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How to Get Your Provisional Licence (P's)

Ready to get your Provisional Licence (P Plates) ? Bring yourself closer to full driving independence with the steps provided.

What is a Provisional Licence?

A Provisional Licence, commonly known as “P Plates” or “P’s”, is the intermediate licence stage between your Learner Permit and full driver’s licence in Victoria. It allows you to drive independently without a supervising driver, though certain restrictions still apply.

In Victoria, there are two types of Provisional Licences:

P1 Licence (Red P Plates)

  • First stage of provisional licence
  • Must display red “P” plates on front and rear of vehicle
  • Held for a minimum of 12 months
  • Stricter restrictions apply (zero blood alcohol content, passenger limits, speed restrictions)

P2 Licence (Green P Plates)

  • Second stage of provisional licence
  • Must display green “P” plates on front and rear of vehicle
  • Held for a minimum of 3 years (if under 21) or 1 year (if 21 or over)
  • Some restrictions relaxed compared to P1

Eligibility Requirements for P1 Licence in Melbourne

Before applying for your Provisional Licence in Melbourne, you must meet these VicRoads requirements:

  • Age: Be at least 18 years old
  • Learner Permit: Hold a valid Victorian Learner Permit for at least 6 months
  • Logbook Hours: Complete at least 120 hours of supervised driving practice (including 20 hours of night driving)
  • Hazard Perception Test: Pass the VicRoads Hazard Perception Test
  • Driving Test: Pass the VicRoads practical driving test

Steps to Get Your P Plates in Melbourne

Step 1: Complete Your 120 Logbook Hours

You need to complete a minimum of 120 hours of supervised driving, including at least 20 hours at night. These hours must be recorded in your VicRoads learner permit logbook and verified by your supervising driver.

Tips for completing your hours:

  • Practice regularly rather than cramming at the end
  • Drive in various conditions (rain, peak hour, different areas)
  • Focus on quality practice, not just accumulating hours
  • Include diverse driving experiences (highways, city, residential areas)

How Monika’s Driving School Helps: Professional lessons count toward your 120 hours and provide structured, high-quality practice. Our instructors ensure every hour is valuable learning time, helping you develop skills faster than practicing with family alone.

Step 2: Book and Pass the Hazard Perception Test

The Hazard Perception Test (HPT) is a computer-based test that assesses your ability to recognize and respond to dangerous situations while driving.

Test Details:

  • 28 video-based driving scenarios
  • Tests conducted at VicRoads offices across Melbourne
  • Pass mark: You can make a maximum of 7 errors
  • Cost: $59.10 (included in your driving test booking)
  • Duration: Approximately 30-45 minutes

What to expect: You’ll watch real-life driving scenarios and must click the computer mouse or touch the screen when you spot a developing hazard. The test measures both your ability to spot hazards and how quickly you respond.

How Monika’s Driving School Helps: During your lessons, we teach hazard perception skills in real Melbourne traffic. We’ll help you identify dangerous situations, understand what to look for, and develop the scanning techniques needed to pass the HPT and drive safely.

Step 3: Book Your VicRoads Driving Test

Once you’ve completed your 120 hours and feel confident with your driving skills, it’s time to book your practical driving test with VicRoads.

How to book:

  • Online at vicroads.vic.gov.au
  • By phone: 13 11 71
  • In person at any VicRoads office in Melbourne

Test booking includes:

  • Hazard Perception Test
  • Practical driving test
  • Total cost: $59.10

Important: Book your test well in advance as waiting times can be several weeks, especially at popular Melbourne testing centers.

Popular VicRoads Testing Centers in Melbourne:

  • Burwood
  • Carlton
  • Cranbourne
  • Dandenong
  • Sunshine
  • Bundoora
  • Broadmeadows

Step 4: Prepare for Your Driving Test

The VicRoads driving test typically lasts 45-50 minutes and assesses your ability to drive safely and follow Victorian road rules.

