1. Road to Solo Driving
LEARNING TO DRIVE • DRIVING TO LEARN
L
P
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2. The Road to Solo Driving handbook This work is the copyright of VicRoads.
Published by VicRoads
Apart from uses permitted under the Copyright Act
is designed to help you understand 60 Denmark Street, Kew, Victoria 3101
1968, no part may be reproduced by any process
the road rules, responsibilities and ©Roads Corporation, Victoria,
without written permission from VicRoads.
prepare you for the challenges of Australia 2000
driving. You will need to read and Road laws and legal requirements
understand the Road to Solo First published 2000 Road laws change from time to time. Tests may
Driving thoroughly before sitting Crown© Copyright 2000 change accordingly. It is your responsibility to
for your learner permit test. Reprinted with amendments ensure that you have the most recent edition of
June 2008.
When you receive your learner this handbook and any update sheets. If you
permit you will be given the are in doubt, check with any of the VicRoads
National Library of Australia
Customer Service Centres listed on the inside
Learner Kit containing the two cataloguing-in-publication data:
back cover.
booklets Guide for Learners with Roads Corporation.
the Learner Log Book, and the Road to Solo Driving: This handbook sets out various legal requirements
Guide for Supervising Drivers. The Learning to drive – driving to learn for drivers. These are intended as a guide only.
Guide for Learners will help you Includes index. They do not purport to set out in full all of the
make the most of your practice ISBN 0 7311 9000 9 requirements of the law.
sessions, get the essential driving 1. Automobile driver education – For a complete knowledge of the road law, you
experience you need, and keep Victoria – Handbooks, manuals, etc. should consult the appropriate Acts and Regulations.
2. Traffic regulations –
track of your progress as you work Remember that ignorance of what the law says on a
Victoria – Handbooks, manuals, etc.
towards your Ps. It includes the particular subject will not be regarded as an excuse
3. Traffic safety – Victoria –
Learner Log Book you must use to by the Courts.
Handbooks, manuals, etc.
show you have had enough driving
Almost everything in this handbook applies to car
I. Roads Corporation (Vic)
practice to get a licence. It will
drivers. Motorcycle riders should refer to the Victorian
help you structure your minimum 343.9450946 Rider handbook for further information. Much of the
120 hours of driving if you are information also applies to pedal cyclists. The word
Several organisations have contributed
under 21 years of age. ‘driver’ is generally used to cover the different road
to the preparation of this handbook, and
Give the Guide for Supervising users and to simplify the language. It does not mean
their help is gratefully acknowledged.
Drivers booklet to your supervising that one group is more important than the other.
driver.

3. Road to Solo Driving
LEARNING TO DRIVE
DRIVING TO LEARN

4. List of contents
2 Learning to drive 33
• Why read this handbook 5 • How do you learn to drive? 35
• How to use this handbook 6 • Some facts about new solo drivers 35
Ten steps to getting your licence
• 7 • Practice is the best way 36
• The Graduated Licensing System 22
• Your supervising driver is there to help 39
• Put variety into your driving practice 41
• Traps along the road to solo driving 44
• Checking your progress 46
3
1 Managing risk
The challenges of driving 51
27
• Alcohol and drugs
• Facing the real challenges of driving 54
27
• Mobile phones
• Some facts about driving 54
28
• Speed
• How complicated is driving? 55
29
• Fatigue 55
• Seat belts 57
• Vehicle maintenance 57
• Managing driving risk 58
• Your crash risk as a solo driver 59
• Reducing your risk of a crash 60

5. 4 – Sharing the road with buses 132
Rules and responsibilities 65
– Sharing the road with police
• Alcohol and emergency vehicles
68 132
• Drugs, medicine and driving – Sharing the road with trucks
72
• The law about seat belts and other heavy vehicles
74 133
• Speed limits – Sharing the road with animals
76 135
• Road signs – Railway level crossings
80 136
• Road markings • Parking
86 138
• Traffic controls at intersections • Penalties
93 146
• Give Way rules • Legal responsibilities
95 149
• Turning • Crash responsibilities
106 151
• Freeways • First aid after a crash
114 152
• Driving safely in tunnels • Test yourself questions
115 158
• Sharing the road safely 116
– Co-operative driving 116
– Keeping your cool when driving 117
– Sharing the road with other motorists 118
– Sharing the road with pedestrians 123
– Sharing the road with cyclists
and motorcyclists 127 • Resources to help you 161
– Sharing the road with trams 129 • Index 164

6. You will need to study this handbook before sitting
Road to Solo Driving is an innovative handbook
the learner permit and probationary licence tests.
for new drivers.
Once you have passed the learner test, you will be
As new drivers are three times more likely to be
given the Guide for Learners with the Learner Log
involved in casualty crashes than more experienced
Book and the Guide for Supervising Drivers. This
drivers, this handbook will help you to become a
forms the Learner Kit – a complete package for
safe driver and not a road toll statistic.
learner drivers.
Road safety research has found that a major
Use the handbook as you learn to drive. It will
reason for new drivers being over involved in
help support the partnership between you, your
crashes is that they have not had a sufficient
supervisor and your driving instructor.
range of supervised driving experiences to be able
The Victorian Government is committed to
to anticipate driving situations safely.
improving road safety. Road to Solo Driving is
As a result when learners under 21 years of age
one of the important initiatives which will help
when they take their probationary licence test they
achieve this goal.
are required to produce a Learner Log book to
Follow the advice in the Learner Kit, and you
show they have completed a minimum of 120 hours
will be better prepared for safe solo driving in
of supervised driving practice, including at least 10
the future.
hours of driving at night.
4

