VicRoads allows you to apply for a learner permit when you’re 16.

Your original evidence of identity documents:

• At least one of the following “Category A” documents:
  • Australian photo drivers licence or learner permit photo card
  • Victorian marine licence photo card
  • Victorian firearm licence photo card
  • Victorian Security Guard/Crowd Controller photo card
  • Australian passport
  • overseas passport (If expired by no more than two years it is acceptable if accompanied by a current Australian visa (e.g. permanent residency or a temporary visa)
  • document of identity issued by the Passport Office (usually issued to travellers to Norfolk Island)
  • Australian police force officer photo identity card
  • consular photo identity card issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • full Australian birth certificate issued by a Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Note: Birth extracts and Commemorative birth certificates are not accepted.)
  • Australian naturalisation or citizenship certificate, or a Document for Travel to Australia or a Visa Evidence Card, or if after 1/04/2013 an ImmiCard, issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship or the Passport Office
  • NSW Photo Card (issued by NSW RMS after 14 December 2008).
  • birth card (issued by NSW RMS prior to August 2008)
  • Resolution of Status (RoS) visa (previously known as Temporary Protection Visa (TPV)/Temporary Humanitarian Visa (THV)
• At least one of the following “Category B” documents:
  • state or federal government employee photo ID card
  • medicare card
  • department of Veterans Affairs card
  • pensioner Concession card
  • current entitlement card issued by the Commonwealth.
  • student identity card
  • any Australian or overseas credit card or account card from a bank, building society or credit union
  • Working with Children Check card
  • Australian Proof of Age card
  • Australian Keypass card
  • Australian Defence Force photo identity card (excluding civilian staff)
  • passbook or bank account statement showing the institutions letterhead or stamp
  • telephone, gas or electricity bill showing the institutions letterhead or with a stamp
  • letters from ATO, Centrelink, Bank and Medicare showing institutions letterhead or stamp
  • water rates, council rates or land evaluation notice
  • electoral enrolment card or other evidence of enrolment
  • armed services discharge papers
  • current Victorian Driving Authority photo identity card
• If your Victorian residential address is not shown or is different on your Category A or Category B documents, you’ll also need evidence of Victorian residence:
  • contract of sale, lease, or rental document that shows your current address
  • current renewal notice for a driver licence or vehicle registration
  • Australian Taxation Office Assessment (last or current financial year)
  • a different Category A or Category B document that shows your current address.

A completed learner permit application form
Application fee

You can visit any local VicRoads office, or book an appointment online.

VicRoads office can be reached on 13 11 71 or online on https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/contact-us. You can also see a map of local offices at https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/contact-us/officelocations.

Sure, you’re welcome to bring whoever you’d like! But there aren’t any requirements about bringing anyone.

No, but you will be expected to fill out reports for any medical conditions you have that you think could have an effect on your driving ability.

Yes, you’ll have to take a vision test before you can start driving. You’ll have to prove that your visual acuity is at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale. Si if you wear glasses or contact lenses, you can (and should) wear them for this exam.

Most VicRoads offices can take your photo when you receive your permit or licence - but you can also get your photo taken at any shop that takes passport photos. Just tell them you want a driver licence photo, and they’ll know how to make sure it meets all the requirements.

No, you can wear any clothing you like! Just wear something you’d wear on a normal day.

Only if it covers your eyes or face. The point of this photo is to be able to identify you, so it needs to show your entire face clearly.

Sure! In fact, you can (and should) wear whatever type of makeup you’d wear on a usual day, since the idea of this photo is to make you easy to identify.

No, VicRoads doesn’t want any facial expression at all in your photo. This makes it easier to make sure the person in the photo is actually you.

Not really - just look straight-on into the camera and do your best to look relaxed.

The next step is to book an appointment to take your learner permit knowledge test. After you’ve passed that test, you’ll be issued a learner permit, which will be valid for 12 months. As long as you’re driving on a permit rather than a full licence, you must:

• carry your learner permit card or receipt at all times while driving
• display ‘L’ plates on the front and rear of the vehicle, visible from a distance of 20 metres
• be accompanied by an experienced driver holding a full (not probationary) driver licence at all times while driving
• keep a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at all times while driving
• not use a mobile phone, including hands free, hand held and any messaging while driving
• not tow a trailer or vehicle

The first place to check is our Beginner Driver Q & A Section, where you can ask your question and get an expert answer straight from our trained professionals! Or you can contact us directly: https://aussie-driver.com/contact-us/.

