LEARNER

What are the new learner requirements which apply from July 2007?

Learners who are under 21:

• will need to hold a learner permit for a period of at least 12 months
• will be required to log a minimum of 120 hours of supervised learner driving experience with an accompanying driver who holds a current full car driver licence.

Learners who are over 21:

• must hold a learner permit for at least six months if under 25, or
• must hold a learner permit for at least three months if 25 or older
• will not have to log 120 hours of supervised practice
• must be accompanied by a full licence holder at all times when driving

In addition, all learners irrespective of age:

• must carry their learner permit with them when driving and will be banned from using a mobile phone, including hands-free, hand-held and all messaging, while driving
• must display ‘L’ plates on the front and rear of the vehicle they are driving
• must not drive a vehicle which is towing another motor vehicle, trailer or caravan
• must have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at all times when driving, supervising driver must be under .05 (BAC)
• licence may be suspended, if the learner incurs 5 demerit points in any 12 months

Do I need to do 120 hours of supervised driving practice?

Learners who are under 21 years, when applying for a probationary licence, must have completed a minimum of 120 hours of supervised learner driving experience (including at least 10 hours at night), before they can sit their probationary licence test.

These hours must be recorded in an official Learner Log Book and signed by the supervising driver. This log book will be issued with the learner permit.

How will the 120 hour requirement be enforced?

There is a system to check that learner drivers get the required amount of driving experience:

• learners must record their driving experience in an official Learner Log Book and must get their supervising driver or instructor to sign each entry
• Learner Log Books will be checked by VicRoads Customer Service Centre staff to ensure 120 hours (including 10 hours of night driving) have been recorded
• learners and their supervising drivers must complete, sign and submit to VicRoads the Declaration of Completion on the day they sit their probationary licence test. This is included in the Learner Log Book
• learners who have not accumulated 120 hours (including 10 hours of night driving) and have not been exempted from this requirement will not be permitted to sit for their probationary licence. They will also forfeit any appointment and test fees made and will have to wait six weeks before taking the probationary licence test again

Will there be any exemptions from the minimum time a learner permit must be held?

VicRoads has the legal power to provide an exemption from the minimum time a learner permit must be held. The exemption will only be granted if the nature of the learner’s occupation, employment or family circumstances is such that compliance with the minimum time will impose undue hardship on the learner or their family. VicRoads must also be satisfied that road safety is not compromised. Any probationary licence issued under these conditions will have restrictions placed on it.

How do I apply for an exemption?

Applications must be in writing and will need to include supporting evidence of hardship from an employer, educational institution or medical practitioner. All applications must be sent to:

VicRoads
Exemptions
Locked Bag 5000
KEW VIC 3101

I got my learner permit before 1 July 2007. Do these new rules apply to me?

No. If your learner permit was issued before 1 July 2007 the new requirements do not apply.

If your learner permit is issued on or before 30 June 2007, to be eligible to obtain a driver licence you must:

• be at least 18 years old
• be a Victorian resident
• establish your proof of identity
• have held a current learner permit for at least six months if you are under the age of 25,
• have held a current learner permit for at least three months if you are 25 years of age or older
• not have your learner permit suspended, cancelled or disqualified
• have passed all the appropriate tests and paid the appropriate fees
  

Although it isn’t compulsory, you are encouraged to aim for at least 120 hours supervised practice before you go for your probationary licence.

LOGBOOK

What information will be recorded in the Learner Log Book?

The Learner Log Book will contain information including:

• the number of hours of driving
• the types of roads driven on (e.g. freeway, local road)
• the road conditions (e.g. wet, dry)
• details of the supervising driver
  

Where can I get the new 120 hour Learner Log Book?

The new 120 hour Learner Log Book is available from 1 July 2007 when the new learner permits are issued. They are given free of charge to new learners when their new learner permits are issued.

If your learner permit was issued before 1 July 2007, you are not required to meet the 120 hour requirement, although getting at least this number of hours of supervised driving practice is recommended.

If you obtained you learner permit before 1 July 2007 and would like to record your driving practice, a driving practice logbook is contained in the VicRoads publication “Road to Solo Driving”. You can print a copy of this practice logbook here .

If a learner logbook is lost, how does a learner obtain a replacement diary?

If the logbook is lost, a replacement logbook is available for a fee to learners.

A replacement copy can be purchased online from the VicRoads website from 1 July 2007, using a credit card. If you do not have a credit card, you can order a copy at VicRoads Customer Service Centres using cash and the logbook will be posted to you.

