A Victorian father had between 30 and 40 drinks before a car crash that claimed the life of his 12-year-old son, a court has heard.

The 35-year-old man, from Kialla in north-east Victoria, has been charged with culpable driving and dangerous driving causing death following the crash in Shepparton on the weekend.

Police say a Holden Commodore was travelling west on Wanganui Road when it left the road and hit a pole near Kittles Road about 1:00am on Saturday morning.

The driver's 12-year-old son, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, was killed on impact.

Two other children, aged 10 and 14, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Shepparton Magistrates' Court heard the accused had a learners permit and took the children to a fast food restaurant prior to the crash but is believed to have no memory of doing so.

It is alleged the driver had been drinking since 4:00pm on Friday afternoon until just before the crash, consuming up to 40 cans of alcohol.

His partner allegedly tried to take the car keys off him but after returning from the bathroom found he had left with the children, the court heard.

The court heard the man was driving within the speed limit when the crash happened.

There were no witnesses to the crash.

The defence said the man's mental health was deteriorating rapidly and has requested he see a psychologist as soon as possible.

The man remains in custody and did not appear in court.

The case will return to court in September, and a committal mention has been scheduled for November.