VicRoads names just one short book, and you’ll need to know it front-to-back: The Road To Solo Driving handbook.

Absolutely! Use the 3 FREE full VIC Learners Practice Tests right here on our website! Here’s the first one: VIC Learners Practice Test 1. Try to study for at least a few minutes, whenever you can get some time alone. Practise with our tests, and keep reviewing your Road To Solo Driving handbook until you know the whole thing by heart. As boring as that book might seem right now, it’s nowhere near as boring as resitting your knowledge test 4 or 5 times would be!

No, you don’t have to take any formal classes when you’re applying for your permit or licence. But VicRoads says that these classes really raise your chance of passing your driving exams on the first go.

Lots of places:

• from your local VicRoads office
• by calling VicRoads on (03) 8391 3255
• from the RACV, selected newsagencies, some libraries and other retail outlets
• online at https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/your-ls/your-learner-handbooks

Yes, the knowledge tests questions will come from all chapters of the handbook. But once you know that book back-to-front, you don’t need to study anything else for this test.

We’re working on one! It’ll be available in the app store soon, so keep watching for it. When it’s available, you’ll be able to practice your exams on the go!

The exact questions will differ from one test to another, but they cover topics such as alertness, attitude, hazard awareness, other types of vehicles, vehicle safety, vehicle handling, motorway rules, road and traffic signs, documents, accidents, vehicle loading, and vulnerable road users. Some other websites claim to offer sample test questions - but most of them will only give you a few questions for free, then ask for money for the full test. So instead of paying for those, use the 3 FREE full VIC Learners Practice Tests right here on our website - starting with the first one: VIC Learners Practice Test 1. Actual driving students use these tests to pass their learner permit knowledge tests every day.

You can find some practice tests on the VicRoads website: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/your-ls/get-your-ls/lpt. You can also use the 3 FREE full VIC Learners Practice Tests right here on our website - starting with the first one: VIC Learners Practice Test 1.

You’ll have to go to your local VicRoads office. Don’t forget to schedule an appointment by calling 13 11 71 or going online to https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/contact-us.

If you’ve studied your Road To Solo Driving handbook and worked on the practice tests, the only thing left to do is simply RELAX. Stay calm, stay positive, and you’ll probably do just fine.

How familiar are you with The Road to Solo Driving handbook? If you feel confident about your knowledge of the book, and you’re scoring fairly high on the practice test, then you’re probably ready. Try the VicRoads practice test and see how you score: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/your-ls/get-your-ls/lpt If you do well on that test, you’ll probably do well on the actual exam.

You’re feeling ready, so it’s time to get that test done! Just contact your local VicRoads office and schedule a test appointment, or book an appointment online!

You’ll have to apply to VicRoads. Call 13 11 71 or go online to https://billing.vicroads.vic.gov.au/bookings to schedule your appointment.

VicRoads will let you apply for a learner permit as soon as you’re 16.

Your original evidence of identity documents:

• At least one of the following “Category A” documents:
  • Australian photo drivers licence or learner permit photo card.
  • Victorian marine licence photo card.
  • Victorian firearm licence photo card.
  • Victorian Security Guard/Crowd Controller photo card.
  • Australian passport.
  • An overseas passport (If expired by no more than two years it is acceptable if accompanied by a current Australian visa (e.g. permanent residency or a temporary visa).
  • Document of identity issued by the Passport Office (usually issued to travellers to Norfolk Island).
  • Australian police force officer photo identity card.
  • Consular photo identity card issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
  • Full Australian birth certificate issued by a Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Note: Birth extracts and Commemorative birth certificates are not accepted).
  • Australian naturalisation or citizenship certificate, or a Document for Travel to Australia or a Visa Evidence Card, or if after 1/04/2013 an ImmiCard, issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship or the Passport Office (read note 1).
  • NSW Photo Card (issued by NSW RMS after 14 December 2008).
  • Birth card (issued by NSW RMS prior to August 2008).
  • Resolution of Status (RoS) visa (previously known as Temporary Protection Visa (TPV)/Temporary Humanitarian Visa (THV).
• At least one of the following “Category B” documents:
  • State or federal government employee photo ID card.
  • Medicare card.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs card.
  • Pensioner Concession card.
  • Current entitlement card issued by the Commonwealth.
  • Student identity card.
  • Any Australian or overseas credit card or account card from a bank, building society or credit union.
  • Working with Children Check card.
  • Australian Proof of Age card.
  • Australian Keypass card.
  • Australian Defence Force photo identity card (excluding civilian staff).
  • passbook or bank account statement showing the institutions letterhead or stamp
  • telephone, gas or electricity bill showing the institutions letterhead or with a stamp
  • letters from ATO, Centrelink, Bank and Medicare showing institutions letterhead or stamp.
  • water rates, council rates or land evaluation notice
  • electoral enrolment card or other evidence of enrolment
  • Armed services discharge papers
  • current Victorian Driving Authority photo identity card.
• If your Victorian residential address is not shown or is different on your Category A or Category B documents, you’ll also need evidence of Victorian residence:
  • contract of sale, lease, or rental document that shows your current address
  • current renewal notice for a driver licence or vehicle registration
  • Australian Taxation Office Assessment (last or current financial year)
  • a different Category A or Category B document that shows your current address.

