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Drive Test checklist (multiple languages)

The Drive Test assesses the safe driving behaviours expected of learner drivers in a range of driving situations. Use the checklist to determine if you are ready to attempt the Drive Test.

New distracted driver road rules

From 31 March 2023 changes to road rules apply regarding the use of portable, wearable, inbuilt, and mounted devices while driving a vehicle or riding a motorbike. Penalties apply for the use of these devices and for seatbelt related offences that are now detectable by cameras. You can download a summary of changes here Distracted Driver Road Rules 2023 [PDF 409 Kb] or learn more using the link below.

It is possible for a well prepared learner driver to fail the drive test if they are unable to demonstrate the required safe, legal driving behaviours during the drive test. Any unsafe driving errors and illegal behaviours are treated seriously in the drive test.

The VicRoads Drive Test has been developed to assess the safe driving behaviours expected of learner drivers who have accrued at least 120 hours of driving experience in a range of driving situations.

Licence applicants who pass the drive test will have demonstrated that they can drive safely and legally. in the day-to-day driving activities assessed in the test.

Unsafe driving errors and illegal behaviours are treated seriously in the drive test, and it is possible for a well-prepared learner to fail the test if they are unable to demonstrate the required safe, legal driving behaviours during the test.

If you can tick all of the items in the following checklist, you are ready to attempt the test.

Please note: this checklist is a guide only. You should also read the full list in the Guide for Learners, which is part of the Learner Kit.

You are ready to attempt the new test if:

  • You have at least 120 hours of on-road supervised driving experience in a variety of traffic,road, and driving conditions, including experience in the wet, on high-speed roads and at least 20 hours at night.*
  • You can perform day-to-day driving tasks safely on different types of roads, including busy roads, multilane roads, roads with different speed zones, and in a range of traffic conditions.
  • You can perform day-to-day driving tasks safely without the assistance of your supervising driver or instructor. That is, you can drive independently and make your own safe driving decisions.

* If your learner permit was issued PRIOR to 1 November 2017, you are only required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of night time driving.

You consistently demonstrate the following safe driving behaviours while driving in different traffic conditions:

  • Observation – you are aware of other road users and road conditions at all times, using head checks and mirrors as well as looking ahead of your car and observing behind your car when demonstrating low speed manoeuvres
  • Signal use – you communicate your intentions to other road users by using your signals correctly
  • Gap selection – you choose the first safe gap when moving into traffic
  • Speed choice – you always drive under the speed limit but not too slowly – that is, you choose a safe, efficient speed depending on traffic and road conditions
  • Following distance – you always leave a safe distance in front of your car
  • Lateral position – you choose the safest lane to drive in, steer a smooth path, and always stay within your own lane
  • Stop Position – you stop your car fully in the correct position when at Stop signs, traffic signals, and pedestrian crossings
  • control – you are in full control of the car at all times and can drive smoothly

You can perform the following actions safely and legally in a range of traffic conditions:

  • Right and left turns at different types of intersections
  • Lane changes to the left and the right
  • Merging with other traffic
  • Reverse parallel parking and a three point turn
  • Driving along straight or curved roads in different traffic conditions

You can drive in different traffic and road conditions without committing any serious safety errors such as:

  • Colliding with the kerb when driving
  • Causing a near miss with other cars or road users
  • Exceeding the speed limit at any time
  • Causing other road users to avoid a collision by failing to signal, observe, or give way
  • Driving through a Stop sign or red traffic light
  • Stopping the car in an unsafe position
  • Driving too slowly for the conditions
  • Failing to look or signal
  • Blocking a pedestrian crossing
  • Allowing a wheel to mount the kerb when parking or leaving a parking space
  • Failing to come to a complete stop, in the correct position, at a Stop sign
  • A serious safety error could result in immediate termination of the test and a fail being recorded

Other languages available

The checklist is available in the following languages:

Changes to overseas driver licences

From 1 September 2015, if you fail a VicRoads practical driving test you'll no longer be able to drive in Victoria using your overseas driver licence.

More information on the changes to overseas driver licence rules