New to Victoria - Overseas Driver - Licence (A)

I wrote in a previous post few things about the driving licence, but as I've started the process to get a new driving licence I want to provide some updates and details about the process.

My status so far : I passed yesterday (03.Dec) the knowledge test and the hazard perception test, and I'll have the driving test in January.

When you come here as a permanent resident, for example from Romania, you can drive for 6 month with your licence (6 month since you entered in Australia if you were outside when your visa was granted, or 6 month since the visa was granted if you were in Australia at that time).

There is a list with exempt countries, if you from one country in that list you only need to go and request a Victoria licence without taking any tests, if not, you will need to do some tests.

So, if you are not from one of the exempt countries, you need to book and pass the following :
- knowledge test
- hazard perception test
- driving test
The total cost for these is now (end 2010) around 90$.

The knowledge and hazard perception tests are both on computer.
In order to prepare for it you will find all the information on the vicroads website. For the knowledge test you need to study "Road to Solo Driving handbook" and practice the tests on the Vicroads site (a part of them might be in the real test). You will get questions with 3 answers and only one possible answer.

On the Hazard perception test you will get a situation (like driving ahead, turning left etc), a thing to do (when you would slow down, turn etc) and a video. You need to click the mouse when you would do the action. If it is not safe to perform that action, you should not click until the video ends.

You need to bring with you the following:
- your current driving licence
- an ID document [passport]
- a credit card/debit card/medicare card
- a bank statement or other bill on which you have your current address in Australia

You need to fill in a form with your details (check when you arrive at the testing centre where you can get the form so you can fill it in before your appointment time) and the documents mentioned above are used only to check the details in this form (no copy of the documents is required).

After the tests you'll get the results signed and stamped and you need to bring them with you at the next exam.