Understanding Victoria’s Driver Licence Stages — L, Red P, Green P & Full Licence (2025 Guide)
- Shortcut Driving
- Dec 10
- 4 min read
Why it matters
If you’re learning to drive or trying to convert an overseas licence to a Victorian one, it’s easy to get confused by all the rules: when you can drive alone, how many passengers you can have, whether you can tow a trailer, or what happens if you’re under 22. Getting it wrong can lead to fines, demerit points — or even licence suspension.
Here at Shortcut Driving, we believe you should start your driving journey fully informed. That’s why we’ve broken down every licence type and what rules apply.
Licence Types in Victoria
Licence Stage | Can you drive by yourself? | Who must be with you / Passenger limits | Key restrictions to be aware of |
Learner (L-plates) | No – must be supervised by a full licence driver | One qualified supervising driver (full licence) | Zero BAC, must carry your learner permit, must display L plates. |
P1 (Red P-plates) | Yes (you drive by yourself) | Max 1 peer passenger aged 16–22 — additional older full-licence driver in front seat allowed | Zero BAC, display clearly visible red P-plates front & back (20 m visibility), if tested in automatic then A-condition (automatic-only) applies. |
P2 (Green P-plates) | Yes | No passenger age/number limit (standard adult driving rules apply) | Zero BAC, display green P-plates front & back. |
Full Licence | Yes | Normal driving rules | Less restrictions — can tow trailer, carry any number of passengers (within seatbelt laws), standard BAC (< 0.05), no P-plates required. |
Note: If you have any special licence conditions (e.g. medical conditions, alcohol interlock, etc.), you must carry your licence (digital or physical) and any releveant condition documentation whenever driving.
What About Overseas Licence Holders?
If you’ve recently moved to Victoria and hold a valid overseas licence, or you’re thinking of getting behind the wheel here, the rules vary depending on your situation.
Short stay (less than 6 months)
You can drive on your overseas licence or permit (as long as it’s valid and in English, or you have a certified English translation / international driving permit). If you hold an overseas learner permit, you must be supervised by a fully licensed driver (same as Victorian L-plates).
Staying more than 6 months? You must convert.
If you become a Victorian resident for longer than 6 months, you must convert it to a Victorian learner permit or license. The type of licence you can get, and how you can get it depend on the followings:
Which country your original licence is from (recognised or non-recognised by VicRoads)
Your age when the licence was first issued
How long you’ve held the licence.
Typical outcomes
If you have an overseas licence but currently are under 22 years old → you’ll get a probationary licence (P-plates).
If you’re 22 or older but have less than 3 years driving experience → also likely a P licence.
If you’re 22 or older and have more than 3 years driving experience → full licence.
If your overseas licence is from a recognised country, a direct licence conversion (no tests) will be delivered by VicRoads during an licence appointment. Otherwise you will need to complete the whole testing process: Learner Permit Test → Hazard Perception Test → Drive Test.
Tip from VicRoads: you’ll need to bring your original licence (and certified translation if required), a secondary ID, and a Victorian proof of address to your licence related appointment for the first time, plus pass an eyesight test when issuing your any type of permit and licence.
What Happens if You Break the Rules
Fail to display P-plates properly → fine + 3 demerit points (for P-platers).
Drink or drive under zero-BAC requirement (Learner or P) → licence suspension or heavy penalties.
Carry unauthorised passengers (P-plate restrictions) — can attract fines or demerits.
Drive a vehicle you’re not licensed for (e.g. manual when you have automatic-only A-condition) — serious offence.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a digital licence (on my phone) instead of carrying the card?
A: Yes, Learner (L) and Probationary (P) licence holders in Victoria can use their digital licence through the Service Victoria app or myVicRoads app, and it's legally recognised, but you should still carry your physical card as some venues or situations might require it, and it's essential for things like your drive test.
Q: If I convert my overseas licence, do I always start on P-plates?
A: It depends on age, how long you’ve held your licence. Some people qualify for a direct full licence conversion; others need to complete tests or start on probationary licence.
Q: Can I tow a trailer on P-plates?
A: In Victoria, Red P1 drivers generally cannot tow trailers, but exceptions exist for essential work (agriculture, fishing, etc.) or if a fully licensed driver supervises; however, Green P2 drivers can tow trailers under the same rules as fully licensed drivers, provided they aren't driving prohibited high-performance vehicles. Learner drivers (L-plates) are strictly forbidden from towing anything.
Q: Do passenger and alcohol rules change at P2 (Green P)?
A: Passenger restrictions lift on P2, but zero-BAC remains until you have a full licence.
Final Words
Understanding your licence type, L, P1, P2 or Full, and the associated conditions isn’t just bureaucracy. It’s about safety, legality and avoiding nasty surprises (fines, demerit points, licence suspension).
If you’re unsure about your licence status, especially if you’re coming from overseas, or want a confident, safe start to driving under Victorian rules, Shortcut Driving is here to help. We combine real-world driving training with clear guidance on licensing rules.
Ready to begin? Visit our website or contact us to book your first lesson or licence conversion guidance.
About the Author
Shortcut Driving is a Carlton-based Melbourne driving school. Our team includes female instructors, multi-lingual instructors, and former VicRoads licence testing officer, making us the trusted choice for learners from all backgrounds. We focus on safe, flexible, and effective lessons to help every student pass with confidence.
