Pre-Drive Checks

Taking your own vehicle for the driving test is perfectly fine, even without a driving instructor present. During the test, a VicRoads Testing Officer will sit in the passenger seat to conduct the assessment. To ensure everything goes smoothly and you can move on to the next stage, here are some important requirements and tips:

1. Roadworthy Vehicle: Your car must be roadworthy and meet all safety standards.

2. Handbrake Accessibility: The vehicle must have a traditional pull-up handbrake that the Testing Officer can easily access and use in an emergency. Cars with only a button-activated handbrake are not acceptable, as these are ineffective in emergencies.

Purpose of the Pre-Drive Check

The pre-drive check serves two key purposes:

• To confirm all controls in the vehicle are functioning properly.

• To demonstrate your familiarity with these controls. If as an example, you fail to operate a vital control (such as putting on windscreen wipers during rain) in the test then you will fail the test.

The Testing Officer will ask you to operate various buttons and features in the car (e.g., headlights, indicators, windscreen wipers) and will check externally that everything works as required, such as brake lights, indicator lights, and tread on the tires.

Additional Considerations

Please ensure your car is clean, odour-free, and has appropriate air conditioning, especially during hot weather. If your vehicle is untidy, unclean, or lacks basic comfort features, the test may not proceed, and you could face a delay of up to 5–8 weeks to rebook.

If you’re uncertain about your vehicle’s readiness, feel free to contact us for a more detailed checklist or assistance. We’re here to help ensure you’re fully prepared and confident on test day!