Will an online logbook be available?

No. The official form of the Learner Log Book is a hard copy.

PROBATIONARY DRIVERS

What are the probationary licence requirements that apply from 1 July 2008.

From 1 July 2008, a two stage probationary licence commenced and replaced the previous one stage, three year probationary licence. The first stage is a one year P1 probationary licence (red plates), followed by a three year P2 probationary licence (green plates).

A probationary driver who is aged 21 when first licensed, will move straight to a P2 licence.

Probationary drivers on a P1 licence who are under 21:

• will need to hold a P1 licence for a minimum of 12 months before they can progress to a P2 licence
• will be banned from all mobile phone use (including hands free) while on a P1 licence per passenger restrictions
  
• will only be able to carry one passenger aged 16 to 21 years.
  
• will not be allowed to tow a vehicle including a trailer or caravan on a P1 licence unless it is for work or they are under instruction
• will not be permitted to drive a high powered vehicle which has an eight or more cylinder engine, is turbocharged or supercharged, is a nominated high performance six-cylinder vehicle, or has been modified to increase performance
• will have to fit an alcohol ignition interlock for a minimum of six months when re-licenced after a drink driving offence
• will have their P1 period extended for six months, plus the period of suspension for any licence suspension, drink driving offence with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) up to 0.05 or drug driving offence. A passenger limit of one will apply for the balance of the P1 period
• existing P provisions will continue to apply. These are:
  • always drive with a zero BAC
  • always display your P plates
  • carry your licence with you whenever you drive
  • only drive an automatic vehicle if you were tested in an automatic vehicle, and
  • five or more demerit points in any 12 month period may result in your licence being suspended

The following restrictions will apply to P2 probationary licence holders:

• will not be permitted to drive a high powered vehicle which has an eight or more cylinder engine, is turbocharged or supercharged, is a nominated high performance six-cylinder vehicle, or has been modified to increase performance
• will have to fit an alcohol ignition interlock for a minimum of six months when re-licensed after a drink driving offence
• will have their P2 period extended for six months, plus the period of suspension for any licence suspension, drink driving offence with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) up to 0.05 or drug driving offence. A passenger limit of one will apply for the balance of the P2 period
• existing P provisions will continue to apply. These are:
  • always drive with a zero BAC
  • always display your P plates
  • carry your licence with you whenever you drive
  • only drive an automatic vehicle if you were tested in an automatic vehicle, and
  • five or more demerit points in any 12 month period may result in your licence being suspended

What are the green P plates?

Under the new graduated licensing system, two probationary licences are being introduced. They are the one year P1 probationary licence (red plates) and the three year P2 probationary licence (green plates).

The green P plates are to be used by holders of the P2 probationary licence.

Green plates were distributed in June 2008. Why?

In June 2008, Vic Roads issued, free of charge to each probationary licence holder who was on red plates, a pair of green plates.

These green plates, which replaced the red ones, must be used by the probationary driver after 1 July 2008, whenever they drive.

Under the new graduated licensing system, this probationary licence holder who was on red plates, automatically becomes a P2 probationary driver on green plates, from 1 July 2008.

How long do I have to use a green P plate ?

The P2 probationary licence is for three years, so the green P plates must be used for three years.

Subject to a good driving record, the P2 probationary licence holder will then be eligible for a full driver licence.

I obtained my probationary licence before 1 July 2008. Do these new rules apply to me?

No. Drivers with a probationary licence issued before 1 July 2008 will be licensed under the current system and will only be required to hold a probationary licence for a three year period.

The existing P provisions will apply:

• zero BAC
• display P plates
• dust have licence at all times when driving
  
• only permitted to drive an automatic vehicle if tested in an automatic vehicle
• five or more demerit points in any 12 month period may result in licence suspension
• must not drive a vehicle which is classed as a high powered vehicle (based on power/weight restrictions if licensed before 1 July 2007; or new high powered vehicle restrictions if licensed from 1 July 2007)

 

What is the difference between a P1 and P2 licence?

A P1 licence is an extra licensing stage for young new drivers who have a higher risk of crashing. The P1 licence includes the same provisions as the P2 licence. However, the P1 licence also includes a peer passenger restriction, a ban on all mobile phone use and a restriction on towing. Towing exemptions will apply for work purposes and when driving under instruction.

A P2 licence is similar to the current probationary licence, with some new rules relating to high powered vehicles and how serious traffic offenders are treated.

