After living in Australia for some time, have you found out how time-consuming it is to rely on public transportation in Australia? If you want to go out by public transportation, you will face long waiting times and may not be on time, have few stops, be far away from home, and have other crazy problems. Therefore, many Chinese people who work or study in Australia plan to buy a car, but first, you must get an Australian driver’s license!
Because Australia is a federal state, each state’s laws are different. To get a driver’s license, you must go to the state where the application is. Australia’s state driver’s license regulations follow the same procedure. Today, I will take Victoria as an example.
Australian Driver’s License Classification
Australia’s driver’s license classification: there are four levels of driver’s license: L plate, red P, green P, and full license.
L license
A leaner license is a beginner’s license. Suppose you belong to the people who just started learning to drive without any other country’s driver’s license. In that case, you must first go to the nearby RTA appointment or log in online to book a traffic rules test (the test is a machine test). After passing the test, you can get a learner’s license, and at the same time, you will get a logbook. Specific requirements are as follows:
Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
Take the written test of Australian road rules. After passing the test, you can get a Learner license known as an “L license”.
A license can be used to learn how to drive a vehicle on the road, but it can not be used alone. They must meet the conditions of the O license holder to sit next to the beginner supervisor and monitor the driving habits of their guidance.
Beginners need to pay attention to the following points:
Beginners must drive a vehicle that is road-legal and meets safety inspection requirements.
A yellow Beginner’s License Plate is placed on the front and rear windshields of the vehicle.
The supervisor must sit in the passenger seat.
If the beginner is under 25, the supervisor is not allowed to use a cell phone during supervision.
No alcohol or drugged driving
Red P (Provisional P1 License)
P1 driver’s license is red, with a learner’s license must be accompanied by a fully licensed person to drive in a variety of road situations, at least 120 hours of driving lessons, need to have a fully licensed person to sign the log book, before being allowed to carry out the back of the road test. The red P-book (Provisional P1) is issued to 17-25-year-olds and requires a red P sign on the front and rear of the car when driving.
If the beginner is under 25 years old:
A supervisor must record one hundred hours of driving practice time in a Log Book.
You can apply for a road test only after collecting 100 hours and holding the L license for 12 months.
After passing the road test, a P1 license will be issued.
With this license, the holder can drive alone but needs to strictly abide by the restrictions and requirements of the P1 license, such as:
Carrying only one family member under the age of 21 who is not his/her own between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am.
Display the P1 logo on the front and rear windshields
You may not drive a vehicle that does not match the requirements of your license
No driving under the influence of drugs
Have a blood alcohol content of 0
If the beginner is 25 or older:
You can apply for the road test as you see fit. There is no limit of 100 hours of practice time or 12 months of holding an L-plate
After passing the road test, you will get a P2 license directly and will not have a P1 license.
Green P (Provisional P2)
Green P book (Provisional P2) is issued to drivers over 25 years old driving in front of and behind the car to show the green P sign, also known as the green P. If you hold a P1 license, after one year of holding a P1 license, you must complete a hazard perception test online. After passing the test, you will get a P2 license plate
After getting a P2 license, the licensee can drive alone but needs to strictly follow the restrictions and requirements of the P2 license, for example:
Display the P2 logo on the front and rear windshields
Do not drive a vehicle that does not meet the requirements of the license.
No driving under the influence of drugs
having a blood alcohol content of 0
No more than four demerit points in a year
Full License
You can get an unrestricted full license after passing the DQT test.
Australia test driving license process summary:
Exam: L license—learn to drive more than 120 hours—test red P—at least 12 months—test green P—at least 24 months—test FL (Full License). That is to say, you must have had a full license for over three years to get one in Australia.
Next, I will take Melbourne, Victoria as an example, and organize the whole process of Australian driver’s license test in detail. Specifically divided into holding a Chinese driver’s license and not holding a Chinese driver’s license Chinese friends in Australia test detailed guide.
Australian Driving License Test Detailed Process
Without a Chinese Driver’s License
1. Written Test – Learner Permit
Enrollment method
Online Appointment
Call to register
Apply on-site
For example, if you are at least 16, bring your ID and prove that you live in Victoria. Then, get a vision test (you can wear glasses), fill out a driver’s license application form, and go online to make an appointment for the Learning Test.
Recommended websites for the written test:
Written Test Appointment Website: https://billing.vicroads.vic.gov.au/bookings/Learner/TermsAndConditions Payment is made with a valid credit card after the appointment, and the cost of the test is 43.6 (October 2019 price, subject to change from year to year).
