Cost of Getting Your Licence in Australia: NSW, VIC, QLD (2026)

As of 2026, the government fees for getting from your Ls to your Ps (passing every test first time) come to about $294 in New South Wales, $75.30 in Victoria and about $317 in Queensland with a one-year provisional licence. Victoria is cheapest because its learner permit, P licences and first online test attempts are free. These figures cover tests and licences only: driving lessons, a car for the test and retests are extra and usually cost more than the fees.

The NSW and Queensland fees below took effect on 1 July 2026. Fees change, so check the linked official pages before you pay.

NSW fees (effective 1 July 2026)

First-time pass to P1: $58 + $32 + $58 + $72 + $74 = $294. Add $115 when you move to your P2.

Other NSW costs to know:

• Handbooks are free to download; a printed copy costs $16 at a service centre.
• Replacement log book: $22. The Roundtrip learner log book app is free.
• Exemption letters from P1 passenger or vehicle conditions cost $41.
• With the online DKT, you pay once you pass and apply for your licence, no matter how many attempts it took.

Logbook credit can save you money

Under-25 learners in NSW must log 120 hours. Each hour of structured lessons with a licensed NSW instructor counts as three, up to 10 lesson hours (20 bonus hours), and completing the Safer Drivers Course adds 20 hours of credit. That means up to 40 hours of credit, which reduces the hours you need from a supervisor, though it doesn't change the 12-month minimum on your Ls.

Victoria fees (as of 2026)

*VicRoads says the learner permit and probationary licence issue fee is waived under the Motorist Package and Safe Driver Discount.

First-time pass using the online tests: $75.30 (the drive test).

Watch for:

• Changing or cancelling your drive test: you pay the $22.10 appointment fee again to rebook, and if you cancel you also pay a new test fee.
• Invalid log books: if you bring an invalid log book to the drive test, you can't sit it, you don't get a refund and you must wait six weeks to rebook.
• Drive test fees aren't covered by the Motorist Package and Safe Driver Program.

Queensland fees (as at 1 July 2026)

First-time pass with a one-year P licence: $29.70 + $80.15 + $42.70 + $69.40 + $94.65 = $316.60.

Queensland notes that if you sit a practical test without having passed the Hazard Perception Test, the test is cancelled and the fee isn't refunded. Each written test attempt is also charged separately, and you can only sit it once a day.

Costs beyond government fees

1. Driving lessons. Instructors set their own prices. In NSW, lessons also earn bonus logbook hours, which makes a few lessons good value.
2. A test car. None of the three states supplies a vehicle. If you use your instructor's car for the test, expect the instructor to charge for it.
3. Insurance and running costs for the car you practise in, including fuel for 100 to 120 hours of supervised driving.
4. L and P plates. Victoria tells you to buy them from newsagents or other retailers rather than making your own.
5. Retests. Every failed attempt adds a fee, and often another paid lesson.

How to keep costs down

• Use free official resources: handbooks, practice tests and, in Victoria, the free first online attempts.
• Book the driving test only when you're ready. Our Australian driving test guide lists the errors that end tests.
• Cancel early if you need to.
• Mix paid lessons with supervised practice. Our guide to the cheapest way to learn to drive has general tips (UK-based, but the approach carries over).

Summary

Government fees to get your Ps are about $294 in NSW, $75.30 in Victoria (thanks to free licences and free first online attempts) and about $317 in Queensland with a one-year P licence, as of 2026. Lessons, a test car, insurance and retests are extra. Check your state's fee page before you pay, because fees are reviewed and can change.

About Co-Drive

Co-Drive is an iOS app for learner and new drivers. Its driving technique lessons and defensive driving habits apply on any road; it does not yet include Australian state-specific content, and it isn't affiliated with any government agency. Find out more.