Will P plates need to be displayed for the P1 and P2 probationary periods?

Yes, P plates will need to be displayed for the entire P1 and P2 periods. The P1 plate will have a white P on a red background - the same as the current P plate. The P2 plate will have a white P on a green background.  P plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle.

What is meant by "a good driving record" in order to progress to the next licence stage?

All P1 and P2 licence holders will need a good driving record to progress to the licence stage.

If a P1 or P2 licence is suspended as a result:

• of a driving offence,
• accumulation of demerit points,
• a medical condition or
• a penalty imposed by a court,

the probationary period will be extended by six months plus the suspension period. Also, P1 drivers will only be able to carry one passenger for the balance of their P1 period.  Probationary drivers who commit a drink driving offence with a BAC of .05 or above will have their licence cancelled and must start their probationary period again when re-licensed.

What are the towing restrictions for P1 drivers?

P1 drivers will not be allowed to tow any vehicle, a trailer or a caravan while driving. 

Will exemptions be granted for the "no mobile phone use"?

No exemptions will be granted to allow the use of a mobile phone.

Will exemptions be granted for the towing restriction for P1 drivers?

A P1 driver will automatically be exempted from the towing restriction if he/she is required to tow another vehicle while at work, or the P1 driver has an experienced driver beside them, and they have a ‘Driver under instruction’ plate fixed to the front and rear of the vehicle they are driving.

Will there be restriction on P plate drivers driving at night?

No. However, night time has been shown to be a particularly dangerous time for inexperienced drivers.  As a result, it is recommended  that P plate drivers limit the amount of driving they do at night and seek other transport options where available, such as taxis, public transport and friends or family.

PEER PASSENGER RESTRICTION

What is the peer passenger restriction?

The peer passenger restriction , means that a P1 probationary driver can carry no more than one passenger aged between 16 and 21.

Why is a peer passenger restriction being introduced?

A probationary driver is at a greater risk of being involved in a fatal crash, if they carry more two or more passengers. The risk of a probationary driver crashing is four times as great as the risk of driving alone, or with only one passenger.

Peer passengers who are affected by alcohol can create a dangerous distraction for an inexperienced probationary driver.

A group of passengers can also encourage the probationary driver to take risks when driving.

Why does the peer passenger restriction only apply to a P1 driver?

The first 12 months of solo driving on a P1 probationary licence is when most crashes occur. So by restricting the number of peer passengers to one, it will help reduce the P1 driver’s risk of a crash.

Is there an exemption?

The peer passenger restriction will not apply:

• to immediate family members (e.g., siblings, spouse, domestic partners) or
• when a P1 licence holder is driving an emergency vehicle (e.g., ambulance, police, fire fighting, SES) or
• when a P1 licence holder is accompanied by a fully licenced, experienced driver who is sitting beside them (as is the case for learner drivers).

MUST CARRY LICENCE WHEN DRIVING

What has changed and why is this now required by law?

To strengthen existing road safety laws, drivers under 26 must always have their licence with them when they are driving, or in charge of a motor vehicle.

Probationary drivers are currently required to have their licence at all times while driving or in charge of a motor vehicle.  This change will now require other full licence holders under 26 to also produce their licence when required to do so. There are sometimes different requirements for probationary drivers than for full licence holders (e.g. zero blood alcohol concentration for probationary drivers). 

Don't drivers have to carry their licence already?

Yes. All drivers are required to have their licence with them when they drive, but it is now an offence if drivers under the age of 26 cannot produce their licence to police when required to do so.

What is the penalty for drivers under the age of 26 not having their licence with them when driving?

If a driver under the age of 26 who has a licence but does not have it with them while driving or in charge of a motor vehicle, they may face fines of $537.

HIGH POWERED VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS

What are the new high powered vehicle restrictions?

From 1 July 2007, the restrictions on driving high powered vehicles were changed to make it easier for the probationary driver to identify the vehicle they could drive.

From 1 July 2007, a probationary driver can't drive a car which has:

• an engine of eight or more cylinders
• a turbocharged or supercharged engine
• an engine that has been modified to improve the vehicle’s performance
• one of the nominated high performance six cylinder vehicles which include BMW M and M3, Honda NSX, Nissan 350Z, Porsche (all models) and Mercedes Benz SLK350

These restrictions do not include:

• diesel powered turbocharged or supercharged vehicles (without engine performance modifications)
  
• nominated vehicles with low powered turbocharged or supercharged engines including Suzuki Cappucino 2D Cabriolet Turbo 3 cylinder 698cc, Daihatsu Copen L880 2D Convertible 4 cylinder 659cc
  
• all models of the Smart car produced by Mercedes Benz; and
  
• vehicles driven as a part of the driver’s employment and at the request of the employer

Click here for more information about these high powered vehicle restrictions.

