More and more learners are asking to start their driving journey in an electric or hybrid car — and it’s easy to see why. They’re smoother, quieter, and increasingly common on Melbourne roads. But if you’re a beginner, EVs and hybrids do drive a little differently to a standard petrol automatic, and it’s worth knowing what to expect before your first driving lesson.
The basics: EV, hybrid, or automatic — what’s the difference for a learner?
For licensing purposes in Victoria, both electric vehicles and hybrids are treated the same as any other automatic car — there’s no separate licence category. If you learn and test in an EV or hybrid, your licence will simply carry an automatic condition, same as it would in a regular petrol auto. The real differences show up in how the car actually feels to drive.
What feels different behind the wheel
Instant torque. Electric motors deliver full power the moment you touch the accelerator — there’s no engine “building up” like in a petrol car. This means EVs can feel surprisingly quick off the line, which is something new drivers need to get used to with a light foot, especially pulling away from stop signs and roundabouts.
Regenerative braking. Lift off the accelerator in an EV or hybrid and the car slows itself down noticeably more than a petrol automatic coasting would. Many learners find this takes a lesson or two to adjust to — you end up using the brake pedal far less than expected, which is actually great for building smooth, controlled habits for defensive driving.
Near-silent operation. Without engine noise, it’s much harder to judge your speed or revs by ear. New drivers often rely on sound more than they realise, so EV learners need to lean more on the speedometer and be extra alert for pedestrians and cyclists, who may not hear the car coming either.
No gear changes, but different pedal feel. If you’re also nervous about coordination in general, an EV strips out one more variable — there’s no clutch, no gear stick, just accelerator and brake — which can actually make it a gentler introduction to driving than a manual car.
Is it easier to learn in an EV as a beginner?
For many learners, yes. The simplicity of one-pedal-style driving, the lack of stalling risk, and the smooth power delivery all reduce the number of things a beginner needs to think about at once. This can be especially reassuring for nervous drivers who find the mechanical side of driving (clutch control, gear timing, engine braking) adds to their anxiety. On the other hand, the extra power and quick response mean an instructor’s guidance on smooth, gentle inputs matters even more early on.
Things to keep in mind for your VicRoads test
Whether you sit your test in an EV, hybrid, or petrol automatic, VicRoads examiners are assessing the same core skills — observation, control, hazard awareness, and following instructions safely. There’s no EV-specific component to the test itself. That said, it’s worth doing a mix of your VicRoads test prep lessons in the actual car type you’ll be tested in, so the pedal feel and braking behaviour are second nature by test day, not something you’re still adjusting to.
A few practical tips for beginners
- Ease into the accelerator. Because of the instant torque, treat the pedal as more sensitive than you’re used to — smooth, gradual pressure rather than a firm push.
- Trust the regenerative braking, but don’t rely on it entirely. It’s excellent for smooth slowing, but you’ll still need the brake pedal for full stops and emergencies.
- Watch your following distance. Quiet cabins and smooth power can make you feel like you’re going slower than you actually are — keep an eye on your speedometer.
- Practise a range of conditions. Highway driving and night driving both highlight EV quirks (merging power and reduced ambient noise cues) that are worth experiencing with an instructor before you’re on your own.
Learning with Monika’s Driving School
If you’d like to start your lessons in a modern automatic and want guidance tailored to how these cars actually behave, our instructors can talk you through what to expect before you even get behind the wheel. Have a look at our driving lesson packages to find the right starting point, or get in touch via our contact page if you have questions about vehicle type before booking.
Learning in an EV or hybrid isn’t harder than learning in a standard automatic — for many beginners, it’s actually a smoother, calmer way to build confidence on the road.
