Young learner drivers will need to complete 20 hours of supervised night driving within their 120 hours of driving practice, from November 1.

This change, from the current requirement of 10 night hours to 20, will affect any learner driver under the age of 21 who is issued a learner permit on or after 1st November 2017.

VicRoads Director Road User and Vehicle Access, Robyn Seymour, said the change was a response to research showing a higher crash risk associated with driving between 10pm and 6am.

"Worryingly, our research shows that P-Platers have more than double the risk of being involved in a fatal crash and twice the risk of a serious casualty crash when driving late at night than during other times of the day.

"We are making this important change to further enhance young drivers' skills and experience behind the wheel to better prepare them for solo driving generally and at night time," Ms Seymour said.

Although the requirement is for new L-platers, VicRoads strongly encourage all learner drivers to obtain more night-time driving experience.