How does this differ from the previous restrictions?

Previously, there was a power to weight restriction on driving high powered vehicles.   A high powered vehicle is any vehicle with a power to weight ratio over 125kw per tonne, or with an engine capacity to weight ratio over 3.5 litres per tonne.

If you obtained a probationary licence before 1 July 2007, you may drive a vehicle provided it is not classified as high powered under either, the power to weight ratio, or the features listed above.

However, if the vehicle is defined as high powered under one, but not both of these restrictions, then it can be driven by a probationary driver.

What are the penalties?

From 1 July 2007, the penalty for driving a high powered vehicle is three demerit points and a maximum fine of approximately $1100. These penalties will apply to all probationary drivers of high powered vehicles, regardless of whether they are bound by the old or new definition.

Can a learner drive a high powered vehicle?

Yes. However once you obtain your probationary licence, you will not be permitted to drive a high powered vehicle.

I want to buy a vehicle - how can I tell if it is high powered?

The first step is to ask the seller or dealer prior to buying the vehicle or contact the manufacturer directly. 

If you are still unsure or doubt the information given, seek further advice from a licensed mechanic.

What types of engine modifications would prohibit a vehicle from being driven by a probationary driver?

Examples of engine modifications include any addition or change to the:

• engine management system
• exhaust system (particularly extractors)
• fuel injection or carburettor systems
• camshaft

If I purchase a high powered vehicle, as defined by the new restrictions, prior to 1 July 2007, but get my probationary licence after 1 July 2007, will I be able to drive it when I get my licence?

No

Are exemptions available?

Exemptions will only be considered in exceptional circumstances where it can be proven by the driver that he/she will endure undue hardship if the exemption is not granted. All requests for an exemption must be in writing and sent to:

VicRoads
Exemptions
Locked Bag 5000
KEW VIC 3101

Probationary drivers required by their employer to drive a high powered vehicle during working hours will be automatically exempted.

I am a probationary licence driver. Can I put a turbocharger or supercharger in my vehicle?

No. You are not allowed to modify your engine to increase power.

Where can I find out more?

You can find out more about high powered vehicle restrictions on the arrive alive! website – www.arrivealive.vic.gov.au

ALCOHOL INTERLOCK

What has changed for young drivers?

From the 1 January 2007 new laws and penalties apply to probationary and fully licensed drivers under 26.

Probationary and fully licensed drivers under 26 caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .07 or higher, will now have an alcohol interlock fitted to their vehicle when they return to driving.

What is an alcohol interlock?

An alcohol interlock is fitted to vehicle to make it impossible to start if the driver has been drinking.

Click here for more information about alcohol interlocks.

Why are alcohol interlocks being used with drink drivers under 26 or on their Ps?

They are being used with young drink drivers because:

• drink driving deaths are an ongoing problem for young drivers, with half of drivers aged 21 - 25 years killed on our roads, because they were impaired by alcohol
• alcohol ignition interlocks are a well established drink driving measure. They provide a practical rehabilitation tool for drink drivers and are currently compulsory in Victoria for drink drivers with multiple offences
• extending their use to all young offenders will help deter irresponsible behaviour and repeat drink driving

Click here for more information about alcohol interlocks.

DRIVE TEST

Will there be a new drive test? If so, what will be involved in the new test?

The driving test, which takes about 30 minutes, is in two parts. The first part involves five to ten minutes in quiet driving situations. This is to assess your basic driving ability.

The second part about 20 minutes, involves a wider range of traffic situations to test your day-to-day driving ability more thoroughly.

To help you pass your driving test, there is important information you should know before you start.

This information is contained in the leaflet below, and includes topics such as, what tests you must pass to get your licence, what you have to bring to the licence test, what will happen during the driving test, how your driving will be assessed and the serious errors which could cause you to fail the test.

Click here to download the leaflet.

MOTORCYCLES

What are the requirements for motorcycle riders under the new system?

All relevant probationary and age based provisions will also apply to motorcycle riders, except for learner, towing, and high powered vehicle restrictions that are already dealt with separately for motorcycle riders. This information can be found in the Victorian Rider Handbook which is available from the VicRoads Bookshop or online at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au.