Booking Driving Lessons in Melbourne: Common Questions Answered (Test at Carlton VicRoads)
- Shortcut Driving

- Jan 13
- 3 min read
If you’re preparing for your driving test at Carlton VicRoads, choosing the right driving school and lesson structure can make a big difference. Many learners — especially international students and overseas licence holders — have similar questions when booking lessons in Melbourne.
At Shortcut Driving School, we specialise exclusively in Carlton VicRoads testing. Below, we answer the most common questions we receive and share our professional recommendations to help you prepare efficiently and confidently.

Can I Book Driving Lessons Without a Package in Melbourne?
Yes. In fact, many learners do not need a lesson package at all.
If you have:
already completed your 120 logbook hours,
been practising regularly with family or friends, or
held an overseas licence,
then booking individual lessons is often the most practical and cost-effective option.
Our recommendation
At Shortcut Driving, we do not require any lesson packages. You can book single lessons based on your actual needs.
Many students coming to us for the Carlton VicRoads drive test only require one or two focused sessions to understand test expectations, routes, and common mistakes.
How Can I Match With a Driving Instructor Who Speaks My Language in Melbourne?
Clear communication is essential when learning to drive — especially if English is not your first language.
A language-matched instructor can help you:
understand road rules more clearly
reduce stress and confusion
correct habits from overseas driving systems
Our recommendation
Shortcut Driving offers instructors who speak English and Mandarin. We are experienced in teaching international students and overseas licence holders and explaining Australian road rules in a clear, structured way.
You can request a preferred language instructor when booking online (subject to availability).
Where Can I Find Dual-Control Cars for Driving Lessons in Carlton VicRoads?
All professional driving lessons should be conducted in dual-control vehicles.
Dual-control cars allow instructors to:
assist with braking when necessary
manage safety in busy traffic
help students stay calm and confident
Our recommendation
All Shortcut Driving lesson and test vehicles used at Carlton VicRoads are dual-control cars and fully insured for both practice sessions and drive tests.
This is particularly important in Carlton, where students must deal with:
trams and hook turns
heavy traffic and cyclists
narrow streets and complex intersections
How Long Do You Need for Driving Lessons in Melbourne?
The right lesson length depends on your goal and experience level.
At Shortcut Driving, we offer 45-minute and 90-minute lessons, each designed for a specific purpose.
45-Minute Lessons — Ideal for Mock Drive Tests
A 45-minute lesson closely matches the actual VicRoads drive test duration.
These sessions are commonly used for:
realistic mock drive tests
last-minute assessments before the test
understanding test timing and pressure
💲 45-minute lesson rate: $75
This option is ideal if your test date is approaching and you want to check your readiness.
90-Minute Lessons — Best for Practice and Test Preparation
A 90-minute lesson allows more time to practise without rushing.
We recommend 90-minute lessons if you want to:
practise Carlton VicRoads test routes
work on specific weaknesses
improve confidence in busy traffic
receive detailed feedback and corrections
💲 90-minute lesson rate: $135
For most learners preparing for the Carlton drive test, 90 minutes is the most effective session length.
What Is the Best Way to Book a Driving Lesson Online in Melbourne?
A good booking system should be simple, flexible, and transparent.
Our recommendation
Shortcut Driving offers online booking so you can:
choose your lesson length (45 or 90 minutes)
book directly for Carlton VicRoads
select an available instructor
avoid unnecessary packages
You book only what you need, when you need it.
Why Choose a Carlton VicRoads Test-Specialised Driving School?
Carlton is one of the more challenging VicRoads test locations in Melbourne due to:
trams and hook turns
busy city traffic
strict assessment standards
complex road layouts
The Shortcut Driving advantage
Shortcut Driving is Carlton VicRoads specialised and run by a former VicRoads testing officer.
This means:
we know the most frequently used test routes
we understand what assessors look for
we prepare students for real test conditions, not just general driving
Many students come to us specifically for final test preparation, even if they learned elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
If your goal is to pass your Carlton VicRoads drive test, the most efficient approach is:
booking lessons without forced packages
choosing 90-minute lessons for practice
using 45-minute mock tests before your exam
training in dual-control vehicles
learning with a Carlton test-specialised driving school
That’s exactly how Shortcut Driving helps students prepare with confidence.