Written test practice questions website: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/your-ls/get-your-ls/lpt
The driver’s license manual can be downloaded at the following website: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/your-ls/your-learner-handbooks. The test covers the complete traffic regulations, which are available in Chinese.
Victoria Melbourne Roads Authority written test traffic rules simulation question bank Practice learner permit knowledge test: VicRoads There are multiple sets of questions to simulate the written test. You must be familiar with the
Getting an L license
If you pass the test, you must pay $24.20 for a learner permit card. In Australia, you can’t drive on the road alone with L license, you must sit beside someone who has Full permit every time you drive on the road.
Notes:
The official L license card will be sent to you ten days after you pass the written test. After you get the L license card, you can start practising officially. Adults with O license cards must accompany you when you practice and display the L license card at the front and rear of the car.
When practising, the Transportation Bureau will give you a log book, on which we need to fill in all the information about the practice, including license plate number, name of the accompanying driver, driver’s license number, place of departure and termination, kilometres, and time.
Learning to Drive over 120 Hours
This stage requires you to have held a learner’s license for at least 12 months and to have completed 100 hours of driving training in all kinds of road conditions in the company of an entire license holder. If you are under 25, 20 hours of night driving training is required. All hours are recorded in the Learner Driver Log Book. After completing the training and signing off with a fully licensed driver, you can apply for the Driving Test for your Red P license.
Age Requirement: 16 years old or above to obtain a learner license.
Requirements for issuance: Pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT). After passing the DKT, you will be photographed and immediately issued a learner’s license.
Vision Test (When you check in at the window, the staff will ask you to look at the mirror above you. The letters will be reflected in the mirror for you to read. It’s straightforward, so don’t worry if you wear or have presbyopia—bring your glasses! )
Exam Fee: $24 (varies from state to state)
Validity: The maximum validity of the learner’s license is five years, more than; if you are not ready to test the red p license quasi-lo, you must re-test the basics of the DKT to get a learner’s license.
2. Hazard Awareness Test (HPT TEST)
HPT TEST assesses your ability to anticipate and deal with danger when driving. Only if you pass this test can you take the road test, and the HPT test also needs to be booked online first.
Reservation website:
https://billing.vicroads.vic.gov.au/bookings/Probationary/TermsAndConditions
Fee: $37.80 (for reference)
You can take the Chinese or English tests, which are also computerized.
The test will simulate real driving scenarios and assess your ability to anticipate and deal with danger when driving. Before the test, 3-4 sample questions will appear, which must be carefully done once to ensure they are correct. The questions on the test will appear precisely the same as the sample questions. The most important thing about this exam is the timing of the mouse clicks.
The exam time is 45 minutes. The exam has 28 questions, and answering more than 54% is considered to pass.
After passing the test, it is valid for one year, and you can only take the road test if you have passed the HPT TEST.
Notes on the HPT TEST
Candidates at least 17 years and 11 months old and under 21 must have held an L license for at least one year and have satisfied 120 hours of driving (log book records are required) before they can apply for the test.
HPT TEST test is a computer test that gives you a mouse and shows a video. It simulates different conditions on the road, such as roundabouts slowing down forklifts and other situations. Click the mouse to react.
3. Road Test
Road Test Basic Requirements
Registration: online, by phone, by yourself (road test reservation website: Melbourne, Victoria road reservation website: https://billing.vicroads.vic.gov.au/bookings/Probationary/TestSelection)
Examination mode: applicants bring their car to the test. The RTA examiner will sit on the passenger side of the instructions issued to assess the applicant’s driving process at the basic level of technology.
Test Fee: Different for each place. Please check the road test booking website for more details.)
Pre-test Guidance: Guide for Driving Test
Test Content: Basic driving skills, judgment and decision-making ability, and coordination with other vehicles.
Road Test Age Requirement: The road test requires candidates to be 18 years old. Candidates 21 years old or older can take the test directly. Those under 21 need to register on the logbook to complete 120 hours of practice, of which 10 hours need to be practised at night. If you are 21-25, you need to hold an L license for at least six months to apply for the test, and those above 25 need an L license for at least three months.