7. Why read this handbook?
Welcome to Road to Solo Driving! Age requirements, driver licences, the Graduated
Licensing System, keeping a Learner Log Book,
As you will find out, you need
obligations, learner permits, P plates, demerit
years of experience – not a few points, road rules, tests, Blood Alcohol
Concentration: as a first-time driver, the ‘system’
days, weeks or months – to learn to
can be a bit confusing.
drive safely. It’s a long road and
As you read Road to Solo Driving, things will
there are no shortcuts.
become clearer. The aim of this handbook is to
This handbook is for all intending drivers and will help you:
assist you if you are going for a learner permit, a
• prepare for the challenges of driving
probationary licence, or converting an interstate or
overseas licence to a Victorian licence. • find out how you learn to drive
You are the one in charge of your driving, but • manage and reduce your risks as a driver
many people are there to help you along the way.
• understand the rules and responsibilities
You will need their help because the best way to
of driving.
learn to drive is with lots of practice. Every new
driver faces the same challenges and has to meet However, reading a handbook won’t make you a
them in the same way by practising driving better driver. The most important thing is how you
frequently and making sure the practice has choose to use the information in it. We show you
more variety. the way, but in the end it’s up to you!
5

8. How to use this handbook
This handbook is divided into four sections. Definition box. Bold words highlighted in
Each is colour coded with a vertical band on dark green are followed by a box containing
the outside edge of each page. the definition.
The preliminary pages detail the ten steps to
getting your licence and becoming a driver.
Bold words highlighted in DARK GREEN,
PART 1 looks at the challenges facing new are followed by a box containing the
solo drivers. definition.
PART 2 covers the process of learning to drive
and the importance of supervised driving practice.
Hot tip. Next to this icon the text appears
PART 3 looks at the risks of driving and strategies highlighted in red to give a suggestion to
for new solo drivers to manage these risks.
help you along the way.
HOT TIP
PART 4 details road rules and responsibilities.
A number of devices have been used to make it
Fact file. The text in a yellow box is an
easier for you to read and use this handbook.
important fact you should note.
These include:
Road law. When there is a statement of road law,
the word ‘must’ appears in bold type.
6

9. Ten steps to getting your licence
Get your copy of Road to Solo Driving
1
Book your learner permit test
2
Pass your learner permit test
3
Pay for and receive your learner permit
4
Start learning to drive and driving to learn
5
Book your probationary licence test
6
Pass your probationary licence test
7
Pay for and receive your probationary licence
8
Continue learning to drive and driving to learn
9
Receive your
10
full driver licence and keep learning!
7

10. Ten steps to getting your licence
STEP 1 STEP 2
Get your copy of Book your
Road to Solo Driving learner permit test
Make sure you have the latest edition of You must have turned 16 before you can be tested.
this handbook and take some time to read
You can book your learner permit test by phone or
it thoroughly.
in person.
Once you are familiar with the information in the
handbook and know the road rules, you are ready
You will be asked for your personal details such
to be tested for your learner permit.
as your full name, date of birth, address and phone
number. You will also be asked when and where
you would like to be tested. Booking and test
fees apply and must be paid at the time of booking.
Language options
To book by phone (Please have your credit card ready)
When you go for your learner permit test or
your probationary licence test, you can You will need to phone:
choose to do the road law questions and the
• 13 1171 Victorian calls
Hazard Perception Test on the computer in
any of the 20 languages available (for a full • +61 3 9854 2666 Overseas calls
list, see page 21).
• 1300 652 321 if you have impaired hearing or
speech, and use a Telephone Typewriter (TTY).
8

11. You will be given an appointment number which
you should write down so you can tell it to the
VicRoads officer who tests you.
To book in person
Go to any of the VicRoads Customer Service
Centres listed on the inside back cover of this
handbook.
Note: If you cannot keep your appointment, you
must give VicRoads 24 hours notice to cancel your
test. Otherwise fees will not be refunded unless you
produce a medical certificate or other supporting
evidence. If you transfer your appointment, an
additional appointment fee will apply.
9

12. Ten steps to getting your licence
How will you be tested?
STEP 3
Pass your • You will read an eyesight chart to test
learner permit test your vision.
• You will do a computerised, multiple-choice test
When you go to be tested, bring: based on this handbook to test your knowledge
of road law and road safety.
• your appointment number
A sample computer test is available on the
• evidence of identity and age, as set out
VicRoads website at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
on page 11
You can practise the full version of the learner
• payment for your 10 year learner permit if you
permit test online to help you familiarise yourself
pass the test.
with the structure and layout of the test.
If you have poor vision you are required to bring
The learner permit practice test can also be
an eyesight certificate from an optometrist or
printed.
opthalmologist (eye doctor). If you have a disability
or illness that may affect your driving, you will
need to bring a medical report from your doctor
stating that you are medically fit to drive. If you are
unsure or would like advice, contact VicRoads for
further information.
Once you hold a learner permit, you must tell
VicRoads if you develop any medical condition that
might affect your driving.
10