A completed learner permit application form
Application fee

If you pass your learner permit knowledge test, you must pay a $22.50 fee to get your learner permit. If you don’t pass, you won’t have to pay.

You don’t have to bring anyone, but you’re welcome to bring anyone you like.

VicRoads names just one short book, and you’ll need to know it front-to-back: The Road To Solo Driving handbook.

There are a total of 32 questions on the test.

You’ll have to correctly answer 25 questions (78%) to pass.

You’ll have to miss fewer than 7 questions.

One of the most common mistakes is rushing through questions. None of the questions will be designed to trick you, but some of them will require you to think a little. Just take your time, read each questions carefully, and choose the answer that sounds the most like what the handbook would say.

No, you can’t have any study materials with you during the test. It’s designed to make sure you know that handbook by heart.

Yes. Part of the process is submitting to a quick test that’ll check your blood for evidence of alcohol and drug use. You’ll need to pass the drug test in order to get your permit.

Every office offers the same test, and no office is an easier than any other. But the truth is that if you’ve mastered the handbook, the test won’t be very difficult for you.

Take a look at all the success stories on our website! All these are written by real students who passed their knowledge tests with the help of our practice tests.

Nothing too bad - VicRoads will simply require you to wait at least 28 working days before taking your test again.

VicRoads will require you to wait at least 28 working days before you can take your test again. Since you don’t want to keep taking the test again and again, it’s smart to use those 28 days to sharpen your skills - so study your handbook and practise with the tests on the VicRoads website: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/your-ls/get-your-ls/lpt - as well as the 3 FREE Victoria practice tests offered right here on our website: https://aussie-driver.com/victoria/.

As long as you’re driving on a permit rather than a full licence, you must:

• carry your learner permit card or receipt at all times while driving
• display ‘L’ plates on the front and rear of the vehicle, visible from a distance of 20 metres
• be accompanied by an experienced driver holding a full (not probationary) driver licence at all times while driving
• keep a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at all times while driving
• not use a mobile phone, including hands free, hand held and any messaging while driving
• not tow a trailer or vehicle

You can drive on any road you want, as long as you:

• carry your learner permit card or receipt at all times while driving
• display ‘L’ plates on the front and rear of the vehicle, visible from a distance of 20 metres
• are accompanied by an experienced driver holding a full (not probationary) driver licence at all times while driving
• keep a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at all times while driving
• don’t use a mobile phone, including hands free, hand held and any messaging while driving
• don’t tow a trailer or vehicle

Great work! You studied, you practised, and you passed!
Now you’ve got to complete at least 120 hours of supervised driving - including at least 10 hours at night - during which you must keep a learner log book to show VicRoads when you’re finished.
If you need help finding a supervisor driver or a vehicle to practice with, the L2P learner driver mentor program can match you up with both. Once you’ve completed your supervised driving period, you’ll be able to apply to take your final licence test.

You should know that the driver licence test consists of 2 parts:

• A hazard perception test, where you’ll have to identify as many hazards as possible in a series of 28 short videos
• A drive test, where you’ll have to demonstrate your ability to perform a pre-drive check in an actual vehicle, and drive safely on the road.
• You’ll need pass the hazard perception test in order to take the drive test.
• You’ll need to book 2 separate test appointments - one appointment for your hazard perception test and a second appointment for your drive test.

