Club Permit vs Full Registration: What's the Difference?

Deciding between a club permit vs full registration is one of the first calls Victorian classic, historic and enthusiast vehicle owners need to make. Quick answer: Full registration allows unlimited road use year-round for a higher fee. A Club Permit allows limited use (45 or 90 logged days a year) for eligible enthusiast vehicles, generally at a lower cost, and requires club membership.

What full registration gives you

Full registration lets you drive whenever you like, with no logbook and no club membership requirement. It suits a vehicle you actually use regularly, such as a daily driver or a car you want on the road every week without restriction.

What a Club Permit gives you

A Club Permit gives eligible enthusiast vehicles a lower-cost path to legal road use, in exchange for a capped day allowance, a logbook obligation, and mandatory club membership. If you're not sure whether your vehicle qualifies, see our Club Permit eligibility checklist before comparing costs in detail.

Club permit vs full registration: the core trade-off

It comes down to how often you actually drive the car. If it mostly sits in the garage between weekend outings and shows, the limited-use trade-off of a Club Permit is usually a good deal. If you want to drive it whenever the mood strikes, full registration removes that constraint entirely. For a deeper look at whether the savings stack up against the restrictions, read Is a Club Permit Worth It?

How much cheaper is a Club Permit, roughly?

The cost gap between the two options is significant. Full registration for a typical passenger vehicle in Victoria runs to somewhere around $950 a year (the exact figure depends on your vehicle type and where you live), with no cap on how many days you can drive it. A Club Permit, by comparison, costs roughly $91.50 for a 45-day permit or $176.40 for a 90-day permit, plus a one-off $44.20 fee for club permit plates — commonly around 80-90% cheaper than full registration for vehicles that are only driven occasionally. Government fees do change from time to time, so always check the current VicRoads fee schedule before budgeting for an application.

Who each option suits

• Full registration: vehicles used regularly or as a second daily driver, where unlimited access matters more than cost.
• Club Permit: eligible historic, classic, veteran, vintage, modified or replica vehicles driven occasionally, where the day-limited, club-based scheme suits the way the car is actually used. See how the Club Permit scheme works for the full mechanics of day allowances, logbooks and club membership.

Common mistakes when choosing club permit vs full registration

• Choosing full registration out of habit without checking whether your vehicle qualifies for, and could benefit from, a Club Permit.
• Underestimating how often you'll drive the car and choosing a permit option that's too restrictive for your needs.
• Assuming Club Permit registration is complicated and missing out on a simpler, more affordable option for your classic or historic vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days can I drive on a Club Permit compared to full registration?

A Club Permit allows 45 or 90 logged days of use per 12-month permit period, with a maximum of 90 days total per registration period (you can add a further 45-day period up to that cap). Full registration has no day limit — it allows unlimited use year-round.

Do I need to keep a logbook with a Club Permit?

Yes. Any trip beyond 100 metres from the vehicle's registered garage address needs a logbook entry, though trips within 100 metres don't need to be logged, and only the first use of the day needs an entry if the vehicle is driven more than once. Full registration has no logbook requirement at all.

How old does my vehicle need to be to choose a Club Permit over full registration?

Generally, a vehicle needs to be 25 years or older (by build date) to be eligible for a Club Permit. Full registration has no age requirement, which is part of why it suits newer or more frequently driven vehicles.

How much cheaper is a Club Permit than full registration?

As a rough guide, full registration for a typical vehicle costs around $950 a year in Victoria, while a Club Permit costs about $91.50 for a 45-day permit or $176.40 for a 90-day permit, plus a one-off $44.20 plate fee — a saving of roughly 80-90% for vehicles that are only driven occasionally. Always check the current VicRoads fee schedule, as government fees change.

Do I need to join a car club to get a Club Permit?

Yes, a Club Permit requires membership of a VicRoads-approved club, whereas full registration has no club membership requirement at all. Club Plate Co is a VicRoads-accredited club with no traditional club meetings required, for $99 a year (this covers endorsement and renewals only — the VicRoads permit fee and roadworthy cost are paid separately).