13. This includes gas, telephone and electricity bills
Evidence of Identity
up to one year old, or Medicare, student identity
Before you sit for your learner permit or your and credit or account cards with banks, building
probationary licence you must prove who you societies and credit unions; and
are and that you live in Victoria by taking certain
3 Evidence of Victorian residence if this has not
documents to the VicRoads Customer Service
been shown on either the primary or secondary
Centre.
evidence documents provided. If documentary
Only original documents are acceptable – evidence cannot be provided, a referee statement
photocopies of documents, certified or otherwise, signed by a Victorian driver licence holder who
are unacceptable. has known you for at least one year may be
accepted. The statement must include the name
Documents needed for evidence of identity
and address of both the referee and the applicant.
The list of acceptable documents is available
One document must contain your signature.
from any VicRoads Customer Service Centre
If your signature does not appear on any of the
or from the VicRoads website:
documents provided, you will need to present a
www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
letter from your employer, school principal or
You must provide: any person authorised to witness a statutory
declaration, witnessing your signature.
1 A ‘primary evidence’ document such as an
Australian photo driver licence/learner permit, If there is a difference in names between the
birth certificate, a passport (not expired by more primary and secondary evidence documents you
than two years) or an Australian naturalisation or will need to provide additional documents
citizenship document; and such as a marriage certificate issued by the
Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages in
2 A ‘secondary evidence’ document to confirm the
Australia or a Change of Name Registration.
current use of your name in the community.
11

14. Ten steps to getting your licence
The Declaration of Completion in the Learner Log
STEP 4
Book must also be signed by both the applicant and
Pay for and receive the supervising driver. The List of Supervising
Drivers must also be completed by all supervising
your learner permit
drivers, including driving instructors. You will then
Once you have passed the test, you will: be given your learner permit. Those aged 21 years
or over are encouraged to use the Learner Log
• pay for your learner permit, which is valid for
Book, but do not need to present it when they go
10 years
for their probationary licence.
• have your photo taken for your learner permit
• be given a Learner Kit containing the Guide for
STEP 5
Learners with the Learner Log Book, and the
Start learning to drive
Guide for Supervising Drivers. The Guide for
and driving to learn
Supervising Drivers provides important
information and tips for supervising drivers. When you have your learner permit, it is important
you get as much varied and supervised practice as
If you are under 21 years of age you must complete
possible. If you are under 21 years of age when
a minimum of 120 hours supervised driving
you apply for your probationary licence you must
experience including 10 hours of driving at night.
keep the Learner Log Book and get a minimum of
You must bring the completed Learner Log Book
120 hours of supervised driving experience
with you when you go for your probationary
including at least 10 hours at night.
licence. This will be checked before you take the
To help you do this you should:
practical drive test to make sure entries are
complete and correct, with all necessary details • keep reading this handbook
completed, including licence details and signatures
• read the Guide for Learners, and
of supervising drivers.
encourage your supervising driver(s) to read
the Guide for Supervising Drivers
12

15. • record and monitor your driving practice by STEP 6
recording the details in the Learner Log Book.
Book your
When you are learning to drive, you must: probationary licence test
• have an accompanying driver with you who has To get your probationary licence, you must:
a full (non-probationary) car licence
• have turned 18 years old
• carry your learner permit whilst driving • have held a learner permit for a continuous
period of at least:
• display L plates on the front and rear of
❏
your vehicle 12 months if you are aged under 21 years
when you apply for probationary licence
• have a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration
❏ 6 months if you are over 21 years of age but
(BAC) (see pages 68 – 71 for more information)
under 25 years
• not use a mobile phone, hands free or hand
❏ 3 months if you are aged 25 years or
held, or do messaging of any kind
over.
• not tow a caravan, or a trailer If you are the holder of a motorcycle
licence or permit and have held this for 12
• drive a car only (not a bus or truck).
or more months then these periods may be
reduced.
• drive a car ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION (BAC)
BLOOD only (not a bus or a truck). • not be disqualified from driving in Victoria, in
Australia or overseas
is a measure of the amount of alcohol
you have in your blood.
• pass a computerised Hazard Perception Test
before a driving test can be conducted.
(See Drive Test, page 16 - 17).
13

16. Ten steps to getting your licence
• If you got your learner permit on or after 1 July
CONTINUOUS PERIOD means that the
2007 and you are under 21 years of age when you
permit must not have been broken by a suspension or a
apply for a probationary licence you must produce
break in continuity such as allowing the permit to expire
evidence of having completed 120 hours of before regaining a new permit. It also refers to
supervised driving (including at least 10 hours at the period immediately before you apply for your licence.
night) by presenting the Learner Log Book. All
necessary details must be completed and each You can book your test:
entry signed. The Declaration of Completion must
• by phone (see pages 8-9)
be signed by both the applicant and a supervising
driver and the List of Supervising Drivers must be • in person (go to any of the VicRoads Customer
completed and signed by all supervising drivers. Services Centres listed on the inside back cover
of this handbook).
Incomplete or incorrect Learner Log Books will not
Note: if you cannot keep an appointment you will need
be accepted. You will not be able to take your test
to give VicRoads 24 hours notice to cancel your test,
and all fees will be forfeited.
otherwise fees will not be refunded unless you produce a
In the event that entries in the Learner Log Book medical certificate or other supporting evidence. If you
are found to be incomplete or incorrect, there are transfer your appointment, an additional appointment
SIGNIFICANT CONSEQUENCES. The learner fee will apply.
will lose their booking and test fees, and be
STEP 7
prevented from taking the probationary licence
test for at least six weeks. You may be liable to Pass your
HEAVY PENALTIES under the Road Safety Act probationary licence test
1986.
You can be tested at any of the VicRoads Customer
Service Centres listed on the inside back cover of
this handbook.
14