For both these tests, you’ll want to review all the techniques and situations described in the Road to Solo Driving handbook.
For the drive test in particular, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with all the components of your vehicle, and make sure you can safely perform basic driving maneuvres like turning, stopping, changing lanes, parking, and merging into traffic.

Anywhere you like, as long as you have an experienced driver in the car with you. The best approach is to start with streets you know really well, then work your way out from there.

Because that’s exactly what the driving test will test - your ability to drive! But beyond that, the more you practice driving, the safer a driver you’ll be - and that’s good news for you, and for anyone else who’s in the car with you.

The best approach is to start with streets you know really well, then work your way out from there. You might also consider signing up for a driving course, which is easy to find in the Yellow Pages, or with a quick Google search. The more behind-the-wheel practice you get, the better you’ll do on your test.

It’s a two-part exam that’ll be testing your ability to drive safely and accurately.
First you’ll take the hazard perception test, which is a 45-minute computer-based test that you can only take at VicRoads Customer Service Centre. For this test, you’ll watch a series of 28 short videos (about 30 second each) and identify as many safety hazards as possible. You must score 54% or higher in order to pass this part.
Once you’ve passed your hazard perception test, you’ll be allowed to take the drive test, where you’ll prove that you know how to operate a vehicle safely. This test consists of the following 3 sections:

• A pre-drive check, where you’ll demonstrate your ability to:
  • Identify and operate the following vehicle controls:
    • indicators
    • windscreen washer and wipers
    • horn
    • headlights (high and low beam)
    • hazard lights
    • brake lights
  • Identify the handbrake
  • Identify but not operate the following vehicle controls:
    • windscreen demister
    • rear window demister (where fitted)
  • Start the engine
• If you pass the pre-drive check, you’ll move on to on-road driving - stage one, where you’ll have to:
  • Start and stop the vehicle
  • Make left and right turns at intersections
  • Change lanes
  • Reverse park
  • Make a three point-turn
• If you pass stage one, you’ll move on to on-road driving - stage two, which is conducted in busier traffic, and will require you to:
  • Drive in busy traffic
  • Change lanes
  • Merge with other traffic
  • Drive on straight and curved roads

Not too hard, as long as you’ve gotten enough driving practice. Lots of people who fail the test aren’t actually bad drivers - they just get nervous about the test, so they make mistakes they wouldn’t make normally. You can avoid falling into this trap by keeping the test in perspective - it only lasts about an hour, and all you’ve got to do is drive safely and correctly. Your instructor will probably want to see you pass, so just be careful and follow instructions, and you’ll be fine!

Just like with your learner permit knowledge test, the best thing to do the night before your driver licence test is simply to stay calm. If you’re looking for confidence boost, take a look at this article - although it’s about American driving tests, it still has some tips you might like: 7 Things NOT To Do The Night Before Your DMV Test.

VicRoads offers free online booking systems for the hazard test and for the drive test. Or if you like, you can call VicRoads Registration and Licensing Enquiries at 13 11 71.

You’ll be taking the test at your local VicRoads office.

Yes, you have to bring your own car. The vehicle must:

• be registered, in roadworthy condition, and clean
• have a working primary speedometer (as fitted by the manufacturer). The entire speedometer must be easily visible to the testing officer from the front and rear passenger seat. A supplementary display unit, excluding one that is GPS based can be used.
• have both driver and passenger side mirrors
• have a windscreen demister and a functioning rear window demister (where fitted)
• have a seatbelt for all occupants
• be able to maintain a comfortable temperature
• be fitted with ‘L’ plates
• be capable of having the headlights (low beam) turned on during the drive test
• be fitted with a centrally mounted handbrake that the licence testing officer can operate if required. Vehicles fitted with electric or foot operated park brakes cannot be used for solo tests (this is not required if a driving instructor is in the front passenger seat)
• be of a body type that allows each person to be able to exit the vehicle from a door directly beside them during the drive test
• have normal manual transmission if you want a manual driver licence issued

The drive test is the second part of the driver licence test. The first part of the driver licence test is the hazard perception test, which you must pass before you can take your drive test.
You must book an appointment for your hazard test, and then book a separate appointment for your drive test.

No, you can’t bring anyone else with you during the test. For one hour, it’ll be just you and the examiner in the car - and then you’ll be allowed to drive with anyone you like!

