31/05/2026
One of the biggest reasons learners feel nervous is not knowing exactly what’s going to happen on test day.
Step 1:
Check-in at VicRoads and arrive early — being late can mean a cancelled test.
• Go to the counter with your:
-Learner’s permit
-Appointment confirmation
-Driving Instructor
-The examiner will meet you in the waiting area, confirm your details and explain what’s about to happen.
Step 2: Pre-Drive Check
•Before leaving the car park, the examiner will ask you to demonstrate key vehicle controls:
-Indicators (left/right)
-Brake lights
-Horn
-Headlights (low and high beam)
-Hazard lights
-Wipers & washers
-Demister
-Handbrake
•This shows you know how to operate the car safely.
•If you can’t show a control the test may not continue so practice these in advance.
Step 3: Stage One — Basic Driving Skills
• Conducted in quieter local streets with light traffic.
• You’ll be tested on:
-Moving off from the curb
-Turning at intersections
-Lane position
-Stopping smoothly and legally
-Observation habits
•You’ll be asked to complete at least one of either:
-Reverse parallel park
-Three-point turn
•These test your control of the car at low speeds, your observation and your ability to position safely without holding up traffic.
•The examiner wants to see that you can drive safely when conditions are calm.
•If you don’t meet the standard here you won’t progress to Stage Two.
Step 4: Stage Two — Complex Driving Skills
•Conducted in busier traffic, higher-speed roads and more complex conditions.
•Skills assessed include:
-Merging and lane changing
-Navigating roundabouts
-Right turns at intersections
-Driving on 70–80 km/h roads
-Responding to pedestrians and traffic flow
-The examiner is looking for safe decision making under real-world pressure.
What the Examiner is Doing Throughout
•They’ll give short and clear instructions: “At the next street turn left.”
•They’ll mark your driving silently on a tablet or sheet.
•They won’t coach or give feedback during the test.
Common Misconceptions
• ❌ “If I make one mistake, I fail.” →
Not true. Only certain mistakes (Immediate Terminations) end the test.
• ❌ “Examiners want to fail me.” → Wrong. They’d rather pass you, but only if you show safe and consistent driving.