17. For your test, you or your driving supervisor or • You will do a computerised Hazard Perception
instructor have to provide a registered, Test to see how safely you respond to traffic
roadworthy car that is fitted with L plates. situations.
• You will do a practical driving test to assess your
You must bring:
driving skills (see Drive Test, page 16-17).
• your appointment number
• If you got your learner permit on or after 1 July
• your current learner permit
Note: If you cannot
2007 and you are under 21 years of age when
• your completed Learner Log Book which prove that you have
you apply for a probationary licence you must completed 120
includes the completed Declaration of
hours of driving
provide evidence of completing 120 hours
Completion and List of Supervising Drivers (if
practice including
(including 10 hours at night) of supervised
you are under 21 years of age, when you apply 10 hours of night
driving in the correctly completed Learner Log
for a probationary licence) driving you will not
Book. The Declaration of Completion must be be permitted to sit
• payment for your probationary
the test. Your
signed by both learner and supervising driver,
licence if you pass the test.
appointment and
and the List of Supervising Drivers signed by all
test fees will be
If you have a medical condition that may affect drivers that supervised the learner. forfeited and you
your driving and you have not previously told
will also have to
VicRoads, you must provide a medical certificate wait at least six
For your test you must provide a registered
which states your fitness to drive. Once you hold a weeks before you
and roadworthy car.
probationary licence, you must tell VicRoads if can take the
licence test.
you develop any medical condition that might
The Hazard Perception Test
affect your driving.
The Hazard Perception Test is designed to see
How will you be tested?
how safely you respond to traffic situations.
• You will read an eyesight chart to test
your vision. This test can be undertaken at the age of 17 years
15

18. Ten steps to getting your licence
and 11 months. This test must be passed before Drive Test
the drive test can be conducted.
The on-road driving test is designed to identify
drivers with the safe driving skills that develop with
It will indicate how well you are able to obser ve
driving experience. It will be difficult to pass the
the whole road environment and anticipate
test if you have not had enough supervised driving
potential hazards (see Practice is the best way,
experience.
page 36).
You need to be fully prepared before you come to
A POTENTIAL HAZARD can be anything in sit for your test.
the road environment that could present
You will drive for about 30 minutes during the test and
a danger or a risk while driving.
the test route will include a range of driving conditions
and tasks. You will have to show that you can:
For each item in the Hazard Perception Test,
you will see a video of a traffic situation and be • control the vehicle correctly
given a driving task such as slowing down or • obey the road rules
making a turn.
• co-operate with other road users
You have to respond safely to each traffic situation. • demonstrate acceptable safe driving skills.
For some items, there is a time when it is safe to During your test, your ability to drive safely in
perform the driving task; for these items you less demanding situations will first be assessed.
should click a mouse button during the safe time. This part of the test is to make sure that you have
basic car control and traffic skills. If you pass this
For other items, there is no time when it is safe to
part of the test, you will then be assessed in a
perform the driving task; for them, you do not have
broad range of realistic traffic situations.
to click a mouse button.
If you do something that is unsafe in the test, the
test will be stopped and you will fail.
16

19. black letters with the words ‘Driver under
Further information about the test will be available
instruction’. Your P plates must also be displayed.
at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
If you are tested in a car that has dual controls
STEP 8
and your instructor holds a current Driving
Pay for and receive
Instructor Authority Number, you can have your
your probationary licence
driving instructor with you. Otherwise, only the
VicRoads testing officer will be with you. Other
Once you have passed the test, you will:
passengers are not usually permitted.
• pay for your probationary licence
If a car has DUAL CONTROLS, it has
• have your photo taken for your licence.
additional pedal(s) on the passenger side
for use by the accompanying driver. You will then be given your probationary licence.
STEP 9
If you are tested in a vehicle that is fitted with
Continue learning to drive
automatic transmission you will be restricted to
and driving to learn
driving only vehicles that are fitted with automatic
transmission during your probationary period. Now that you are able to drive without a
The only way this restriction can be removed supervising driver or instructor, your real
earlier is by passing another drive test in a learning will begin! Having your probationary
manual car. licence will mean you have the minimum skills
required for driving solo. It will be up to you
If you hold a probationary licence and you are
to improve your driving, and to drive safely
undergoing instruction or testing in a manual
and responsibly.
vehicle, you must display a yellow plate measuring
approximately 150mm by 150mm inscribed in
17

20. Ten steps to getting your licence
• not drive a high powered vehicle (unless you
For those aged under 21 years when applying
are driving the vehicle during working hours at
for a probationar y licence:
the request of your employer or have been
You must hold your probationary licence for a
granted a written exemption by VicRoads)
minimum of 4 years, before you can be given your
• not use a mobile phone, hands free or hand
full driver licence. A full licence will not be given to
held, or do messaging of any kind
you until your probationary period is over.
• not tow a caravan or a trailer (unless for work or
From 1 July 2008 there will be P1 and P2
if under instruction)
probationary licences. The P1 licence period lasts
for a minimum of 1 year and if you have a good • not carry more than one passenger aged
driving record you will progress to the P2 licence between 16 and 21 years of age
period that lasts for a minimum of 3 years. In
• drive only a vehicle fitted with automatic
addition to obeying the rules that apply to all
transmission if you were tested in a vehicle
drivers, when you are driving on a P1 probationary
fitted with automatic transmission.
licence, you must:
In addition to obeying the rules that apply to all
• display RED P plates on the front and rear of
drivers, when you are driving on a P2 probationary
your vehicle (plates measuring approximately
licence, you must:
150mm square bearing a white letter P on a red
background) • display GREEN P plates on the front and rear of
your vehicle (plates measuring approximately
• carry your probationary licence with you at all
150mm square bearing a white letter P on a
times
green background)
• have a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
(see Alcohol, page 68) • carry your probationary licence with you at all times
18