All you can do is drive safely, carefully, and accurately. The examiner will be watching to make sure you’re watching for pedestrians, checking traffic, and using your mirrors. Throughout the test, he or she will be watching your performance in all the following areas:

• Observation
• Signal use
• Gap selection
• Speed choice
• Following distance
• Lateral position
• Stop position
• Parking
• Three-point turns
• Overall control of the vehicle

The most important thing to remember is that you’re trying to prove you’re a safe driver. That means following the rules of the road, watching carefull for pedestrians and other vehicles, and using all the other skills you’ve learned in your driving practice. Don’t forget to:

• Fasten your seatbelt
• Adjust your mirrors when you first get in the car
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel
• Watch your mirrors when merging into traffic
• Stop at red lights, stop signs, and crosswalks

A lot of people make small errors, and those won’t disqualify you - but some people make major errors that end the test right away. Here are some things you should always avoid doing:

• Running a red light
• Hitting the brake or the gas too hard
• Driving more than 5 km/h over or under the speed limit
• Forgetting to check your mirrors
• Following too closely behind other vehicles
• Not driving defensively

The drive test consists of 4 sections:

• An eyesight check, where you’ll demonstrate that you have visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary).
• A pre-drive check, where the examiner will ask you to:
  • Identify and operate the following vehicle controls:
    • indicators
    • windscreen washer and wipers
    • horn
    • headlights (high and low beam)
    • hazard lights
    • brake lights
  • Identify the handbrake
  • Identify but not operate the following vehicle controls:
    • windscreen demister
    • rear window demister (where fitted)
  • Start the engine
• If you pass the pre-drive check, you’ll move on to on-road driving - stage one, where you’ll have to:
  • Start and stop the vehicle
  • Make left and right turns at intersections
  • Change lanes
  • Reverse park
  • Make a three point-turn
• If you pass stage one, you’ll move on to on-road driving - stage two, which is conducted in busier traffic, and will require you to:
  • Drive in busy traffic
  • Change lanes
  • Merge with other traffic
  • Drive on straight and curved roads

Yes, if you normally wear glasses or contacts, you should definitely wear them during your drive test.

No, you won’t have to take any other exams again.

No, VicRoads will let you redo the drive test as many times as you need to within the 12 months until your learner permit expires. However, you’ll have to wait 28 business days before you can try the test again.

One of the most common reasons that people develop a fear for driving is that they were involved in an accident at some point in their lives. Our brains are smart enough to learn from traumatic experiences, so many people who’ve been in an accident just avoid driving altogether. But you don’t have to be afraid of driving - and websites like www.fear-of-driving.org can help you tackle your fear, and learn to become a safer driver as a result of it.

Excellent! You did it! Your examiner will give you a pass certificate, and you can start driving right away. You’ll get your in the mail in about 2 weeks.
Now you’ll enter a two-stage probationary period:

• First you’ll have P1 (red P plates) for one year.
• Then you’ll have P2 (green P plates) for three years.

You should know the average speed limits: 30 km/h in some busy areas, 50 km/h in most open areas within towns, and 100 km/h in rural areas - unless other speed limits are posted.
Watch out for bikeways (bicycle lanes), which are only for bicycle riders, and not for cars. You can get a serious penalty if you drive in one of these lanes, so take care not to drive in one.
NEVER drink and drive, because, for one thing, it isn’t safe; and for another, it’ll cause you to instantly lose that licence you’ve worked so hard to get. DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) is taken very seriously in Victoria.

Yes, VicRoads requires all drivers to have third-party car insurance. The idea is that if you’re involved in an accident, this insurance will cover damage to third parties - pedestrians, vehicles, property, and so on. But this insurance won’t cover the cost of repairing your own vehicle if it’s damaged - so you may want to look into getting some more comprehensive coverage too, just in case.

The only things you’ll need are a car and a driver licence.

It really depends on your situation, but here are some of the most common factors that’ll influence the rate you pay:

• your age
• how many people your policy covers
• which kind of car you have
• how your driving record looks

It really depends on your situation, including factors like your age, the number of people your policy covers, the kind of car you have, and how your driving record looks. You’re going to have to do some research and determine which company offers a policy that’s best for your individual needs. But here are some general points to keep in mind:

• Some insurance companies offer student discounts.
• Some of the less-famous car insurance companies offer competitive deals.
• You’ll get a lower rate if you drive a car that’s in a low-risk insurance group.

