What you need to know about Victorian driver's licences
A Victorian driver's licence is issued by VicRoads, the state authority that manages road transport in Victoria. You need one to drive legally in Victoria, and you'll also use it as proof of identity for many everyday tasks — opening a bank account, renting a property, or collecting a parcel. The licence shows your name, date of birth, address, driving conditions or restrictions, and your photo.
Victoria has different licence classes depending on what you want to drive: a car licence (Class C) is the most common, but there are separate classes for motorcycles, heavy vehicles, and passenger vehicles. Your first licence will be a probationary licence if you're a new driver, which comes with restrictions for the first few years.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore for a Victorian driver's licence through VicRoads online, by mail, or in person at a VicRoads office or service centre.
- You must be at least 18 years old to hold a full car licence, though you can get a probationary licence at 18 if you've held a learner's permit for at least 12 months.
- Your process will need proof of identity, proof of your current address, and evidence of your driving history if you've held a licence elsewhere.
- Renewal happens every five years for a full licence, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your circumstances.
- If your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can report it to VicRoads and request a replacement through the same channels.
Getting your first Victorian driver's licence
Before you can hold a full licence in Victoria, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least 12 months. The learner's permit is issued by VicRoads once you pass the written knowledge test and meet the age requirement (usually 16 years old). During this time, you can only drive with a supervising driver who holds a full licence and is seated next to you.
Once you've held your learner's permit for the required time and passed your practical driving test, you can explore for a probationary licence. This is your first full licence, and it comes with restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (with some exceptions), you must display P-plates, and you cannot tow a trailer. These restrictions last for three years from the date you get your probationary licence.
To explore for a probationary licence, you'll need to provide proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or rental agreement), and your learner's permit. You can submit your process online through the VicRoads website, by mail, or in person at a VicRoads office.
Renewing your Victorian driver's licence
Your Victorian driver's licence is valid for five years from the date it's issued. VicRoads will send you a renewal notice about two months before your licence expires, telling you how to renew and what documents you'll need.
You can renew your licence online through the VicRoads website if your circumstances haven't changed significantly — for example, if your name, address, and medical status are all the same. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes only a few minutes. If your address has changed or you need to update other details, you may need to renew by mail or in person.
If you renew by mail, you'll send your renewal form and documents to VicRoads, and your new licence will be posted to you. If you renew in person, you can visit a VicRoads office or an authorised service centre (such as some post offices or council offices) with your renewal notice and proof of identity.
What documents you'll need
The documents you need depend on whether you're explore for a new licence or renewing an existing one, and whether your personal details have changed.
For a new licence process, you'll need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate), proof of your current address (a utility bill, rental agreement, or council rates notice), and your learner's permit. If you've held a licence in another state or country, bring evidence of that too — VicRoads can transfer your driving history.
For renewal, you'll need your renewal notice (sent by VicRoads), your current licence, and proof of identity. If your address has changed, you'll also need proof of your new address. If you've changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or deed poll.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged licence
If your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact VicRoads as soon as possible. You can report it online through the VicRoads website, by phone, or in person at a VicRoads office. When you report it, you'll need to provide your licence number (if you know it) and details of what happened.
Once you've reported it, you can request a replacement licence. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. A replacement licence costs a fee (the amount varies depending on how you explore and how quickly you need it). If your licence was stolen, keep the report number — you may need it for insurance or other purposes.
If your licence was damaged but you still have it, you can send it to VicRoads with your replacement request. If it was lost or stolen, you'll just need to provide your details and proof of identity.
Updating your details on your licence
If your name, address, or other details change, you need to update your licence. You can do this online through the VicRoads website for some changes (such as a change of address), or you may need to visit a VicRoads office in person for others (such as a name change).
For a change of address, you can update it online if your licence is still valid. You'll need to provide your new address and proof of it (such as a utility bill). For a name change, you'll need to visit a VicRoads office or authorised service centre with your current licence and proof of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or deed poll).
If your medical circumstances change — for example, if you develop a condition that affects your ability to drive — you must tell VicRoads. You may need to provide a medical report from your doctor. Failing to report a change in your medical status can result in your licence being cancelled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Victorian driver's licence?
Processing times vary depending on how you explore and whether your process is complete. Online applications are usually processed within a few business days. Mail applications can take two to four weeks. In-person applications at a VicRoads office are often processed on the same day, though you may need to wait for your photo to be taken and your licence printed.
Can I drive interstate with my Victorian licence?
Yes, your Victorian driver's licence is recognised in all Australian states and territories. You can drive in any state with your Victorian licence as long as it's valid and you follow that state's road rules. If you move to another state permanently, you'll eventually need to get a licence in that state, but you can usually drive on your Victorian licence for a period while you're establishing residency.
What happens if my licence expires while I'm overseas?
Your licence remains valid for five years from the date it was issued, regardless of where you are. However, if you're overseas when it expires, you should renew it before you return to Australia. You can renew by mail before you leave, or contact VicRoads to arrange renewal while you're away. Driving on an expired licence in Victoria is illegal.
Do I need to take another test if I renew my licence?
No, you don't need to take a driving test to renew your licence. However, if your licence has been cancelled or suspended, or if you've had a serious traffic offence, VicRoads may require you to pass a test before your licence can be restored or reissued.
What's the difference between a probationary and a full licence?
A probationary licence is your first full licence after passing your driving test. It comes with restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you must display P-plates, and you cannot tow a trailer. After three years, your probationary licence automatically becomes a full licence with no restrictions. A full licence has no time-of-day restrictions, no P-plate requirement, and you can tow a trailer if your licence class allows it.