21. You must hold your probationary licence for a
• not use a mobile phone while driving
minimum of 3 years, before you can be given your
• have a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
full driver licence. A full licence will not be given to
(see Alcohol, page 68)
you until your probationary period is over.
• not drive a high powered vehicle (unless you
From 1 July 2008 there will be P1 and P2
are driving the vehicle during working hours at
probationary licences. If you are 21 or over you
the request of your employer or have been
will move straight to a P2 probationary licence.
granted a written exemption by VicRoads)
In addition to obeying the rules that apply to all
• drive only a vehicle fitted with automatic
drivers, when you are driving on a P2 probationary
transmission if you were tested in a vehicle
licence, you must:
fitted with automatic transmission.
• display GREEN P plates on the front and rear of
There are severe penalties that may be applied
your vehicle (plates measuring approximately
for breaching any of these conditions, including
150mm square bearing a white letter P on a
licence suspension, fitting of alcohol ignition
green background)
interlocks and severe penalties for drink drive
• carry your probationary licence with you at all
offences. A good driving record will be required
times
to progress to a full licence.
• have a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration
A good driving record means you avoid having
(BAC) see Alcohol, page 68)
your licence cancelled or suspended, as well as
avoiding any drink and/or drug driving offences.
• not use a mobile phone while driving
For those aged 21 years or over when
applying for a probationar y licence:
19

22. Ten steps to getting your licence
• not drive a high powered vehicle (unless you
are driving the vehicle during working hours at
A HIGH POWERED VEHICLE is a vehicle that has:
the request of your employer or have been
granted a written exemption by VicRoads) • eight or more cylinders
• a turbocharged or supercharged engine
• drive only a vehicle fitted with automatic
transmission if you were tested in a vehicle • an engine that has been modified to improve its
fitted with automatic transmission. performance AND/OR
There are severe penalties that may be applied for • is one of a certain number of high performance six
breaching any of these conditions, including cylinder cars which include BMW M and M3, Honda
licence suspension, fitting of alcohol ignition NSX, Nissan 350Z, Porsche (all models) and
interlocks and severe penalties for drink drive Mercedes Benz SLK350.
offences.
Vehicles excluded from these restrictions are:
A good driving record will be required to progress • diesel powered turbocharged or supercharged
to a full licence. A good driving record means vehicles (without engine performance modifications)
you avoid having your licence cancelled or
• nominated vehicles with low powered turbocharged or
suspended, as well as avoiding any drink and/or
supercharged engines, including Suzuki Cappucino
drug driving offences.
2D Cabriolet Turbo 3 cylinder 689cc and Daihatsu
Copen L880 TD 2D Convertible 4 cylinder 659 cc
• all models of the Smart car produced by Mercedes
For more information about high powered
Benz AND
vehicles, visit VicRoads website
www.vicroads.vic.gov.au or obtain an • vehicles driven as part of the driver’s employment
information sheet from any VicRoads Customer and at the request of the employer.
Service Centre.
20

23. Language Options
STEP 10
When you go for your learner permit test or your
Receive your probationary licence test, you can choose to do the
full driver licence road law questions and the Hazard Perception Test on
the computer in any of the following 20 languages:
Before your P2 probationary licence expires, you
will be sent a notice to renew it. You will need to
Somai
Albanian Italian
take the renewal notice to any photo point listed on
Spanish
Arabic Laotian
the accompanying pamphlet, pay the renewal fee
and be photographed. You will then be issued with Turkish
Cambodian Macedonian
a full licence. Vietnamese
Chinese (Mandarin) Polish
If you do not receive a renewal notice, it is still Croation Romanian
your responsibility to renew your licence by the English Russian
expiry date of your licence.
German Serbian
Greek Sinhalese
If you speak a language or dialect that is not on
this list, you can have an interpreter present during
the test. If you are deaf, you can ask to have an
Auslan interpreter present. Interpreters are
provided free of charge. When you book your test,
just let the VicRoads officer know you need
an interpreter.
21

24. The Graduated Licensing System
During the first few months and
years of driving, new drivers are
more at risk of being killed or injured
in a crash than experienced drivers.
The Graduated Licensing System
is one way of reducing this risk. New
drivers are given progressive steps, in
order to reduce their exposure to high
risk situations as they move through the
learner permit and the P1 and P2
probationary licence stages to earn
their full driver licence.
The conditions of the System for those
aged under 21 years when they apply for
a probationary licence are in Table 1.
The conditions of the System for those
aged 21 years or over when they apply
for a probationary licence are in Table 2.
22

