A probationary licence allows you to drive a car solo on the road. You can only attempt to get your Ps if you are 18 years of age or over. There is a different probationary licence for motorcycles.
The new Victorian driver licence
From 23 November 2009, VicRoads is introducing a new and more secure learner permit, probationary licence and driver licence. When you renew or replace your licence from late November 2009, your card will be mailed to you within about a week. Select the image at the top of the page for more information.
Find out what's involved in getting your Ps: Car - probationary licence.
- 120 hours of driving experience recorded in the Learner Log Book
- make an appointment and prepare for your tests. You can book your test online
- provide a medical report and get clearance from VicRoads Medical Review before the test (if you have a medical condition or take prescribed medication)
- do the Hazard Perception Test
- do the Drive Test
- know the rules for P drivers.
Important: If you have a medical condition or take prescribed medication that may affect your ability to drive safely, you must provide a medical report and get clearance from VicRoads Medical Review before doing your licence test. If you are not sure whether you need to supply a medical report please contact Medical Review on
Tel: (03) 9854 2407.
The Learner Log Book is free when you get your learner permit. In it you must record at least 120 hours of supervised driving experience, including 10 hours at night. Find out more about completing your Learner Log Book [PDF, 946KB, 85pp] and About the Learner Kit.
The Drive Test helps identify drivers who are ready to drive safely on their own. Detailed information is available to help you prepare and pass your test. Find out more about the Drive Test.
If you do your probationary licence test in a vehicle with automatic transmisson, you can only drive vehicles with automatic transmission during your probationary period. There will be an 'A' printed on your licence card.
At the end of the probationary period, you can drive vehicles with manual transmission without having to do another driving test provided the condition is not required due to a disability.
If you are still on your probationary licence with an automatic transmission restriction the only way you can remove this condition is to pass a test in a vehicle with manual transmission.
When learning to drive in a manual vehicle you must have someone with a full manual licence sitting beside you and display 'Driver Under Instruction' plates as well as your 'P' plates on the front and back of your vehicle. Driver Under Instruction plates must be 150mm x 150mm with black lettering on a yellow background.
After passing the tests you will be issued with either a P1 (red plates) or P2 (green plates) probationary licence. Find out more about the rules for driving on your Ps including the difference between P1 and P2 licences.
How to display P plates on your vehicle. Find out more about using your L & P plates.