Detailed Procedure of Road Test
Pre-trip inspection: lights, brakes, siren, windshield wipers, handbrake, etc. If the examiner thinks your car doesn’t meet the test requirements or has a safety hazard, the test will fail directly before the examiner’s inspection. You check it yourself first;
Basic driving manoeuvres: starting, steering wheel handling, steering, traffic lights, driving in a straight line, parking, reversing, etc. This stage takes about 10 minutes and is usually conducted on residential roads. After completion, the examiner will give you a score, and if you have already failed, you do not need to proceed to the next stage. Many people hang up at this stage, which is more unfortunate because of some low-level mistakes;
Comprehensive Driving Skills: Roundabouts, Merging, Gap Selection, Meeting, High Speed, Following. This stage lasts 20 minutes and is usually conducted on urban highways with a speed limit of 60km/h or more. The test is whether the prescribed actions are in place, whether the traffic rules are obeyed, and whether you can accurately judge the road conditions.
Road Test Attention to Detail
Familiarize yourself with the test route and avoid complicated roads. The Melbourne city centre hook-type turn is confusing. The novice is even more careful not to touch the complex highway. Students who take the test in the city centre must be familiar with hook turns.
Book your road test carefully. Avoid rush hour and school hours. Especially during school hours, the 40-kilometre speed limit is easy to ignore when busy.
How do you take a traffic circle? The road rules state that “when entering a roundabout, you must give way to all vehicles already in the roundabout. All are trams entering or approaching the roundabout”. When entering a roundabout, you must give way to all vehicles already there. All trams entering or approaching the traffic circle” In the road test if you want to enter a traffic circle or pass through a traffic circle, you must first observe whether any vehicles are entering at the right-hand entrance of the traffic circle, if there are any vehicles at the right-hand entrance which have already entered the traffic circle or are about to enter the traffic circle, you must give way to the above cars. Secondly, suppose a vehicle is entering the roundabout at the opposite entrance to the roundabout, and the vehicle has its “right turn” light on. In that case, you must also give way to that vehicle as it will pass before you.
4. Obtaining a Red P (at Least 12 Months)
If you are under 21 and pass the road test, you can get a Provisional-P1 license (Red P) and drive alone. However, it would be best to put a red P sign on the front and back of the car when moving.
Notes on the Red P Test Process:
You can only take the Red P if you are 17 or older.
If you are 25 years old or above, you don’t have to fill in the Learner Driver Log Book. And you don’t even have to wait for 12 months before you can apply for the Red P test.
When you take the test, please let a friend or relative with a full license follow you to the test centre; RTA is afraid that if you do not pass the road test, you will not be able to drive the rims home.
If you don’t pass the test the first time, you can apply for the road test again after seven days.
In the road test, if these items are not done correctly, is bound to “Fail’, please be sure to pay attention to speeding continuously for 5 seconds, robbing the red, green and yellow lights, stop signs not stopping for 3 seconds, not according to the regulations of the school area to slow down (40 kilometres within the prescribed time), the sidewalk does not stop to give way to the unnecessary random lane changes, changing lanes without turning back to observe, turn signal less than 5 seconds, hit the edge of the road and the curb, do not stop for 5 seconds, hit the road and the road, and do not stop for 5 seconds. The instructor will conduct the test before the road test.
Before the road test, the instructor will take you to the road test area to practice repeatedly and help you go through the several routes that will be tested.
After the training, you can also drive there to practice and familiarize yourself with the road conditions.
The coach’s car usually has an undeniable speed marking on the dashboard, which makes it easier to control the speed when taking the test.
Red P restrictions:
First, no matter the road conditions, the speed limit can only be a maximum speed of 90.
Secondly, there are only 4 points to deduct from your license, and once the points are deducted, your license will be revoked.
You can’t use a cell phone while driving (including hands-free cell phones and Bluetooth accessories), and you can only carry one non-immediate passenger under 21 from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
The red P license is valid for 18 months. After holding a red P for one year, you can go to Vicroads to apply for a green P.
5. Take the Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
Under the premise of not having any violation record, you can apply to take the Hazard Perception Test (HPT), and after passing the test, you can be issued a Green P license.
How to apply: Online, by phone, on your own
Test: Computerized touch-screen control of vehicles
Test content: Candidates’ judgment and reaction to potential road hazards. The test will simulate 15 real-life scenarios, which you must answer by touching the screen.
Pre-test guidance: You can read the official test material Hazard Perception Handbook.
Exam Fee: refer to the official website
6. Obtaining Green P (at Least 24 Months)
If you are over 21 years old, after passing the road test, you can automatically obtain a Provisional-P2 license, commonly known as the Green P license, which must also be affixed with a green P logo on the front and back of the body. Green P is valid for 30 months, with a speed limit of 100 and 8 points to be deducted. Once we get the Green P, we have no passenger restrictions and can use hands-free cell phones.
