45-Day vs. 90-Day Permits: Which One is Right for Your Classic?

If you are a classic car enthusiast, there is no better place to be than the local automotive community. If you are looking for a car club in Victoria, joining a car club like Vic Club Rego allows you to tap into a wealth of knowledge, shared passion, and, most importantly, the Victorian Club Permit Scheme (CPS). This scheme is a privilege that keeps our motoring history alive by making it affordable to run a classic, vintage, or veteran vehicle. However, once you’ve joined a club like Vic Club Rego and passed your roadworthy, you face a crucial decision on your VicRoads application: do you opt for the 45-day permit or the 90-day permit?

Choosing the right permit isn’t just about the initial cost; it’s about how you intend to enjoy your pride and joy. Making the wrong choice could see you either wasting money on days you’ll never use or, conversely, running out of days just as the summer cruising season hits its peak.

In this guide, we break down the pros, cons, and practical realities of both options to help you decide which logbook is right for your classic vehicle.

Understanding the Logbook System

Before picking a duration, it is vital to understand how these days work. The Victorian Club Permit Scheme operates on a "logbook" basis. Each time you take your vehicle outside of your driveway (even if it’s just for a 5-minute trip to the petrol station), you must enter the date and your signature in the logbook.

A "day" is defined as a calendar day from midnight to midnight. This means if you head out for a twilight cruise at 11:00 PM and return at 1:00 AM, you have officially used two days of your permit. With that in mind, let’s look at the two tiers.

The 45-Day Permit: The Weekend Warrior’s Choice

The 45-day permit is the entry-level option for the CPS. It is significantly cheaper than full registration and even cheaper than the 90-day alternative.

Who is it for? The 45-day permit is perfect for the "occasional" driver. If your classic spends most of its time under a soft cover in a climate-controlled garage and only comes out for the odd club meet, a sunny Sunday morning coffee run, or the occasional wedding, 45 days is more than enough.

Mathematically, 45 days allows you to drive your car almost every single Sunday for an entire year. For many owners, especially those with multiple vehicles on club permits, 45 days is the sweet spot. It provides the freedom to enjoy the car when the weather is perfect without paying for "dead air" time.

The Downside: The biggest risk with the 45-day permit is "logbook anxiety." If you decide to use your car for a three-day long weekend trip to the Great Ocean Road, you’ve suddenly used nearly 7% of your entire year’s allowance in one go. If you are a social driver who enjoys attending multi-day rallies or frequent mid-week cruises, you might find yourself counting your remaining pages nervously half way through the year.

The 90-Day Permit: For the True Driver

The 90-day permit is the "set and forget" option for those who truly love being behind the wheel. While it costs more in VicRoads fees (though still a fraction of full commercial registration), it offers double the freedom.

Who is it for? If your classic is a "reliable" classic, something you aren't afraid to drive to work on a Friday just because the sun is out then the 90-day permit is for you. This option allows you to drive nearly twice a week, every week, for the entire year.

It’s also the logical choice for younger "modern classics." If you have a 1990s Japanese import or a late-model Aussie V8 on club plates, these cars are often more than capable of frequent use. The 90-day permit allows you to treat the car more like a secondary vehicle rather than a museum piece.

The Downside: The only real downside is the cost. If you pay for 90 days but only end up using 20, you’ve essentially donated extra money to the government. However, most enthusiasts agree that the peace of mind, knowing you can take the car out whenever the mood strikes without checking the calendar, is worth the extra investment.

Can You Change Your Mind?

One of the most common questions we get at Vic Club Rego is: "Can I top up my days if I run out?"

The answer is yes. If you start the year with a 45-day permit and find yourself running low, you can apply to VicRoads for a second 45-day permit to bring your total to 90. However, you cannot exceed 90 days in a single 12-month period.

This upgrade is completed directly with VicRoads so just give them a call or head in to a service centre to get swapped over.

It is important to note that you cannot "carry over" unused days to the following year. When your permit expires, your logbook resets. If you only used 10 days of a 90-day permit, those 80 days vanish into the ether.

The Verdict: How to Choose

To make the right choice, look back at your last 12 months of motoring.

• Choose 45 Days if: You own multiple classic cars, your car is currently undergoing "rolling" restorations, or you strictly only drive on perfect-weather Sundays.

• Choose 90 Days if: This is your only "fun" car, you enjoy long-distance touring, or you want the spontaneity to drive to work or the shops whenever you feel like it.

At the end of the day, being part of a car club Victoria allows you the flexibility to enjoy your vehicle on your own terms. Whether you choose 45 or 90 days, the most important thing is that the car is out of the garage and on the road where it belongs.

Still unsure? Reach out to us at Vic Club Rego. We’ve seen every type of enthusiast, from the 5-day-a-year collector to the 90-day-a-year adventurer, and we’re happy to help you navigate the paperwork so you can get back to the driving!