25. FULL DRIVER LICENCE
LEARNER PERMIT P2 PROBATIONARY LICENCE
P1 PROBATIONARY LICENCE
The Graduated
DRIVER'S
22 years
16 years 18 years 19 years
MINIMUM AGE Licensing System
for people who are
• medically fit • P1 probationary licence held • P2 probationary licence held
• medically fit
DRIVER'S
• evidence of identity for a minimum of one year for a minimum of 3 years
• evidence of identity under 21 years of
ELIGIBILITY
• learner permit held (with no licence suspension) (with no licence suspensions)
age when they
continuously for a minimum
apply for a
of one year
probationary
• Learner Log Book kept
licence (on or after
with a minimum of 120 hours
supervised driving practice 1 July 2008).
including 10 hours at night
• Eyesight test • good driving record • good driving record
ASSESSMENT • eyesight test
• Hazard Perception Test
• knowledge test
(This test must be passed before the
practical driving test can be conducted.
This test can be undertaken at the age
of 17 years and 11 months)
• Practical driving test
• RED P plates displayed at front • GREEN P plates displayed at • under 0.05 BAC
CONDITIONS • L plates displayed at front &
& rear of vehicle when driving front & rear of vehicle when • must carry licence when
rear of vehicle when driving
• must carry licence when driving driving if under 26 years of age
• must carry learner permit The rules
driving • must carry licence when • not use a hand held mobile
whilst driving
for drivers
• zero BAC driving phone while driving
• accompanied by a driver
may vary from
• no mobile phone use, hands • zero BAC
who has a full car licence
state
free or hand held, or • high powered vehicle
(non probationary)
to state,
messaging of any kind restrictions
• zero BAC
it is advisable
• high powered vehicle • if tested in an automatic
• no mobile phone use, hands
that you
restrictions vehicle, only drives a vehicle
free or hand held, or
contact the
• no towing a caravan with automatic transmission
messaging of any kind
interstate
or trailer (unless for work or • not use a hand held mobile
• no towing a caravan
Transport
if under instructions) phone while driving
or trailer
Authority to
• not carry more than one
• drives a car only (not a bus
check if
passenger aged between 16
or truck)
additional
and 21 years of age
rules apply.
• if tested in an automatic
vehicle, only drives a vehicle
with automatic transmission
P
P
L
DURATION 10 years 10 years (or 3 years on request)
1 years (P1) 3 years (P2) 23

26. FULL DRIVER LICENCE
LEARNER PERMIT P2 PROBATIONARY LICENCE
The Graduated
24 years
16 years 21 years
DRIVER'S MINIMUM AGE
Licensing System
• probationary licence held
• medically fit • medically fit
for people who are DRIVER'S ELIGIBILITY
for a minimum of 3 years
• evidence of identity • evidence of identity
21 years of age or (with no licence suspensions)
• learner permit held
older when they continously for a minimum
apply for a of 6 months if aged 21 to 24
years, or 3 months if aged
probationary
25 years or over
licence.
• good driving record
ASSESSMENT • eyesight test • eyesight test
• knowledge test • Hazard Perception Test
(this test must be passed
before the practical driving
test can be conducted)
• practical driving test
• accompanied by a driver • under 0.05 BAC
• GREEN P plates displayed at
CONDITIONS
who has a full car licence • must carry licence when
front & rear of vehicle when
(non probationary) driving if under 26 years of age
driving
• must carry learner permit • not use a hand held mobile
• must carry licence when
whilst driving phone while driving
driving
• L plates displayed at front & • zero BAC
rear of vehicle when driving • high powered vehicle
• zero BAC restrictions
• no mobile phone use, hands • if tested in an automatic
free or hand held, or vehicle, only drives a vehicle
messaging of any kind with automatic transmission
• no towing a caravan • not use a hand held mobile
or trailer phone while driving
• drives a car only (not a bus
or truck)
P
L
DURATION 10 years 10 years (or 3 years on request)
3 years (P2)
24

27. 1
• Facing the real challenges of driving
• Some facts about driving
• How complicated is driving?
25

29. 1 The challenges of driving
“Nearly everybody I know has a FACING THE REAL
licence. So, driving must be easy.” CHALLENGES OF DRIVING
New solo drivers have often done very little driving.
Many people believe this is the
This can result in them having almost no
case. Why should you practise experience of the real challenges of driving.
when you think driving is so easy? These challenges include:
Don’t be fooled into believing • variety of traffic conditions – from light traffic in
this is true. local streets to heavy peak hour traffic
• extremes in weather – rain, fog or icy conditions
• different driving manoeuvres – driving in
roundabouts, making U-turns or turning at What is more
different types of intersections
challenging
• effects of the time of day on visibility – night
than driving?
driving or sun glare when driving at dawn
Nothing!
or dusk
• unexpected actions of other drivers and riders –
stopping quickly, merging or turning without
warning
• types of roads – freeways, roads with trams
or undivided main roads
27

30. • imperfect road surfaces – potholes, gravel or Not all driving mistakes result in a crash. Think
slippery surfaces about the mistakes you’ve seen drivers make
Getting where
without causing a crash:
• handling any of these challenges when faced
you want
with distractions inside the car – radio, noisy – cutting off other cars
passengers or mobile phones.
to be involves – not giving way
– misjudging gaps
The worst time to gain this experience is when you
more than
are driving solo, on your own – with no supervising – trying to overtake when it’s not safe
just driving
driver to give you advice or help. So make the most
– just ‘not seeing’ other road users.
of your time as a learner driver and don’t think that
the car
If driving is so easy, why do so many drivers
you can master the challenges of driving overnight
regularly make mistakes, sometimes resulting in
– you’ll never really stop learning. Remember,
crashes?
being overconfident, especially as a new solo
driver, can lead to making poor decisions when
All young drivers face the same challenges
it counts.
because driving is complicated. It requires a lot of
time and effort to become a good driver.
SOME FACTS ABOUT DRIVING
Research has shown that a minimum of 120 hours of
• In Victoria, there are several hundred thousand
supervised practice as a learner, and restrictions on
crashes every year.
new solo drivers for the first few years, can help
reduce the risk of a crash. This is why Victoria has
• These crashes are not ‘accidents’ – they are due
introduced the Graduated Licensing System,
to drivers making mistakes.
including the mandatory 120 hours to be completed
in the Learner Log Book by those aged under 21 years
of age when applying for a probationary licence.
28