You must pass the Hazard Perception Test to take the Green P test. This is a computerized simulation of a car moving forward on the road, with the computer displaying the driver’s point of view. Then, various situations will occur on the road, requiring the driver to react by tapping the screen. Afterwards, you will be judged whether you passed the test based on whether you reacted to all situations requiring you to respond.
7. Take the Driver Qualification Test ( DQT )
Enrollment: Online, by phone, or on your own
Test Method: Computerized
The test content is basic driving knowledge + the candidate’s ability to judge and react to potential dangers on the road. It is a combination of DKT and HPT!
Pre-test guide: Driver Qualification Handbook
8. Obtaining Full License
After you pass the DQT test three years after getting your green P license, you can go to Vicroads to apply for a full license.
Notes on road test
The road test lasts 40-45 minutes and is intense and challenging. So you find an experienced friend or coach to practice before taking it.
Road test: When the car is prepared independently if the examiner sitting in the passenger seat can not see the speed display clearly, it can not be used as a test vehicle.
Road tests can be in the road bureau request interpreter, but they must be in the registration road test together. No handbrake car can be used as a test vehicle. Pre-test inspection vehicle lights can not meet the test requirements. And the same can not be tested.
The road test mainly examines your basic driving skills, judgment and decision-making ability, and coordination of driving ability with other vehicles. During the road test in Australia, giving way and paying attention to the road conditions is essential. The examiner will also notice if you have avoided pedestrians and given way reasonably during the test.
Even if you don’t need to give way when driving straight ahead, you still need to pay attention to the road during the driving process. The examiner will deduct points if you don’t show it during the test.
Holding a Chinese Driver’s License
If you are an international student in Australia and have a Chinese driver’s license, you can drive legally with a Chinese driver’s license and translation until your visa expires. If you are a migrant (PR) with a Chinese driver’s license for more than three years, you can drive legally with a Chinese driver’s license plus translation for three months and take the Australian driver’s license test system during this period, then you can apply for the Hazardous Awareness Test (HAT) directly after completing the Learner’s Permit Test (L) and pass the test. After passing the test, you can directly apply for the “Hazard Awareness Test” (HAT), apply for the road test, and then directly apply for the Full License (FULL LICENCE). If you have a Hong Kong driver’s license, getting a full license in Australia is easier if you have held it for three years!
Below are the detailed requirements and procedures for Chinese in Australia to obtain an Australian driver’s license:
Total three years, with NAATI translation – Pass the written traffic test, hazard test and road test, and get the Full license directly.
Less than three years old, 21 years old, with NAATI translation – pass the written traffic regulations, danger test and road test, get the Green P.
Complete three years, less than 21 years old, with NAATI translation – pass written traffic regulations, danger test and road test, get red P
If you don’t have a Chinese driver’s license, take the Australian driver’s license test. Pass the written traffic test and get the L license. Pass the danger test and road test. Get the red P. Wait for two years. Get the green P.
An Australian driver’s license cannot directly replace a Chinese driver’s license. However, Chinese drivers can skip the L-P stage and get a Full License after passing the written hazard and road tests.
What is NAATI?
The National Accreditation Authority for Translators in Australia (NAATI) is Australia’s national standard-setting and accreditation body for translators and interpreters. It is the only body qualified to accredit people who want to work as translators in Australia. The Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments of Australia jointly own the agency.
So why should you use a NAATI translator to translate your documents? All Australian government departments, whether it is the Australian Immigration Department, the Roads Department, or any other agency, require that if the document is in Chinese, it needs to be translated by a NAATI interpreter when it is submitted to the government before it can be accepted.
Things to consider when transferring your Chinese driver’s license to an Australian driver’s license
If you have a Chinese driver’s license but have obtained an Australian L license, you cannot use your Chinese driver’s license in Australia. You can only use your Australian L license.
If you haven’t got an Australian driver’s license, you can’t use your Chinese driver’s license + translation to drive on the road.
