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.