Vic hits go on online learner drivers test

Victorians can now sit their learner drivers test from the comfort of home, with 500 budding motorists from the state's east selected as the first to try the new online assessment.

The Victorian government on Wednesday launched its new online test in a bid to break down barriers faced by some prospective learner drivers including transport, distance and limited appointment times.

The course, which features a mix of theory, interactive videos and visual graphics, takes between four and six hours to complete and prospective learners have 12 months from registration to sit it.

Roads Minister Ben Carroll admitted the test took much longer than the previous on-site version.

"We have built into the program various videos dealing with drink and drug driving, speed and vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists," he told 3AW.

"You have to actually watch a simulation ... and then basically choose the correct answer."

Some 500 prospective learners with existing test appointments in Gippsland have been hand-picked as the first Victorians to sit the online test.

Mr Carroll said they would have to answer 90 per cent of questions correctly and confirmed at least one user has already received a pass mark.

"Some 53 others have also logged in and started their testing. So the early signs, one day in, are positive," he said.

Successful learner drivers still have to travel to a VicRoads site to confirm their identity, have their photo taken and complete an eyesight check.

The program will be ramped up to 1000 applicants each week from early May for those with existing appointments in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, before becoming fully available from late June.

To access the online module, customers must create a myVicRoads account, pay a small test fee and have a compatible electronic device.

Hundreds of thousands of driving tests in Victoria were postponed last year during the state's coronavirus lockdowns.

Mr Carroll said the addition of nine pop-up centres and recruitment of more driving test instructors has helped to clear about 75 per cent of the backlog.