The specific regulations for Chinese drivers to test for an Australian driver’s license on each state road in Australia are as follows:
ACT:https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/1581/kw/overseas%20license#!tabs-8
NSW: https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/visiting-nsw.html
VIC:https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/renew-replace-or-update/new-to-victoria/overseas-drivers
QLD:https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/driving
SA:https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/drivers-and-licences/driving-with-an-overseas-licence
TAS:https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing/newtotas/overseas
WA:https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/visiting-from-overseas.asp
NT:https://nt.gov.au/driving/driverlicence/new-to-the-northern-territory/driver-licence-rules-for-new-nt-residents-and-visiting- drivers
Australian Road Test Vocabulary
Pre drive check
Washers + Wipers wash front windshield water + windshield wipers (sweepers)
Front Demister(s) + Fan front warm air + fan
Rear ( back) Demister rear window heater
Handbrake
Horn
Seatbelt
Indicator (signa)– LeftRight Left and Right Turn Signals
Brake Lights
Hazard Light (double bounce)
Head Lights
High Beam/Low Beam Headlights
Candidates must familiarize themselves with the English names of the above checks before the road test, know the exact location of the corresponding names, and follow the examiner’s instructions to perform the corresponding operation or point out the location of the corresponding parts. If you cannot perform the corresponding operation or point out the corresponding poor location during the pre-drive check, your test will be terminated immediately.
Summary of Common Mistakes in the Australian Road Test
Mistakes that immediately terminate the road test
Suppose your behaviour puts you or other road users at immediate risk of a crash or injury. In that case, the most severe penalty will be taken, i.e. the test will be terminated, and you will immediately be judged to have failed the test.
The test will be terminated immediately in the following circumstances
Driving in a collision with another vehicle or onto the road edge
Any speeding of 5 km/h or more over the speed limit at any time
speeding for five seconds or more
Any speeding in a school zone when the school zone speed limit is enforced
Failure to give way, signal or check for other road users so that others have to take steps to avoid a collision
Parking in a dangerous location
Running a stop sign or red light
Breaching instructions given by a driving examiner or Victoria Police officer
behaving in a way that makes it necessary for an instructor or examiner to provide verbal or practical assistance during a driving test
Any other behaviour that creates an unsafe condition.
Serious Errors
During the test, if you behave in a way that may cause an unsafe condition but does not pose an immediate danger, a penalty called a severe error will be applied. You will also fail the road test if there are multiple serious errors.
The following will be recorded as severe errors:
Driving too slowly for the prevailing driving conditions or failing to start when it is safe to do so at traffic lights or stop or give way signs
Failure to look for other road users as required for safety (but other road users are not required to take avoidance measures)
Failure to signal as needed (but other road users are not required to take evasive action)
Blocking a pedestrian crossing but not affecting pedestrians
Leaving one wheel on the kerb when parking or leaving a parking space
Turning off the engine of a vehicle
Slowing down and pausing at a stop sign without bringing the vehicle to a complete stop (but without causing danger to other road users or pedestrians)
Other behaviours that are potentially dangerous but do not result in an immediate risk of a crash or injury
FAQ
What situation must get an Australian driver’s license?
Situation 1. You have already had a PR (Australian Green Card) for three months; congratulations, you have no choice; no matter your state, you can only get an Australian driver’s license.
Situation 2. Victoria VIC landed for six months; Victoria’s latest policy in 2019 stipulates that you must get a PR (Australia green card) and get a Victoria driver’s license.
What are the situations where you don’t have to get an Australian driver’s license?
Situation 1. New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Canberra, and Tasmania are not Australian green cards, and the government regulations can not take the Australian driver’s license.
Situation 2. Residents of Victoria who have been landed for less than six months are not required to obtain a Victorian driver’s license.
Situation 3. Suppose you don’t have to get an Australian driver’s license. In that case, it also says that you can use a translated NAATI driver’s license translated by ABC Australia + the original Chinese driver’s license on the road, which is common throughout Australia.
Of course, it feels convenient if you are still willing to take an Australian driver’s license. You can also take the Australian driver’s license. The Australian government has no restrictions on the conditions for taking the Australian.
What documents do I need to get an Australian driver’s license?
You must bring all of the following documents with you to the driving test: a learner’s permit for your car, the cost of your license, a receipt for your test appointment, proof of identity, a registered car that is roadworthy (if you are using your vehicle instead of the one provided by the driving school), and a medical certificate (if you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive).
Other notes
If the driver is at least 25, you can book a road test after holding the license for three months. If you are under 25 years old, you must have held a learner’s automobile license for six months before you can book a road test. If you are under 25, you must have held your learner’s license for six months before you can schedule a road test, and you must have no suspensions or revocations in the three or six months before your test to be eligible to receive a new license upon expiration of your learner’s license.
It is important to note that the road test is in your car; the RTA does not provide a test vehicle. You can borrow a friend’s car or rent an instructor’s car.
When you take the test, bring your Learner License and Log Book, and fill out an application form when you get to the RTA. There is no particular test site. The test will be conducted on the road near the RTA office. The examiner will sit in the passenger seat and ask you to drive according to the examiner’s requirements.
