How to Complete Your 120-Hour Learner Logbook in Victoria

Victoria’s 120-hour learner logbook requirement can feel overwhelming when you first look at it — but with the right strategy, most learners complete it comfortably within 12–18 months. Here’s a practical guide from the team at Freshers Driving School Melbourne.

Understanding the Logbook Requirements

Victorian learner drivers must complete 120 hours of supervised driving before applying for their Probationary (P1) licence. Within those 120 hours:

• At least 20 hours must be at night (between sunset and sunrise)
• All driving must be supervised by a person who has held a full Victorian (or equivalent) licence for at least 1 year
• You must hold your learner permit for a minimum of 12 months regardless of hours accumulated

Hours are recorded in the official VicRoads Learner Log Book, which must be signed by your supervisor after every session. Both you and your supervisor must sign each entry — unsigned entries are not accepted.

Strategy 1: Start With Professional Lessons to Build the Foundation

The biggest mistake learners make is treating all 120 hours as equal. The first 10–20 hours are the most critical — bad habits learned in this phase are very hard to unlearn. We strongly recommend starting with professional driving lessons to establish correct technique before accumulating bulk hours with family.

Professional lesson hours count toward your logbook at standard rate (1 hour = 1 logbook hour).

Strategy 2: Diversify Your Driving Conditions

VicRoads specifically requires a variety of driving conditions. Your logbook has sections for:

• Residential streets (low speed, pedestrians, reversing)
• Arterial and main roads (traffic flow, intersections)
• Freeway and highway driving (merging, lane discipline at 100 km/h)
• Night driving (minimum 20 hours)
• Wet weather driving
• Heavy traffic conditions

Aim to include all of these well before your 100th hour. Don’t leave freeway driving or night hours until the last minute.

Strategy 3: The Night Hours — Don’t Leave Them Late

Night driving is where most learners fall behind. It feels harder to accumulate because family supervisors often have work the next day. Start your night hours early — even 30 minutes of after-sunset driving after dinner counts.

Freshers also offers dedicated night driving lessons where our instructor accompanies you in the evening and signs your logbook for each session. This is by far the easiest way to complete your night hours efficiently.

Strategy 4: Aim for 2–3 Hours Per Week

At a consistent pace of 2.5 hours per week, you’ll complete 120 hours in just under a year — perfectly aligned with the 12-month minimum holding period. This also spreads the hours evenly so your development is gradual and sustainable rather than rushed at the end.

Common Logbook Mistakes to Avoid

• Unsigned entries — every entry must be signed by both learner and supervisor
• Incorrect date format — use DD/MM/YYYY consistently
• Overstating hours — logbook fraud is taken very seriously by VicRoads and can result in permit cancellation
• Losing your logbook — photograph each page after every entry so you have a digital backup

When Is Your Logbook Submitted?

You submit your completed logbook at the VicRoads service centre when you apply to sit your driving test. The assessor will check that:

• All 120 hours are present and correctly signed
• At least 20 hours are recorded as night driving
• Your permit has been held for at least 12 months

If your logbook is incomplete or has unsigned entries, your test booking will be rejected.

Need help completing your logbook efficiently? Our structured logbook training program at Freshers Driving School Melbourne is designed to make every hour count — all conditions covered, logbook signed every session. Book now from $68.