Aspiring learner drivers from across Victoria are now able to sit their learner’s permit test online for the first time, with the Andrews Labor Government launching the new Learner Permit Test Online.

The first 500 prospective learner drivers can now sit the new online test – removing barriers people face to getting their learner’s permit like transport, distance from a testing centre and limited appointment times.

The new test includes a mix of theory, interactive videos and visual graphics to reinforce road safety messages and help new drivers become safe ones – with mini-quizzes to progressively test learners’ knowledge of key road safety issues including speed, drink and drug driving, seatbelts, fatigue, and distractions.

To access the test, customers will need to create a myVicRoads personal account, pay a small test fee and have access to a compatible device. The entire course and test will take between four and six hours to complete with prospective learners having 12 months to sit and pass the online test once they’ve registered.

When online course and assessment has been successfully completed, learner drivers will need to attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre to confirm their identity, have their photo taken and complete an eyesight check.

The first group to try the test is prospective learners with existing test appointments from the Gippsland region, in recognition of the long distances many regional customers travel to sit the test in-person.

After the initial group of learners completes the test, it will roll out from early May to 1,000 applicants each week who also have existing appointments booked across both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, before becoming available to all customers from late June.

Customers will still be able to sit the existing Learner Permit Test at VicRoads Customer Service Centres – and those requiring interpreter services support will still need to sit the test in-person at a Customer Service Centre.

Nine extra temporary licence testing locations are available to ensure the backlog of tests due to coronavirus can be addressed quickly, with more than 107,000 drive tests and computerised assessments completed since September.

Two more temporary sites in Narre Warren and Pakenham, in Melbourne’s growing south-east, will open soon – providing more options for motorists and increasing testing capacity where it’s needed most.

For more information on how to access the Learner Permit Test Online, visit vicroads.vic.gov.au.