DKTVictoria uses a Graduated Licensing System (GLS). New drivers move through stages so they gain experience before they face the hardest driving situations alone. New drivers are about three times more likely than experienced drivers to be in a crash that hurts someone, which is why each stage has its own rules.
- Four stages: L (learner permit), P1 (red P plates), P2 (green P plates), then a full licence.
- Learner permit: minimum age 16, valid for 10 years.
- Under 21: at least 12 months on Ls, 120 logged hours, P1 for at least 1 year, then P2 for at least 3 years.
- Aged 21 or over: go straight to P2 (green) for at least 3 years.
The 10 steps
- Read and understand the Road to Solo Driving handbook.
- Book your learner permit test.
- Pass your learner permit test.
- Pay for and be granted your learner permit.
- Get as much driving experience as you can using the four stages in the Learner Kit or the myLearners app.
- Book your probationary licence test.
- Pass your probationary licence test (Hazard Perception Test first, then the drive test).
- Pay for and be granted your probationary licence.
- Follow the P plate rules, stay safe and keep your licence.
- Receive your full driver licence.
How the stages fit together
| Stage | What you do | Plates |
|---|---|---|
| L (learner permit) | Drive only with a supervising driver who holds a full licence beside you. | L plates front and back |
| P1 (probationary) | Drive solo with extra rules, including a passenger limit. | Red P plates front and back |
| P2 (probationary) | Drive solo with fewer restrictions than P1. | Green P plates front and back |
| Full licence | Normal licence once your driving record is good. | No plates |
You need a good driving record to move on. That means your licence has not been cancelled or suspended and you have no drink- or drug-driving offences. See demerit points and suspension for how a poor record extends the time.
Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
How many stages are there in Victoria's licensing system?
Four: learner permit (L), P1 probationary licence (red plates), P2 probationary licence (green plates) and a full licence. Drivers aged 21 or over skip P1 and start on P2.
What is a good driving record in Victoria?
Your licence has not been cancelled or suspended and you have no drink or drug driving offences. You need one to move from P1 to P2 and from P2 to a full licence.