31. How complicated is driving a car when compared
HOW COMPLICATED
with playing a ball game?
IS DRIVING?
You will most
With ball games… With driving…
likely have
played one or Roads can vary enormously – ranging from busy city
The playing field or court looks the same each time
more ball games, streets to country roads, from freeways to shopping
you play – a regular size and marked out in a set way.
centre car parks, from highways to local streets.
such as football,
netball, You can find yourself driving every day of the week,
You usually play at a regular time, perhaps on
basketball or early in the morning, through the day and late
a Saturday afternoon.
hockey. You will at night…and in all weather conditions.
have practised
You’ll find people of all ages on the road – ranging
You often play with teammates and other teams
for many, many from small children and teenagers, right up to the
of a similar age and ability.
hours trying to elderly. Skills and abilities will vary – an older
improve your pedestrian may not move as quickly as a teenager,
a child on a bike may have little control.
skills. Learning
to drive a car Some are walking, and some are riding bikes or
Everyone has the same equipment and can run
also requires motorcycles. Others drive small cars, big cars,
around the field or court at a similar rate.
lots of practice trucks or semi-trailers. Speeds can vary from a few
kilometres an hour up to 110 km/h.
to develop
your skills. On the road everyone is headed somewhere
Everyone has one aim – to score a goal or point –
different and may be thinking about things other
and so you can often predict the play.
than driving. The unexpected happens often.
29

32. • Using your mirrors, doing headchecks,
Whether it is playing a ball game, a musical
changing gears and using turn indicators need
instrument, a computer game or activities like
to all be done at the right times.
inline skating, driving is much more complicated,
demanding and far more dangerous.
Does it make any sense that people usually spend
more time practising sport, music or any other A HEADCHECK means looking over your
pastime than they do practising behind the wheel shoulder to see things through the rear
side windows – but don’t take your eyes
in preparation for solo driving?
off the road ahead for more than
Even a common driving task like turning right at a second.
an intersection is very complicated:
• As you approach the intersection you will need
• Now you are faced with the challenges in the
to judge when to start slowing down, what your
turn itself. Is this gap large enough? Is that
speed should be at various places on approach
vehicle approaching too quickly? Will they stop
and whether you’ll need to stop completely.
because the traffic light has changed?
• You will need to take the traffic around you
Now imagine all of these things, and many others
into consideration. Are they changing lanes?
as well, all needing to happen in a short length of
Are the vehicles in front braking more than you?
road and a short period of time. Lots to think about
Are there pedestrians about to cross the road?
and do.
• Perhaps you will need to change lanes to do the
turn. Is there a gap? When do you change?
Do you need to slow down to let a gap ‘catch up’
to you?
30

33. Given how complex driving is, it is
important you prepare for the challenge!
Point to remember:
Prepare for the challenge
1
OBSERVE THE TRAFFIC
Observe the traffic around you.
Are other vehicles changing
lanes or braking more sharply
than you? Are there pedestrians
about to cross the road?
JUDGE THE DISTANCE
Judge the distance between
you and the vehicles in front
and behind – before turning
or changing lanes.
THINK AHEAD
Think ahead when you want
to turn off or change lanes.
Remember to indicate,
do a headcheck and allow
a big enough gap.
FIGURE 1
31

35. 2 Learning to drive
• How do you learn to drive?
• Some facts about new solo drivers
• Practice is the best way
• Your supervising driver is there to help
• Put variety into your driving practice
• Traps along the road to solo driving
• Check your progress
33

37. 2 Learning to drive
Research shows that new solo drivers with about
Understanding that driving is
120 hours of learner driver experience have a
complicated is one thing, becoming
crash risk that is 30% lower than new drivers
a skilled driver is another.
with only about 50 hours of experience. This is
why 120 hours has been set as the target for
Lots of people can help you – your
learners in Victoria.
driving instructor, supervising drivers
and friends. But learning to drive is
SOME FACTS ABOUT NEW
mostly up to you and the only way
SOLO DRIVERS
to become a safe and skilled driver
Drivers with little experience make all sorts of
is by doing lots of supervised
mistakes – increasing the risk of a crash:
driving practice.
• They are less able than experienced drivers to
The only way
HOW DO YOU LEARN predict possible problems. By the time they
have recognised the hazard it may be too late. to learn to drive
TO DRIVE?
• They tend to concentrate more on their basic
The more you do something, the better at it you is by doing lots
driving skills than experienced drivers and can
get. Athletes, musicians and artists know there is
find it hard to deal with unexpected events. of supervised
no substitute for continued practice – refining and
improving skill and performance. • They can be easily distracted from driving by practice
things such as mobile phones, music or the
It is exactly the same with driving. How well you radio, and passengers.
can drive is limited to the amount of driving
• They tend to watch the vehicle immediately in
experience, you have – the more experience the
front rather than looking further ahead, to the
safer you will be.
sides and behind. So they may miss things that
can warn of potential problems. 35

