erfanonline

Does anyone have the recent information on waiting period to get Victoria driving learner's permit test appointment? I.e. If I go to a VicRoads customer service centre on 9th March 2014, what is the possibility that the appointment will be given on a date within a week?


The question may look lame, but please allow me to tell the background story. I opened a PayPal account when I visited last time (stayed at my brothers). Then, I returned and now I am making the final move on March 2014. My friend in the USA owe me few thousand dollars. He sent them to my PayPal from his PayPal. As the balance obviously went higher, PayPal is asking for residential address proof (Which is logical, I do not have any complain about it). Only PayPal accepted document that I shall be able to get from Australia in earliest time is a learner's permit.

The problem is, PayPal gave me 45 days to submit document. Otherwise, the account will be "restricted" (currently "limited"). I shall have 10-12 days left when I shall arrive in Australia. That's why the dates are critical. Otherwise, I would not bother If I had to wait for two months to get a date.

My plan is to book an appointment on the first working day after arriving and get the earliest available date for the exam.

If anyone has booked recently, he/she might know.

P.S. The online booking does not work for me as my first name does not fit in the web form. I contacted VicRoads via facebook page, they said I need to book via phone or via customer service centre after arriving.

spouse of scouse

Can't you ring VicRoads from wherever you are currently, and book the appointment?

erfanonline

The suggested me to call 13 11 71 (which will not work internationally) or to visit a VicRoads customer service centre to book with full name.

spouse of scouse

This is taken off VicRoads Facebook page, worth a try
VicRoads Customer Service Hi Pak - you can renew your licence from overseas by calling us on +61 3 9854 7763 (8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 2.00pm Saturday AEST).

erfanonline

Thanks. I shall give that a try. I wonder why they did not mention it when they replied to me on that Facebook page!

Pollyana

Vicroads site is being temperamental, possibly because f the heavy usage due to bush fires, but google has yielded a number of +61 3 9854 7763 for international callers - try that tomorrow

Pollyana

snap!!!!

spouse of scouse

There could be a million reasons, none of them good Good luck!

spouse of scouse

I'm quite flushed with pride!

Jilliebee

Also if you are moving here, when you open a bank account you can ask them if theyll give you a letterhead confirming your address.

erfanonline

I made my first trip in September 2013. I opened by bank accounts, got sim card, got my Tax File Number and many other things. But, unfortunately, PayPal is very strict (which is not a bad thing). They don't accept any of those as proof of residential address. Only docs they accept as proof of residential address are:
- A current Australian or foreign driver’s licence or permit (both sides)*
- A utility bill, e.g. electricity, gas, water or landline phone (issued within the last 3 months)
- A notice of council rates (issued within the last 3 months)
- A notice of tax assessment by the ATO (issued within the last 12 months)
- A Centrelink statement recording a financial benefit paid to the you (issued within the last 12 months)

Jilliebee

Ah okay. Good luck with it. I know when I moved interstate it took 3 weeks to get an appointment just to change my licence from the NT to Victoria

erfanonline

Just a friendly update how it went:
1. I booked the test online on 22 Feb using incomplete name (as many characters as I could enter)
2. Got appointment date on 11 March
3. Appeared at VicRoads. Informed the customer service officer that I could not enter my full name, presented my passport containing the full name
4. Appeared at test and passed the test
5. Reconfirmed that I need my full name on card
6. Received the card with full name printed by mail in one week

Jilliebee

Glad it all worked out