The Drive Test is made up of a pre-drive check and two parts of on-road driving. You will only progress to the second part if you pass the first part.

 

The video below shows key aspects of the Drive Test. The driving isn’t perfect, but it will give you a good idea of what to expect during the test:

VicRoads Drive Test (low speed internet connection) (Windows media file, 6MB)

 

Pre-drive check
You must be able to start the engine, know where the controls listed below are and know how to use them. If any of these controls don’t work

properly your test cannot continue.

 

• Indicators
• Wiper/washer controls
• Horn
• Headlights (high and low beam)
• Hazard lights
• Demister
• Handbrake
• Brake light
  
  

During the test you must keep your vehicle’s headlights on low beam, turn off any speed warning devices and turn off the cruise control.

First part – basic driving ability

The first part is designed to assess your safety as a driver in less challenging conditions. You will spend about ten minutes driving then stop the car while the licence test officer calculates your score. If you do anything unsafe, the drive test will be terminated and you will fail. Read more about how your driving is assessed.

The testing officer will give you simple, clear instructions during the test (eg. at the next street, turn right). You must follow their instructions and show that you can drive safely and efficiently. If you’re unsure of an instruction, ask for it to be repeated.

The first part may include:

• starting and stopping the car
• left and right at intersections
• changing lanes
• reverse parking
• doing a three point-turn.
  
  

Talk to your driving instructor or supervising driver if you’re unsure about how to do these.

Second part – driving on busier roads

If you pass the first part you will progress to the second part. The second part is conducted in busier traffic. It is designed to assess your ability to safely execute normal, day-to-day driving tasks.  It will take about 20 minutes to complete.

The testing officer will give you simple, clear instructions during the test (eg. at the next street, turn right). You must follow their instructions and show that you can drive safely and efficiently. If you’re unsure of an instruction, ask for it to be repeated.

Part two may include:

• Driving in busy traffic
• Changing lanes
• Merging with other traffic
• Driving on straight and curved roads.
  
  

If you do anything unsafe, the drive test will be stopped and you will fail. Read more about how your driving is assessed.

Feedback about your results

The licence testing officer will give you feedback whether you pass or fail. You will be told if there are areas of your driving that need improvement.

If you fail, this feedback could help you in your next attempt. If you didn’t do well on one or two aspects of the test, you will know which areas to focus on and practice before your next attempt.  If you pass, this feedback will help you to become a safer driver.

Causes of failing could include:

• Creating a dangerous situation
• making serious errors during the test
• showing a pattern of risky behaviour.
  
  

Feedback like this suggests that you need more practice. People develop safe driving skills at different rates. Some learners need more practice than others before they are ready for the test.

Use the feedback for safer driving

You will receive feedback whether you pass or fail. In your first year of solo driving, there is a higher risk of crashing.  Use the feedback you get after your Drive Test to develop safer driving skills.  Don’t ignore the feedback just because you pass the test!