Getting your licence is one of the most exciting life experiences for many people. If you are wondering where to start, and how many professional driving lessons you will need, we’ll go through different scenarios below to ensure you have the right information and driving skills needed to succeed.
In Victoria, getting your licence involves more than just passing a test. It requires a structured approach to learning, practice and assessment. The number of driving lessons needed varies based on individual circumstances, previous experience, and the type of vehicle you intend to drive.
This guide outlines requirements for learner drivers, including the mandatory supervised driving hours, the role of driving lessons, and factors that influence driving readiness.
What is the minimum amount of supervised driving hours required?
In Victoria, learner drivers aged between 16 and 21 must complete a minimum of 120 hours of supervised driving experience on their learner’s licence before they can take the driving test to get their P-plates, which includes at least 20 hours of night driving.
These hours must be recorded in the myLearners app or an official learner driver log book, which is provided free of charge when you pass the learner permit test. Both the learner and the supervising driver must sign the logbook entries.
For drivers aged 21 and over, there is no minimum number of supervised driving hours required. However, accumulating driving experience is still beneficial for developing safe driving habits.
How driving lessons & professional driving instructors can help you become a better driver
While the 120 hours of supervised driving can be completed with a supervising driver, such as a parent, guardian or friend, formal driving lessons with a qualified instructor are highly recommended. These lessons provide structured learning, professional guidance and immediate feedback, which can accelerate the learning process and enhance driving skills. They also avoid the stress that can occur with learning from someone who isn’t used to teaching these skills.
How many driving lessons needed, varies from person to person. Some learners may require only a few lessons to grasp the basics, while others might need more extensive instruction to build confidence and competence. Factors influencing this include prior experience, learning ability and comfort behind the wheel. Everyone has a unique driving journey, and it’s important to understand where you are starting from, and work at your own pace.
Supervised driving experiences with family, friends & at school
Supervised driving can be undertaken with various individuals, not just accredited driving instructors. Learners can log hours with parents, older siblings, friends or even through high school programs. The key is that the supervising driver holds a full, valid driver’s licence and is seated beside the learner at all times.
School-based programs can assist young learners with access to virtual resources, basic vehicle maintenance classes or driving lessons. There are also some free, mentor-based programs that match learners under 21 with fully licensed volunteer mentors, providing both the vehicle and supervision needed to complete the required driving hours.
Factors influencing driving readiness
Several personal and environmental factors can impact how quickly a learner is ready for the driving test:
- Previous Driving Experience: Growing up on a farm or having access to private property can provide valuable driving practice. However, this experience may not be formally recognised unless documented in a logbook.
- Learning Ability: Some individuals may pick up driving skills more quickly than others, depending on their ability to process information and adapt to new tasks.
- Confidence Levels: Feeling confident behind the wheel is crucial. Lack of confidence can lead to hesitation and poor decision-making.
- Anxiety or Driving Phobias: Previous negative experiences or a fear of driving can hinder progress. In such cases, additional support may be necessary.
International drivers converting to an Australian licence
If you hold an international driver’s licence and wish to convert it to a Victorian licence, the requirements for getting a driver’s licence in Australia vary.
- Full Licence Holders: You may be eligible to convert your overseas licence without the need for a driving test, provided your licence is valid and in English.
- Learner Permit Holders: Before taking the driver’s test, you must pass the Victorian Learner Permit Test and complete 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours at night.
For international driver’s licence holders, there is less focus on learning basic concepts and safe driving skills, as these would have already been picked up while driving before coming to Australia. It’s about taking the time to understand road rules and potentially transitioning from left-hand drive to right-hand drive.
Automatic to manual transmission
If you learned to drive in an automatic vehicle in Australia, your licence will be restricted to driving automatic cars only. To drive a manual vehicle, you must pass a driving test in a manual car. This involves additional lessons to familiarise yourself with the gear changes and clutch control specific to manual transmission. For some drivers, this will be an easy transition, but for others, it may require quite a few hours of driving to master.
Assessing readiness for the drive test
Before booking your driver’s test, consider the following:
- Completion of 120 Hours: Ensure that you have logged at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours at night.
- Hazard Perception Test: This test assesses your ability to identify and respond to potential hazards on the road.
- Confidence and Skill Level: You should feel comfortable and confident in various driving conditions, including night driving, highway driving and adverse weather conditions.
- Vehicle Requirements: The vehicle used for the drive test must meet specific criteria, including being roadworthy and having no electronic or foot-operated park brake.
- Understanding the Road Rules: Aside from the skills required to drive a car, it’s imperative to learn to drive safely in traffic, abide by road rules and understand signage, roundabout rules and giving way.
Benefits of professional driving lessons
Professional lessons with a licensed driving instructor offer young drivers a structured and effective way to master driving techniques and become safe and confident drivers. A driving school provides professional instruction tailored to each learner’s pace, helping new drivers fine-tune vehicle control, gap selection, and steering wheel handling.
Most learners benefit from competency-based training, gaining valuable insights into safe driving practices and road rules, especially on busy roads and at traffic lights. Lessons with a qualified supervising driver can significantly boost a learner driver’s skills, often providing logbook credit toward the required hours.
While family members can offer support, professional instruction ensures learners are road test-ready, often on their first attempt. Many confident learners start with one instructor and later change instructors or add lessons online to match their driving goals. Professional lessons are key to becoming a skilled driver and earning a provisional licence.
Need assistance with getting your driver’s licence?
If you are a learner driver, transferring from an international licence, or need help obtaining a manual licence, Ready To Go Driving School is here to help. We have a number of driving packages that offer great value to get your skill level and hours of driving up, and our individual lessons start from $70. Get in touch today to find out more, or to book your first lesson with our instructors.
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