How to Get Your L Plates in Victoria 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your L plates in Victoria is the first step toward your driver’s licence. This complete 2025 guide walks you through every step of the Victorian learner permit process — from the knowledge test to what happens after you pass. Whether you’re a teenager getting ready for your first lesson or an adult learner starting late, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to get L plates in Victoria.

Step 1: Check You Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Victorian learner permit you must be at least 16 years old and hold no other driver licence or learner permit from Victoria or any other state. There is no upper age limit — adults can get their L plates in Victoria at any age. You must also be able to pass a vision screening test at the VicRoads Customer Service Centre. See the official VicRoads learner permit requirements for full details.

Step 2: Study for the Learner Permit Knowledge Test (Theory Test)

The Victorian learner permit process requires you to pass a written knowledge test covering Victorian road rules. The test has 32 questions. You must score at least 26 out of 32 (81%) to pass. The test is available in English and 15 other languages. Study materials are free — download the Victorian Road Rules Handbook and use the VicRoads hazard perception practice test at learners.vicroads.vic.gov.au. Study time: most applicants need 5–10 hours of preparation.

Common Topics in the Victorian Learner Permit Knowledge Test

• Speed limits — school zones (40 km/h), residential areas (50 km/h), clearways
• Give-way rules — at roundabouts, uncontrolled intersections, pedestrian crossings
• Road signs — prohibitory signs, warning signs, regulatory signs
• Blood alcohol limits — 0.00 for learners and probationary licence holders
• Mobile phone rules — full restrictions for L and P plate drivers
• Hook turns — unique to Melbourne CBD
• Tram rules — how to treat tram stops and tram tracks
• Fatigue and hazard perception — key safety knowledge

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Before attending a VicRoads Customer Service Centre to get your L plates in Victoria, you need to bring identity documents that prove your identity, age and address. VicRoads uses a points system — you need 70 points of identity. Typically: Australian passport or citizenship certificate (70 points alone) OR Australian birth certificate plus Medicare card plus a current utility bill.

Step 4: Attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre

Visit any VicRoads Customer Service Centre in Melbourne to sit your knowledge test. No appointment is needed for a learner permit knowledge test — you can walk in. The test takes approximately 20–30 minutes on a computer terminal. Pay the learner permit fee (approximately $26 in 2025). If you pass, your learner permit is issued on the day.

Step 5: Get Your Physical L Plates

Once you hold your Victorian learner permit, you must display yellow L plates on the front and rear of any vehicle you drive. L plates are available at most service stations, hardware stores and automotive retailers for approximately $5–$15. You must display them every time you drive.

What Happens After You Get Your L Plates in Victoria?

After getting your L plates in Victoria, you must complete 120 hours of supervised driving before you can sit your VicRoads drive test — including at least 20 hours of night driving. You must hold your learner permit for a minimum of 12 months. This is where Freshers Driving School can help: our learner logbook training programme covers all required driving conditions, with your logbook signed by a VicRoads accredited instructor after every lesson. Professional lesson hours count triple toward your logbook (up to 30 additional logged hours). See our driving lessons Melbourne or lesson prices to get started. Book your first lesson now or call 0434 521 743.