What the test includes:

  • Vehicle safety checks (lights, indicators, horn)
  • General driving in various traffic conditions
  • Reverse parallel parking
  • Three-point turn or U-turn
  • Kerbside stop
  • Head checks and observations
  • Following road rules and signs
  • Safe speed management
  • Intersection procedures
  • Lane positioning

Common test routes include:

  • Residential streets
  • Main roads with traffic lights
  • Roundabouts
  • School zones
  • Shopping areas

How Monika’s Driving School Helps:

Our Driving Test Packages Melbourne are specifically designed to prepare you for success:

Pre-Test Package (5 Lessons – $310)

  • Perfect for learners who have completed their 120 hours
  • Practice on common VicRoads test routes
  • Master all required maneuvers
  • Mock driving test with detailed feedback
  • Test anxiety reduction techniques

Comprehensive Test Package (10 Lessons – $620)

  • Our most popular package for thorough preparation
  • Multiple mock tests
  • Advanced hazard perception training
  • Practice in various Melbourne conditions
  • Test-day vehicle hire option

Test Day Support:

  • Vehicle hire for your test ($95)
  • Pre-test warm-up lesson to calm nerves
  • Instructor accompanies you to the test center
  • Familiar, well-maintained dual-control vehicles

Step 5: Pass Your Driving Test

On test day, arrive at the VicRoads center with:

  • Your learner permit
  • Logbook showing 120 completed hours
  • A roadworthy vehicle (yours or hire from us)
  • Your supervising driver (if using your own car)

During the test:

  • Stay calm and drive as you’ve practiced
  • Follow all instructions from the testing officer
  • Take your time with maneuvers
  • Don’t panic if you make a minor mistake – keep driving safely
  • Demonstrate defensive driving and good observations

Pass the test and you’ll receive:

  • Your P1 Provisional Licence on the spot
  • Red P plates to display on your vehicle
  • Freedom to drive independently!

Step 6: Progress to P2 and Beyond

After 12 months on your P1 licence, you can apply for your P2 (green P plates) licence, provided you:

  • Maintain a good driving record
  • Haven’t accumulated excessive demerit points
  • Haven’t had your licence suspended

After completing P2, you can apply for your full Victorian driver’s licence – complete driving freedom!

P Plate Restrictions in Melbourne

P1 (Red P Plates) Restrictions:

  • Zero blood alcohol content – Absolutely no alcohol before driving
  • Speed limit: Maximum 100 km/h even if signposted speed is higher
  • Passenger restrictions: Only one peer passenger aged 16-21 between 11pm and 5am (unless immediate family)
  • Mobile phone: Cannot use any function, even hands-free or Bluetooth
  • High-powered vehicles: Cannot drive high-powered or modified vehicles
  • Display: Must display red P plates front and rear

P2 (Green P Plates) Restrictions:

  • Zero blood alcohol content – Still no alcohol before driving
  • Speed limit: Maximum 100 km/h
  • Mobile phone: Can use hands-free and Bluetooth functions only
  • High-powered vehicles: Cannot drive high-powered or modified vehicles
  • Display: Must display green P plates front and rear
  • Passenger restrictions lifted

On this page

What is a Provisional Licence
Eligibility Requirements for P1 Licence in Melbourne
Steps to Get Your P Plates in Melbourne
P Plate Restrictions in Melbourne

Ready to Get Your P Plates?

Book Your P Plate Preparation Package Today!

Don’t leave your driving test success to chance. Join hundreds of Melbourne learners who’ve achieved their P plates with Monika’s Driving School.

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Common Questions About Getting Your P's in Melbourne

How long does it take to get my P plates?
The minimum time is 6 months from getting your learner permit (you must hold it for at least 6 months). However, most learners take 9-12 months to complete their 120 hours and feel test-ready.
Can I use my instructor's car for the driving test?
Yes! We offer test-day vehicle hire for $95, which includes a 1-hour warm-up lesson and use of our car for your test.
What happens if I fail my driving test?
Don’t worry – you can rebook and try again. We offer additional lessons focused on the areas you need to improve. Most students who fail pass on their second attempt after a few more lessons with us.
Do professional lessons count toward my 120 hours?
Yes! Every hour of professional instruction with Monika’s Driving School counts toward your 120 required hours and must be recorded in your logbook.
How many lessons do I need before my test?
This varies by individual. We recommend at least 5-10 professional lessons even if you’ve completed most hours with family. Our instructors will assess your readiness and recommend the right package.
Can I practice for the Hazard Perception Test?
While you can’t access the actual test, VicRoads offers practice modules on their website. During lessons, we teach real-world hazard perception skills that will help you pass.
What if I'm an anxious driver?
Many of our students experience test anxiety. Our patient instructors specialize in building confidence and have techniques to help you stay calm on test day.
Do you provide pick-up and drop-off?
Yes! We collect you from your home, school, or workplace anywhere in Melbourne and drop you back after your lesson.

Not what you were looking for?

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