Learning to drive

Get the information you need to help your learner driver get their Victorian driver licence.

Did you know that in the first year of driving, the risk of young drivers crashing is almost four times higher than an experienced driver? That’s one scary statistic, but there are things you can do to minimise the chances of your loved one being involved in an avoidable accident.

The graduated licensing system (GLS) was introduced to help improve the road safety of younger drivers, who are over-represented in car crashes. The latest statistics show that 18% of drivers who lost their lives were aged between 18 and 25. This is a frightening statistic to consider, when this age group only represents around 10% of Victorian licence holders.

Factors contributing to this staggering road statistic include:

  • inexperience
  • poor decision-making
  • willingness to take risks whilst driving
  • the influence of peer passengers
  • alcohol and drug use.

The graduated licensing system involves:

  • learners logging 120 hours of supervised driving experience
  • completing a driving test
  • two-stage probationary licence
    • if you’re under 21 when you get your probationary licence, you’ll become a P1 licence holder (red P plates)
    • if you’re over 21 when you get your probationary licence, you’ll become a P2 licence holder (green P plates)
  • P1 & P2 driving restrictions (such as passenger restrictions and a ban on mobile phone use)
  • and more.

Find out more about young and new drivers at VicRoads.

Just as the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. By building experience in different conditions and locations, new drivers will be better prepared to drive on their own. Learner drivers under 21 need to log at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours of night driving.

Tips for achieving 120 hours

  • Think about the trips you already make together each week and schedule these as practice sessions and factor in a little more time for the journey.
  • Practice driving in a range of conditions to build their experience:
    • Weather conditions – dry, wet, stormy, foggy
    • Light conditions – daytime, night-time, dawn, dusk
    • Traffic conditions – light, moderate, heavy
    • Road types – residential, divided/undivided, freeways, highways, roads with trams, CBD Melbourne/regional centres, rural roads, gravel roads.  
  • Don’t try to tackle all aspects of driving at once. A staged approach to driving practice should be considered.

Learners need to be supervised by an experienced driver. To supervise a learner, you must have a current full driver licence (non-probationary). Supervising drivers must sit next to the learner at all times.

Tips for supervising drivers

  • Start each driving session with a review of what happened on the last drive.
  • Talk about the skills and conditions you’ll be tackling on your drive to help prepare them for what they will encounter.
  • Drive in less complex conditions until their confidence and competence improves.
  • Don’t introduce too many things too quickly.
  • Don't force your learner to drive at speeds faster than they feel comfortable with.
  • Get your learner to describe what they’re doing, planning to do, what they can see ahead and so on as they drive. This is called commentary driving and it helps the learner work through what they’re thinking and doing.
  • Dealing with hazards on the road can be stressful – don’t continue if you or the learner is upset. Stop and wait until everyone is calm.
  • Avoid using your phone when supervising. Keep focused on the learner and road at all times.
  • Phrase feedback constructively by using ‘I’ phrases, such as, “In a situation like this I would...”
  • Mistakes happen. Be mindful not to blame the driver and try to encourage them to learn from what happened.
  • When something goes wrong, ask your learner how they might’ve handled the situation differently.  

Even a couple of professional driving lessons can help a young driver develop good habits early. Professional instructors are up to speed on all the latest road rules and changes, are used to explaining manoeuvres, and have experience teaching young learners in a variety of conditions and situations.

The RACV Drive school promotes safe and confident drivers. Our accredited instructors provide individually tailored lessons to meet your driving goals. You can book a driving lesson by finding an instructor online or calling 1300 788 229.

  • VicRoads

    VicRoads Road to Solo Driving and learner kit has important road safety and road law information to prepare you for driving.
    Get your learner handbook

    The VicRoads L2P mentor program helps learners under 21 who don't have access to a supervising driver or car, to gain the driving experience needed to apply for a probationary licence.
    Join the L2P program

  • myLearners

    Learners no longer need to log their hours in a paper logbook, instead learners and supervisors can now log and track hours via the myLearners app.

    For more information and tips on becoming a safe driver, visit VicRoads or the myLearners website.