This page contains information for people whose driving ability is to be reviewed by VicRoads.
VicRoads realises that it may be many years since you sat for your licence test. This information sheet explains the Review Driving Test and how you can prepare for it.
The Review Driving Test is designed to test the safe driving ability of experienced drivers. You will not fail this test due to a ‘loss of points’. You will only fail if your driving is unsafe or illegal.
The driving test will begin from your home unless you have made other arrangements. You will be asked to drive to places where you normally go, and you will be tested on your ability to drive on your usual routes.
The length of the test will vary depending on how much driving you normally do and will take between 15 and 45 minutes.
If you require a licence that does not restrict when and where you drive, you will need to be tested for essential driving skills, such as using multi-laned roads, roundabouts and T intersections, changing lanes and parking. If you live in an area where it is not possible to test you for these skills, you may have to be tested in an alternative area, such as the nearest town.
The Review Driving Test is free. If you do not pass the first test, you are allowed two further attempts. All of these tests are free.
To help you maintain your mobility, VicRoads may offer you a conditional licence. Conditional licences put a condition or restriction on your driving. Examples of driving restrictions include:
- distance restrictions, such as a 5 to 10 kilometre radius from home
- daylight driving only
- no driving during peak hours
- only driving between home and a particular location, such as shops or medical centre.
In many cases the restrictions will not differ from how you normally drive. Your tester will discuss these options with you before you start your test.
If you only want to drive locally on a conditional licence, your test will normally be around 15 minutes, as you will only be tested within your local area. If you are issued with a conditional licence with a distance restriction and wish to extend where you may drive, you will need to take another Review Driving Test.
Make sure you are clear about your driving needs and discuss these with the tester before your test starts.
If you have a physical disability and need to drive a modified vehicle, these vehicle modifications will be placed as a condition on your licence.
Even though you may have been driving for many years it is likely that you drive differently from when you were first issued with a licence. Over time, it is common for drivers to develop some bad driving habits. With this in mind it could be useful to get independent advice on your driving. If your licence is current you could ask a friend or relative, who does not normally accompany you, to sit with you while you drive. Or you could have an assessment and if necessary, some refresher lessons with a professional driving instructor.
You will be tested in a VicRoads car with dual controls. Dual controls are important as they allow the tester to take control of the vehicle if an emergency or an unsafe situation occurs. You will be given time before the test starts to familiarise yourself with the VicRoads test vehicle.
You will not be penalised for driving errors that occur due to your unfamiliarity with the vehicle. If you have a physical disability and need to drive a modified vehicle, please discuss your needs with VicRoads prior to the test.
The VicRoads test car is fitted with an automatic transmission. If you normally drive a manual car you can continue to drive a manual as long as you pass the Review Driving Test. VicRoads will test your ability to drive safely, not your skills at changing gears. This makes the test simpler for you.
If you have had refresher lessons with a professionally qualified driving instructor and would prefer to have your test in the instructor’s car, arrangements can be made with the VicRoads tester. This is also an option if you do not want to be tested in an automatic vehicle. If you wish to be tested in your instructor’s vehicle you will have to pay any costs.
During the driving test, only you and the tester are allowed in the VicRoads car. If you have arranged to do the test in your driving instructor’s vehicle, the driving instructor may accompany you.
There are a number of important driving skills that your tester will assess such as signalling and obeying signs. These skills are important because they indicate your ability to drive safely. The tester will check that you give way at intersections, how you use the mirrors, your position on the road, your ability to change lanes or merge, your ability to brake safely, and will also observe your knowledge of the road rules.
You may be asked to complete an angle park between two cars. This will usually take place in an area where you would perform such a park, such as a supermarket car park. You should practise this manoeuvre before the test.
You will only fail if you do something illegal or unsafe. You will not fail your test if you fail to check your mirrors. Failing to check your mirrors however will increase your chances of diverging or braking when it is unsafe to do so, and this will result in you failing your test. Examples of illegal or unsafe driving include:
- any action that requires the tester to take control of the vehicle to prevent a dangerous situation
- any action requiring another driver or pedestrian to move to avoid a collision
- colliding with a vehicle, pedestrian or object (such as a rubbish bin on the kerb)
- not stopping at a red light or Stop sign
- stopping at a location that places another road user in a dangerous situation
- poor control of the vehicle (you must be able to steer and brake safely)
- driving over the speed limit for more than five consecutive seconds after you have been detected speeding by the tester
- driving too slowly without reason.
When you finish your test
The tester will discuss your performance and give you a copy of your drive test results.
You will keep your licence. If you have passed your test but were assessed for a conditional licence, VicRoads will arrange to issue a new licence with these conditions or restrictions.
If you fail, you may be issued with a conditional driver licence. This will enable you to drive a dual control car accompanied by a suitably qualified driving instructor or assessor for the purpose of undertaking driving lessons or being tested. Any other licence conditions applicable, such as to wear glasses while driving, will also be applied to your conditional driver licence. This conditional licence cannot be used for solo driving or other types of accompanied driving.
You are required to wait at least four weeks before being retested. If you have already failed two tests, VicRoads can only test you again if you can show that you have taken positive steps to improve your driving skills. In this case, you will need to provide a letter from a professionally qualified driving instructor stating that your driving skills have improved and you can drive safely.
From the time you are issued with this conditional driver licence, you have six months in which to pass a test. If you are unable to pass a test within this time, your conditional driver licence will be cancelled.
If you have been issued with a conditional licence as a result of failing a test, a licence can be reissued at any time when you pass your test. Conditions may be imposed on this licence. You also have the right to ask VicRoads to review its decision or you may appeal at a Magistrates’ Court. The suspension notice will provide advice on these options.
If you require further information, the diagram below shows the process that is followed for the first, second and third attempts at the Review Driving Test. You can also call VicRoads Medical Review on 9854 2407.
