The vehicle identification number (VIN) is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications and manufacturer.
The VIN can be found in a couple of places including on the car's registration label (1), on the compliance plate in the engine bay (2) or on the passenger side windshield (3), or on one of the door posts (where the door latches when it is closed) (4). See the image below:
Getting your driver's licence is a major step in becoming independent for many people, but how can you go about getting it in the most timely manner? The earlier you can get licenced, the better. You might have a long commute to work or school, or early morning sports trainings.
The requirements for getting your learner driving licence are different depending on your state or territory1, however the main thing testing centres want to see is that you're competent and confident behind the wheel. A big part of being confident is having a suitable vehicle. To help you make an informed decision on a used car you're interested in buying, make sure you take out a CarHistory report.
Australian Capital Territory2
At the age of 17, and when you've had your learner licence for at least six months, you can sit your provisional test.
To sit your learner licence test in the ACT, you must be 15 years and 9 months old. Once you're of age, you can sit a theory test, get your eyes tested and start driving with your learner plates!
At the age of 17, and when you've had your learner licence for at least six months, you can sit your provisional test. This means you can drive with your 'P' plates before getting your full licence.
New South Wales3
In NSW, you can sit your learner driver theory test at the age of 16. Once you've passed, you can start to log hours in your driving journal. Once you have 120 recorded hours, and have held your learner licence for at least 12 months, you can sit your P1 licence.
The key to getting off your learner licence is to be a competent driver, so get as much practice in as possible - even if it's over the required number of hours.
Northern Territory4
In the NT, you must be 16 years of age to sit your learner licence test, and complete a DriveSafe NT course over a period of six months. This course is designed to teach you about the safest ways to drive, and best practices in all situations you'll find yourself in on the road.
Queensland5
Once you are 16, you can apply for a learner licence in Queensland. You must pass the theory test and be medically fit to drive in order for your application to be accepted. Once you have your leaner licence, you must log at least 100 hours with a supervisor (who has an open licence) and be 17 years old before applying to sit your provisional licence.
South Australia6
In SA, you must be 16 years of age to apply for your leaner's licence, and log at least 75 hours of supervised driving before moving onto your provisional test. Of those 75 hours, at least 15 must be at night, so you get used to driving in all conditions from an early age.
Moving onto your P1 licence requires you to complete the 75 hours of logged driving and pass a Hazard Perception Test.
Tasmania7
You must then hold your L1 licence for at least three continuous months before sitting a practical assessment and getting your L2 licence in Tasmania.
On your L2 licence, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised (and logged) driving over at least nine months before moving to your provisional licence.
Victoria8
When you pass, you must complete 120 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night).
In Victoria, you must be 16 years old to apply for your driving theory test and get your learner licence. When you pass, you must complete 120 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night) and be 18 years old before moving to your P licence.
Western Australia9
In WA, you must be at least 16 years old to get your learner licence, and then drive 50 hours with a supervisor to be eligible to sit your provisional licence.
Learning to drive in Australia is a big deal. Make sure you know what's required of you before you get underway. When you need a used car to practice in, get in touch with CarHistory.
1. Australian Government. Driver's licence application. Accessed March 2017.
2. ACT Government. Getting your learner licence. Accessed March 2017.
3. NSW Government. Getting your learner licence. Accessed March 2017.
4. NT Government. Get your driver licence. Accessed March 2017.
5. Queensland Government. Driver licencing. Accessed March 2017.
6. MyLicence South Australia. My car licence. Accessed March 2017.
7. Tasmanian Government. Novice licencing system. Accessed March 2017.
8. Vic Roads. How to get your Ps. Accessed March 2017.
9. Department of Transport WA. Learn to drive. Accessed March 2017.