The 31-year-old man was arraigned at a directions hearing at the Melbourne court on Friday morning.

Janson pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter over the death of Jake Smith in Maddingley, near Bacchus Marsh, on May 20.

The man, who previously worked as a plasterer, appeared via a video link from prison for the hearing.

Janson was charged two days after the death of Mr Smith.

Mr Smith, 24, was riding a motorcycle on Woolpack Road when he was killed about 7.15pm. It is understood a ute struck Mr Smith and he died at the scene.

It is believed Janson and a 28-year-old Pentland Hills man were travelling in the ute which was being driven by a 36-year-old Dandenong man.

The driver of the ute allegedly failed to stop at the scene, but he stopped up the road a short time later. He and the 28-year-old passenger remained at the scene while Janson fled on foot.

Two days later, Janson presented himself to police and he was interviewed. Police believe he and Smith were known to each other.

A plea hearing will be held at the Supreme Court in Melbourne on May 18 where an agreed prosecution summary of what occurred will be presented.

At a previous hearing, the court was told Janson would be assessed at the end of March and an expert would prepare a report for the court. It wasn't specified the type of assessment he will undergo.

Janson was remanded in custody until the plea hearing.

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