Do some research, narrow down your choices, and then just start contacting companies. You’ll figure it out pretty quickly with a little practice - especially now that so many companies offer automatic online rate-comparison applications.

For a good reason: About 50% of drivers under age 20 have an accident or a major traffic violation within the first year they drive. A large number of novice drivers, for example, tend to speed - and speeding creates dangerous conditions where accidents tend to happen. That makes new drivers a high insurance risk, which makes insurance companies less eager to carry them. After a few years with a clean driving record, you’ll see your rates start to drop.

VicRoads will let you retake your driver licence test as many times as you have to within the 12 months until your learner permit expires. However, you do need to wait 28 business days before you’ll be able to take the test again.

The very first thing you should do is get specific feedback from your examiner, and find out what areas you need to improve. Study and practise, because you’ll be waiting for at least 28 business days before you can take the test again. After that point, you can pay the fee again, make a new appointment, and give the test another go.

VicRoads allows you to apply in a variety of different ways. You can apply online, by telephone, by mail, or in person at a VicRoads customer service centre.

All you’ll need is the account reference on your renewal notice, the renewal fee, and a current passport-sized photo if you need to update your picture.

No, you won’t have to - unless your eye doctor says otherwise.

If you hold an interstate or New Zealand licence and plan to move to Victoria, VicRoads requires you to convert your licence to a Victorian equivalent. You can do this only at VicRoads Customer Service Centre. At your appointment:

• VicRoads will verify your interstate licence details with the State/Territory
• following verification you will be issued with a Victorian licence, provided with a receipt to use until your card is received in the mail
• your interstate licence will be destroyed
• your Victorian driver licence will keep the same expiry date as your interstate driver licence
• no fees apply for an interstate driver licence conversion to a Victorian driver licence

If you hold an interstate or New Zealand learner permit and plan to move to Victoria, VicRoads requires you to convert your learner permit to a Victorian equivalent. You can do this only at VicRoads Customer Service Centre. At your appointment:

• VicRoads will verify your interstate learner permit details with the State/Territory
• following verification you will be issued with a Victorian learner permit, provided with a receipt to use until your card is received in the mail
• your interstate learner permit card will be destroyed
• your Victorian learner permit will have a new 10 year duration and a motorcycle learner permit will have a new 15 month duration
• no fees apply for an interstate learner permit conversion to a Victorian learner permit

If you’ve entered Victoria on a temporary visa:

• You’re not required to get a Victorian driver licence and/or learner permit.
• You’re allowed to drive using your current overseas driver licence for the length of your stay.
• Your driver licence has to be in English, or accompanied by an English translation or international driving permit.
• However, you can’t use a learner permit from overseas to drive in Victoria. To get a Victorian learner permit, you’ll have to take a road law knowledge test at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

The best place to check for answers is the VicRoads website: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au.

You can start driving when you turn 16, as long as you have a learner permit, and there’s a licenced driver aged 21 or older in the car with you. However, you can’t drive on your own in Victoria until you’ve gotten your full driver licence.

If you’re under 21 and driving with a permit or a provisional licence, the legal limit is 0.00%. In other words, you will get your permit or licence taken away if you’re caught driving with any alcohol in your bloodstream. After that point, you are in criminal violation if your blood alcohol content is 0.05% or higher. So don’t drink and drive. It’s a quick way to lose your license... or worse.

Defensive driving just means keeping a lookout for what’s going on around you. It means watching for danger, being aware of yourself and your vehicle, and planning your driving moves a few seconds ahead of time. Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations, defines defensive driving as “driving to save lives, time and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others”. This is very important, because studies have found that 90% of accidents happen as a result of driver errors.
A lot of driver’s education courses teach defensive driving - but here are some tips for starting to drive defensively right now:

• Don’t follow the vehicle in front of you too closely.
• Check your mirrors, and know what’s going on around and behind your vehicle.
• Don’t speed, and pay attention to speed limit signs.
• Leave plenty of room for pedestrians and other vehicles to maneuvre.
• Never expect anyone else to be driving defensively!

It happens for all kinds of personal reasons. Some people are just afraid of driving; others have someone else to drive for them; others don’t want the expense of maintaining a car. If you’re curious about why a certain person doesn’t have a driver licence, just ask them!