The cost of getting your licence
Getting a driver licence in Australia involves a series of fees plus the cost of practice. Knowing what to expect helps you budget and avoid paying twice for the same test.
Fees are set by each state and change often, so this page explains the types of costs rather than exact figures. Check the current fee list on your road authority's website before you book anything.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can list the main fees on the path to a full licence.
- You can estimate how lessons and practice add to the total.
- You can name ways to save that are allowed in your state.
- You can avoid fees lost through late cancellations.
What you need to know and understand
- Expect separate fees for the knowledge test, the learner licence, the hazard perception test, the driving test and each provisional licence. Exact items vary by state.
- In NSW the DKT online costs one fee however many attempts you need, and in SA the myLs fee buys a 12 month subscription with unlimited attempts. In-person tests are charged for each attempt.
- In Victoria, your first attempt at the online learner permit test is free.
- In WA, the learner's permit application fee includes one practical driving assessment.
- Cancelling late can lose your fee: Victoria asks for 24 hours notice and WA for more than two full working days.
- In Victoria, an incomplete or incorrect logbook means losing your test fees and waiting at least six weeks.
- Some states run support programs, for example the Driver Licensing Access Program in NSW and DriveSafe NT.
Where the money goes
- Knowledge test or online course.
- Learner licence fee.
- Hazard perception test (in most states).
- Practical driving test, plus any re-tests.
- Provisional licence fees (P1 and P2 in many states), then the full licence.
- Professional lessons, which are usually the biggest cost.
- Running a practice car: fuel, registration, CTP and insurance.
Ways to spend less without cutting corners
Free supervised practice with family or friends builds the bulk of your hours. Paid lessons are most useful for learning new skills correctly and for a mock test near the end.
Some states give logbook credit for structured training. In NSW, for example, each 1 hour lesson with a licensed instructor can be recorded as 3 hours (the '3 for 1' scheme), and the Safer Drivers Course gives 20 hours of credit. Check what applies where you live, as these schemes vary by state and often apply only to younger learners.
Avoid paying twice
- Only book a test when your instructor or supervisor agrees you are ready.
- Keep the logbook complete and signed.
- Check the test car is registered, roadworthy and meets test requirements.
- Note the cancellation deadline in your calendar.
Common mistakes
- Booking the driving test too early and paying for several re-tests.
- Missing a cancellation deadline and losing the fee.
- Paying for lessons just to build hours instead of using them for new skills.
- Using fee figures from an old website instead of the official current list.
Test yourself: The cost of getting your licence
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Transport for NSW Road User Handbook (February 2026), Getting your driver licence; Road to Solo Driving (Victoria), The 10 steps to getting your licence; South Australia, The Driver's Handbook (MR200, February 2026), Obtaining your learner's permit; Western Australia Drive Safe Handbook, 2.1 Getting your car licence; NT Road Users' Handbook (August 2020), DriveSafe NT; Transport Victoria, Prepare for your learner permit (transport.vic.gov.au). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your state or territory road authority.