationary) licence for a car |
| Where they sit | Front passenger seat |
| Licence card | Must carry it |
| Alcohol | BAC under 0.05, and no drinking alcohol while supervising |
| Driving instructor or Z condition | Zero BAC |
| L plates | Must make sure they are on the front and rear of the car |
The supervisor’s job is to be an extra pair of eyes, help with decisions and warn you early about hazards. The official Guide for Supervising Drivers also advises them to stay alert, not drive tired or stressed, and not use their own phone. Their role shrinks as you move through the four Learner Kit stages, so by Stage 4 you make the decisions. See the Victoria 120 hour logbook guide.
The car you practise in
It must be registered and roadworthy. Check together before each session that:
- tyres have enough tread and are properly inflated
- all lights and indicators work
- wipers, washers and horn work
- the brakes have been checked.
Demerit points on a Victorian learner permit
Learners can lose their permit too. Learner and probationary drivers who get 5 or more demerit points in any 12 month period, or 12 or more in any three year period, may have their permit or licence suspended for three months or more. A suspension breaks your continuous learner period, so the 12, 6 or 3 month clock restarts. See Victoria demerit points and penalties.
Speed limits and freeways
The learner restrictions in the Road to Solo Driving do not include a separate learner speed limit: obey the posted limits. For freeway driving with a supervisor, see learners on motorways and freeways in Australia, and for school zone times, school zones in each state.
Learning in another state
Rules vary between states, and you may need to follow local rules when you drive interstate. See driving interstate on L or P plates and learner licence rules compared.
Common questions
Can a learner driver tow a trailer in Victoria?
No. Learners must not tow a trailer, caravan or another vehicle. See towing on L and P plates.
Can my supervisor have a drink?
Their BAC must be under 0.05 and they must not drink alcohol while supervising. A driving instructor, or someone with a Z condition, must be at zero.
Can I use Google Maps on my Ls?
Yes, if it is mounted and set up before you drive. You must not touch it or use voice commands while driving.
Can I drive with friends in the car on my Ls?
The Road to Solo Driving lists no learner passenger limit, but your supervising driver must always be beside you. Every passenger must wear a seatbelt or suitable child restraint.
Do I have to carry my learner permit?
Yes, the card or the paper receipt, every time you drive.
Can a P plater supervise a learner in Victoria?
No. The supervisor must hold a full, non-probationary licence.
Back to the full guide: learning to drive in Victoria.
Sources
- Transport Victoria, “Learner and probationary driver road rules” (transport.vic.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Planning, “Road to Solo Driving” handbook (edge.sitecorecloud.io, transport.vic.gov.au)
- Department of Transport and Planning, “Guide for Learners” and “Guide for Supervising Drivers” (edge.sitecorecloud.io)
- VicRoads, “Rules for P drivers” (vicroads.vic.gov.au)
- Transport Victoria, “Device rules for new and young drivers and motorcyclists” (transport.vic.gov.au)