How Many Driving Lessons Do You Need to Pass in Victoria?
If you're learning to drive in Victoria, one of the first questions you may have is: How many driving lessons do I actually need before I can pass my driving test?
The simple answer is that there is no fixed number of professional driving lessons you must complete.
Some learners may feel confident after a smaller number of lessons, while others need more time. What matters most is developing the skills and confidence to drive safely and independently.
Do You Need 120 Hours of Driving Practice in Victoria?
If you're under 21, Victorian learner drivers generally need to complete at least 120 hours of supervised driving experience, including 20 hours at night, before sitting the Victorian driving test.
However, those 120 hours do not all have to be professional driving lessons.
Your supervised driving can include practice with an eligible supervising driver, such as a parent or family member, as well as lessons with a professional driving instructor.
Learners aged 21 and over have different requirements, including minimum learner permit holding periods, so it's always worth checking the latest VicRoads requirements for your situation.
So, How Many Professional Driving Lessons Should You Take?
There isn't one number that works for everyone.
You might need more or fewer lessons depending on:
- Your previous driving experience
- How often you practise between lessons
- Your confidence on the road
- How quickly you develop safe driving habits
- The types of roads and traffic conditions you've experienced
- Areas where you need extra practice
For example, someone who regularly practises with a supervising driver may need fewer professional driving lessons than someone who has limited opportunities to practise outside their lessons.
The goal shouldn't be to complete a certain number of lessons. The goal is to become a safe and confident driver.
Is 20 Driving Lessons Enough?
For some learners, 20 professional driving lessons may be enough. For others, it won't be.
Instead of focusing only on the number, ask yourself whether you can comfortably handle everyday driving situations.
Before your test, you should be confident with skills such as:
- Observation and head checks
- Using mirrors correctly
- Lane changes and merging
- Intersections and roundabouts
- Speed management
- Safe following distances
- Parking
- Three-point turns
- Driving in different traffic conditions
- Making safe decisions without constant help from your instructor
The Victorian drive test is designed to assess whether you can drive safely on your own with other traffic, not simply whether you've completed a certain number of lessons.
1-Hour or 2-Hour Driving Lessons?
Both can work well.
A 1-hour driving lesson can be suitable for beginners or learners who want to concentrate on one or two particular skills.
A 2-hour driving lesson gives you more time to experience different roads, traffic conditions and driving situations.
Your driving instructor can help you decide which lesson length is appropriate based on your experience and progress.
Professional Lessons + Private Practice Can Work Well
One effective approach is to combine professional driving lessons with regular supervised practice.
Your driving instructor can identify areas that need improvement and teach you the correct techniques. You can then practise those skills with your supervising driver between lessons.
For example:
Driving lesson → identify areas to improve → practise with your supervisor → next lesson → instructor checks your progress
This can help you make better use of both your professional lessons and your supervised driving hours.
How Do You Know When You're Ready for the Driving Test?
Being ready for your driving test is about more than being able to control the car.
You should be able to drive safely and make decisions without needing frequent instructions from your supervising driver or instructor.
If you're still regularly being reminded to check mirrors, watch your speed, maintain your position or identify hazards, you may benefit from more practice before attempting the test.
A professional driving instructor in Melbourne can assess your driving and help identify the areas you should improve before test day.
Don't Rush Just to Get Your Licence
It's natural to want to get your P plates as quickly as possible, but passing the test shouldn't be your only goal.
The skills you develop while learning will stay with you long after your driving test.
Take the time you need to become a safe, confident and independent driver.
Ready to Improve Your Driving Skills?
At DOS Driving School, we help learner drivers across Melbourne develop practical driving skills and prepare for driving independently.
Whether you're just starting your driving journey, need help improving particular skills, or are getting ready for your VicRoads drive test, our instructors can help you work towards becoming a safer and more confident driver.
Book your driving lesson with DOS Driving School today and take the next step towards your Victorian licence.
Phone: 03 8738 5185
Mobile: 0490 049 705