Carlton VicRoads Driving Test Routes Book Test

You can book your Victorian drive test online through the VicRoads website (vicroads.vic.gov.au), by phone on 13 11 71, or in person at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. You must have passed both the Learner Permit Knowledge Test and Hazard Perception Test (HPT) before booking.

Tram track violations are the most common fail reason at Carlton. Before turning right across tram tracks, you MUST check if a tram is approaching from behind. If a tram is coming, DO NOT enter the tram lane to wait for your turn. Failing due to tram interference can result in licence suspension for overseas licence holders.

To take the VicRoads drive test, you must: be at least 18 years old, have held your learner permit for at least 12 months, completed 120 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night) if under 25, and passed the Hazard Perception Test (HPT). You also need a roadworthy registered vehicle.

Most side streets are 40km/h, while Lygon Street (main road with trams) is 60km/h. A local tip: big trees indicate 60km/h zones, small trees indicate 40km/h zones. School zones are strictly 40km/h during school hours (8am-9:30am and 2:30pm-4pm).

The VicRoads drive test costs $51.80 plus a $21.50 appointment fee, totalling $73.30. Under the Motorist Package, the first online Learner Permit Knowledge Test and Hazard Perception Test are free. If you fail, you pay the full drive test fee again but the appointment fee is waived if you rebook.

Main challenges include: 1) Tram track interactions on Lygon Street, 2) Heavy pedestrian traffic requiring careful give-way, 3) Numerous bike lanes requiring cyclist checks, 4) Narrow streets with tight turns, 5) Identifying 40km/h vs 60km/h zones. Carlton is an inner-city test with urban traffic complexity.

Victoria has the highest driving test pass rate in Australia at 75%, well above the national average of 62%. Even the lowest-performing centre in Victoria (Dandenong at 67%) still exceeds the national average. 9 out of the top 10 pass rate centres in Australia are in Victoria. (Data: EzLicence 2024-2025)

The VicRoads drive test takes approximately 30 minutes. It starts with pre-drive checks (seatbelts, mirrors, indicators, wipers, lights), then covers suburban driving and may include higher-speed roads. You will do either a three-point turn OR reverse parallel parking (examiner chooses). The test has two stages covering different road environments.

Early afternoon (1pm-2pm) is recommended when traffic is lighter. Avoid morning rush hour (8am-9am), school zone active hours (8am-9:30am, 2:30pm-4pm), and weekend evenings when Lygon Street is busy with restaurant traffic.

Instant fail items include: running a red light, speeding, not stopping at stop signs, failing to give way, causing danger to other road users, any collision, not checking blind spots when changing lanes, and any action requiring examiner intervention. Forgetting to cancel your indicator after a lane change can also result in a fail.

Common fails include: entering tram lane when tram is approaching, exceeding the 40km/h limit on quiet streets, rolling through stop signs (must come to complete stop), failing to give way to pedestrians, and mounting the kerb on narrow streets.

Bring: your current learner permit, proof of identity, a roadworthy vehicle with current registration and insurance, and your supervising driver (who must hold a full licence for 2+ years). Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The vehicle must have L plates displayed and no warning lights on the dashboard.

When turning right across tram tracks: 1) Check mirrors for approaching trams BEFORE signalling, 2) If a tram is approaching from behind, wait in your lane until it passes, 3) Only enter the tram lane when safe, 4) Complete your turn promptly. Never block tram movement - this is a serious fail.

Yes. Drivers from recognised countries (UK, USA, Canada, NZ, EU, Japan, Singapore and others on the Austroads list) can convert directly without tests. Drivers from non-recognised countries including China must pass the Knowledge Test, Hazard Perception Test, and Drive Test. A NAATI certified translation is required for non-English licences.

Carlton examiners are generally well-reviewed (3.9 stars on Google Maps). Frequently praised examiners include August (calm, professional), Lisa (kind, clear communication), Martin (patient), Bhavik (clear directions), Marie (caring), and Susan (nice throughout). Most give clear instructions.

If you fail, you will receive feedback on what to improve. You can rebook immediately but must pay the drive test fee again ($51.80). There is no limit on attempts. Given Victoria's high 75% pass rate, most candidates pass within 1-2 attempts with adequate preparation.

The most common fail reasons are: not making head checks obvious enough (examiners need to see you turn your head), forgetting to cancel indicators after lane changes, poor mirror checking frequency, failing to give way at roundabouts, speeding in school zones (40km/h), and incorrect hook turn procedure in Melbourne CBD.

Carlton has heavy pedestrian traffic due to nearby Melbourne University and Lygon Street restaurants. Give way to ALL pedestrians at crossings. Don't wave pedestrians across - let them decide when to cross. Check for pedestrians before every turn.

A hook turn is a right turn made from the left lane, unique to Melbourne CBD where tram tracks occupy the centre of the road. You pull into the left lane, wait for the cross-street light to turn green, then complete your right turn. Hook turns are unlikely in the drive test unless your test centre is in the CBD area (e.g., Carlton).

If under 25, you must complete 120 hours of supervised driving (including 10 night hours) recorded in your logbook. This is one of the highest requirements in Australia. If 25 or older, there is no mandatory hour requirement, but VicRoads recommends extensive practice. Most successful candidates have at least 5-10 hours of professional lessons.

You must come to a COMPLETE stop - wheels must stop moving entirely. Rolling through a stop sign is an immediate fail. After stopping, count to 3 before proceeding. Check both directions carefully as visibility may be limited on narrow Carlton streets.

Based on EzLicence data (2024-2025), Melbourne test centres with the highest pass rates are: Frankston (~80%, the highest in all of Australia), Geelong (77%), Werribee (~75%), Melton (~74%), and Bundoora (~73%). All Victorian centres exceed the national average of 62%.

Carlton has many dedicated bike lanes. Before turning left, always check for cyclists in the bike lane. Never drive or stop in bike lanes. When passing parked cars, watch for cyclists coming from behind. Cyclists are common in this university area.

While all Victorian centres have pass rates above the national average, the more challenging ones include: Dandenong (67%), Heatherton (64%), and Broadmeadows (69%). Carlton is perceived as difficult by Chinese learners due to tram tracks and CBD traffic, though its pass rate is around 70%.

Victoria uses a Graduated Licensing System: Learner Permit (age 16+), P1 Red Probationary (age 18+, after 12 months on L), P2 Green Probationary (after 1 year on P1), and Full Licence (after 3 years on P2 or age 22). P1 drivers have a zero BAC limit and passenger restrictions at night.

While not mandatory, professional lessons are highly recommended. Most first-time passers have 5-10+ hours with a qualified instructor. Victorian instructors know the specific test routes and criteria. Each hour with an instructor counts as 3 hours in your logbook (up to 10 instructor hours = 30 logbook hours).

You need: your original overseas licence, NAATI certified translation (if not in English), passport and visa, proof of Victorian address (utility bill or bank statement), completed application form, and payment. Permanent residents must convert within 6 months. Temporary visa holders can drive on their overseas licence with an English translation.