How many driving hours do I need

Learner drivers in VIC who are preparing to get their P plates may be wondering if they need to undergo practice drives and driving lessons with a certified driving instructor before taking their drive tests.

So, how many driving lessons are required for probationary drivers in VIC? Do you need to go to driving school to get your Ps? Find out in this blog.

VIC Licence Requirements Do Not Include Driving Lessons

While you will need plenty of driving experience to get your P plates in VIC, there is no legal requirement to get professional driving instruction. The requirements to get your P1 licence in VIC include the following:

• You must have a Victorian address
• You must be able to prove your identity
• You must be a valid learner’s licence holder, and have held your learner’s licence for at least 12 months (under 21 years of age), 6 months (21-25 years of age), or 3 months (25+ years of age
• You must log at least 120 hours of supervised driving including 20 hours of night driving (if under the age of 21)
• You must pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT), eyesight test, and drive test, and pay all applicable fees

In addition, to get a probationary driver’s licence and begin solo driving your learner driver’s licence must be in good standing, without any penalties or other issues.

Some of these requirements may not apply if you have an overseas licence, and there are some other exceptions and exemptions. Head to VicRoads for a full overview of all VIC licence requirements.

Driving Lessons Are Not Required, But Are Highly Recommended

Learner drivers who are looking to get more 120 hours in their log books (which includes a minimum of 20 hours of night driving) often choose to get driving lessons to help them boost their driving skills – and their log book hours.

Hours recorded with a driving instructor at a driving school count toward your log book’s hours at a 1-1 rate. In other words, each hour you spend on professional driving instruction will count directly toward your required log book hours – just like it would with a supervising driver such as a parent. If you get 10 1-hour lessons from an instructor, you can add 10 hours to your log book – night driving hours, too!

Not only that, but professional driving instruction is the best way to learn about safe driving habits, road rules, and tips that can help you pass your drive test in VIC on the first try – and get your P plates right away.

So, while driving lessons are not required by law for new drivers in VIC, they are an essential part of your education. Driving with a parent, guardian, or another supervised driver is a good way to get started – but if you don’t take lessons from a driving school, you may end up with gaps in your knowledge that could lead to dangerous situations, fines, or even failing your drive test.

For all of these reasons, it’s a great idea to reach out to a driving school and get instruction from a professional if you’re looking to improve your driving skills – and your confidence – in Victoria.

Need Professional Driving Lessons?

LTrent Driving School has been helping learners on the east coast of Australia for over 50 years. We specialises in helping learner drivers gain driving skills and confidence behind the wheel. Book your driving lessons in Melbourne today!

The Department of Transport has a comprehensive checklist of the steps needed to get a driver’s licence in Western Australia.

You can also find out about getting your moped licence and the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing System.

L-platers

• Learner drivers must complete a minimum of 50 supervised driving hours prior to being granted a WA driver's licence, including five hours at night, prior to sitting the Practical Driving Assessment.
• Applicants aged 25 years and older are exempt from the requirement to complete a log book.
• The appropriate L or P plate must always be displayed. Plates can be purchased or printed at home.
• All L and P plate drivers must drive with a zero-blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at all times.

P-platers

• Provisional licence holders are not permitted to drive between 12am and 5am, however employment and education exceptions may apply.
• You are classified as a Novice Driver Type 1 if you’ve held a driver's licence for a period of at least one year or periods adding up to one year and includes a first-time learner's permit holder. These drivers can have 3 demerit points against their licence.
• A Novice Driver Type 2 is a person who has held a driver's licence for more than 1 year but less than two 2 years. This driver can have 7 demerit points against their licence.

Your first car

You have passed your driver's test; you've got your licence and now it’s time to purchase your first car. There are a few things you need to consider before you get behind the wheel.

• If you’re buying a new car, check its safety rating on the ANCAP website. Cars with a five star rating provide much better protection in the event of a crash, compared to those with a lower star rating.
• For some novice drivers, a second-hand car is a more viable way of getting on the road. The Used Car Safety Ratings Buyer's Guide lists ‘Safe Picks’ that are not only safe for you, but safe for other road users as well.

For more information, visit our page for new vehicle buyers.

Zero blood alcohol content (BAC) offences

*If a novice driver is disqualified, the licence is cancelled.

Learner driver FAQs

How many passengers can be in the car with a learner driver?

A learner driver must have a supervising driver sitting next to them, however there are no additional restrictions on passengers other than those rules that apply to all ‘Car-unrestricted’ C class licences.

A ‘Car-unrestricted’ (C) licence allows you to drive any motor vehicle, other than a motor cycle or motor carrier, equipped to seat not more than 12 adults (including the driver).

Additionally, only passengers that are sitting in a seat that is fitted with a seat belt or child restraint suitably fastened may be carried.

Are there limits on hours driven per day?

No. There are no limits on hours driven per day.

Can L-platers drive on the freeway?

Learner drivers are allowed to drive on the freeway and are encouraged to complete their supervised driving experience in a range of traffic and weather conditions.

What is the maximum speed limit for a learner driver?

The highest speed allowable for learner drivers is 100 km/h.

What is the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for learner drivers?

Learner drivers must not drive if they have a blood alcohol content greater than 0.00 per cent.

What other restrictions are placed on learner drivers?

Learner drivers are not allowed to drive within the boundaries of Kings Park or wherever signs prohibit learner drivers.

How many years does a "supervising driver" need to have held their licence?

A person instructing a learner driver must have held a current and valid driver's licence (for the class of vehicle in which you are teaching someone how to drive) for at least 4 years.

In the case of instructing a person to ride a moped, you must have held a current and valid driver's licence for at least 2 years.

You must ensure the vehicle you are instructing in has 'L' plates displayed at all times.

Be aware of the rules for novice drivers (includes 'L' and 'P' platers).

Can an L plater tow a trailer?

Yes. L drivers are not restricted from towing a trailer as long as the learner driver is driving within the conditions of their learning permit – and this includes having a supervising driver alongside them in the vehicle.

How many hours do learner drivers need in Vic?

How many driving hours do you need to get your license UK?

How many hours do learner drivers need in WA?

How can I get my hours up fast?