If you’re a new driver in Victoria, you may have heard of the state’s graduated licensing system. This system is designed to help new drivers gain experience and develop safe driving habits over time, in order to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on the road. In this guide, we’ll break down the key stages of Victoria’s graduated licensing system and what you need to know as a new driver to pass the Vic Road test.
Stage 1: Learner Permit
The first stage of Victoria’s graduated licensing system is the learner permit. To obtain a learner permit, you must be at least 16 years old and pass a written test on the road rules and safe driving practices. With a learner permit, you can drive on the road as long as you have a supervising driver in the passenger seat who is at least 21 years old and has held a full driver’s licence for at least three years.
Stage 2: P1 (Probationary) Licence
After you’ve held a learner permit for at least 12 months, you can apply for a P1 licence. This stage is also known as the probationary licence stage. To obtain a P1 licence, you must pass a practical Vic road test and a hazard perception test. With a P1 licence, you can drive on the road unsupervised, but there are some restrictions. For example, you must display a P plate on your vehicle at all times, you must not exceed a certain speed limit, and you must not use any mobile phone functions while driving.
Stage 3: P2 (Probationary) Licence
After you’ve held a P1 licence for at least 12 months, you can apply for a P2 licence. This stage is also known as the second probationary licence stage. To obtain a P2 licence, you must pass a practical driving test and a hazard perception test. With a P2 licence, you have fewer restrictions than with a P1 licence, but there are still some rules to follow. For example, you must still display a P plate on your vehicle for the first six months, you must not exceed a certain speed limit, and you must not use any mobile phone functions while driving.
Stage 4: Full Licence
After you’ve held a P2 licence for at least 24 months, you can apply for a full driver’s licence. To obtain a full licence, you must pass an eyesight test and pay a fee. With a full licence, you have no restrictions on your driving, but it’s important to continue practicing safe driving habits and following the road rules.
Conclusion
Victoria’s graduated licensing system is designed to help new drivers gain experience and develop safe driving habits over time. If you’re a new driver in Victoria, make sure you understand the requirements and restrictions for each stage of the system, and always prioritize safety on the road. For Vic road test booking and driving lessons in Melbourne head to Vikas Driving School. Good luck!