38. New solo drivers are more likely to be involved in: PRACTICE IS THE BEST WAY
• Crashes at an intersection when turning right in Every driving practice session really helps, even
front of an oncoming vehicle going straight though you may not notice the small improvements:
More supervised
ahead, or being hit by a right turning vehicle. • your performance will get smoother
practice equals New solo drivers tend to misjudge gaps in • you will make better decisions
the traffic. • you will also get better at thinking about what
fewer crashes
might happen on the road around you.
• Crashes into the rear of another vehicle. New
later on
solo drivers are more likely to be in the vehicle The right structure for your practice will help you
that hits the one in front. These crashes are make sure you really are ready to drive solo by the
often caused through speeding, not scanning the time you go for your licence test. There are four
road ahead, and driving too close. stages you need to work through as a learner to
become a safe driver:
• Crashes that involve driving off the road. These
crashes occur about twice as often on a straight • Stage 1 is all about controlling your car. It’s the
section of road than on a curve. Speed is a main shortest stage, and aims to get you to start, stop
cause, but other factors also contribute such as: and steer safely in a quiet area without traffic.
– failing to predict a possible problem on the
• Stage 2 is about applying your new car-control
road ahead
skills and looking out for other road users on quiet
– being distracted or a lapse in concentration
roads with little traffic.
– poor vehicle control
• Stage 3 takes longer and uses your Stages 1 and 2
– failing to adapt to a change in road or traffic skills on busier roads and in more difficult driving
conditions. situations. Now you start becoming a real driver.
You learn to deal with traffic and other hazards to
Also alcohol affects safety related driving skills of
become safe in varied driving situations.
inexperienced drivers compared to experienced
drivers.
36

39. HAZARD PERCEPTION is the ability to
identify, assess, decide and respond to
possible risks or dangers in the road
scene around you.
This is known as hazard perception.
• Stage 4 also takes a long time and can be the
longest stage. It involves driving as if you’re a
Hazard perception is the ability to:
solo driver. You still have your Ls on the car
• identify possible risks or dangers in the road
and a supervising driver beside you, but you’ll
scene around you
learn to make most of the driving decisions
• assess the level of risk and predict what
yourself. The aim is to build up lots of different
might happen
experiences where you act like a solo driver.
• respond in a way and in time to avoid or deal
Then when you hit the road on your own you’ll
with these possible hazards.
be ready.
The Guide for Learners and the Guide for Possible hazards can be the vehicles around you,
Supervising Drivers contains detailed advice about such as:
what you and your supervising driver need to do in • the cars in front, behind and beside you
each of these four stages. You will be given these • the motorcycle in the side street to your left
booklets when you pass the learner permit test. • the truck double-parked up ahead
• the car approaching in the overtaking lane five
Safe driving is about being ready for what may car lengths behind you.
happen
Possible hazards can also be:
What happens in your head is more important than
• pedestrians
how well you control your car.
• cyclists
Being able to predict what may happen around you • weather conditions
– as a driver – is an essential skill, which only • potholes in the road
comes with lots of experience. With the • traffic conditions
information collected through lots of practice and • the tightness of a curve ahead
experience, you begin to anticipate more and make • a blind crest on a hill.
better decisions as a driver. 37

40. Hazards can be anything in the road environment
You can that could present a danger or a risk while driving.
New drivers often don’t see or anticipate the
only check
possible hazards around them.
everything out by
Because possible hazards can be anywhere, you
doing can’t rely on just looking ahead and using your BLIND SPOT BLIND SPOT
mirrors. Regardless of how well you set up your
a headcheck!
rear view mirrors, blind spots remain. These are
areas behind the driver that can’t be seen using
only mirrors, such as outside the rear passenger
door on the driver’s side.
You can only see in these blind spots by moving
your head and quickly looking over your shoulder
– this is called a headcheck (see headcheck
definition, page 30). Do this as well as using FIGURE 2
mirrors to make sure you see everything around
Be aware of your blind spots
you, such as when reversing, changing lanes,
merging or pulling out to overtake. As a driver, knowing exactly what is happening
around you at all times is essential. Learn to
constantly scan and you will be in a better position
to anticipate hazards and respond in the best way.
38

41. YOUR SUPERVISING DRIVER
IS THERE TO HELP To get started, have
To SCAN means taking in the road scene
around you by looking ahead, to the sides your first
Driving takes much more effort in the beginning,
and in rear view mirrors.
when you are learning. It is just not possible for few lessons with
new drivers to be able to do all that is required
a professional
when driving – that is why you have your
supervising driver beside you. They don’t take the driving
place of professional driving instructors, but
instructor
supervising drivers such as your parents, can
provide the extensive practice opportunities you
will need. They are there to help you:
• with an extra pair of eyes to watch the road
• with some decisions
FIGURE 3
• as an early warning system – to help you
Adjust your mirrors after you have positioned the
anticipate potential hazards
driver’s seat so that you can see clearly. When
adjusted correctly there will be an overlap between • by being a sounding board – there are a lot of
the view from your outside and inside mirrors. things to make decisions about.
Adjust your outside mirrors so that they just catch a Over time, and with lots of practice, as you
view of the edge of the car. In some cars, a good progress through the four stages of learning to
guide is to be able to see the rear door handle in the drive, the role of your supervising driver will
bottom corner of the side mirror. gradually change.
39