Damien Bambridge, 25, of Ramon Close, Lismore, pleaded guilty in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court to a range of offences which breached two previously suspended three-month jail sentences.

After the eight months' imprisonment, Bambridge will undertake an 18-month community corrections order. He has already served 25 days in custody.

Magistrate Peter Mellas said Bambridge had committed serious offences and engaged in dangerous driving behaviour.

He said Bambridge had suffered a brain injury two years ago when he was the passenger in a car accident and he would have to live with the consequences for the rest of his life.

But the magistrate said there was no option other than to take away Bambridge's liberty.

Police said that about 11.30am on July 9 Bambridge stole a white Kenworth prime mover and water tanker.

At 4.20pm the prime mover was seen at a vacant Snake Valley property. 

The truck was next seen at 7.55pm at Bambridge's Lismore home and a witness, who knew the vehicle was stolen, kept it under surveillance.

At 8.19pm Bambridge drove out of the property and headed west along the Hamilton Highway.

The truck was then driven through Derrinallum at 110km/h in a 60km/h zone before Bambridge tried to push a vehicle off the road and most of the time was either straddling or on the wrong side of the highway.

Police took up a position behind the truck, but lost sight of it in Mortlake.

The truck was seen fishtailing through the town, drove through give way signs at close to 100km/h and then into a paddock.

At 8.55 pm the truck was found after it collided with a tree on Prentices Lane.

Police said the truck had been driven through a number of paddock fences and gates after heading one kilometre across country.

The Victoria Police police dog squad handler and canine were called and about 10.30pm Bambridge surrendered. 

Damage to the truck was valued at up to $30,000 and $5000 to the trailer. Bambridge admitted smoking cannabis and taking pills before driving. 

He recently turned back to drug use after his father was diagnosed with cancer.