Getting a driver’s licence in Australia doesn’t just vary in process – it also varies significantly in cost depending on where you live.
Below is the breakdown expense of a driver’s licence across each state and territory, revealing a disparity of hundreds of dollars between jurisdictions.
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South Australia the most expensive, NT the cheapest
South Australia tops the list with the most expensive driver’s licence in the country, charging up to $550 for a 10-year licence. The Australian Capital Territory follows at $423.50, with New South Wales close behind at $410 – again, for a 10-year term.
| State | 5 years | 10 years |
|---|---|---|
| South Australia | $285.00 | $550.00 |
| Australian Capital Territory | $227.70 | $423.50 |
| New South Wales | $220.00 | $410.00 |
| Queensland | $198.35 | n/a |
| Western Australia | $163.50 | n/a |
| Victoria | n/a | $312.70 |
| Tasmania | $134.19 | n/a |
| Northern Territory | $115.00 | $198.00 |
At the other end of the scale is the Northern Territory, where a 10-year licence will set you back just $198 – less than half the price of the most expensive options.
Ten-year licences offer the best value where available, but that option isn’t offered nationwide. In Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia, the longest term you can purchase is five years.
Learner requirements vary widely
While the process of obtaining a driver’s licence is broadly similar across Australia, the details vary. All states and territories require learner drivers to pass both an eyesight test and a theory test covering road rules and safety before being issued a learner permit.
However, the number of supervised driving hours required before sitting the practical driving test differs markedly.
In NSW and Victoria, learner drivers must log 120 hours of supervised driving, including night driving. Western Australia requires just 50 hours – less than half.
The Northern Territory is an outlier; it does not mandate any minimum number of supervised driving hours or the use of a logbook, although practice is still encouraged.
Bonus hours for instructor lessons
Some jurisdictions offer a time-saving incentive for learners who take professional driving lessons. Under the “three-for-one” scheme, a one-hour lesson with a licensed driving instructor can count as three hours of driving practice.
This program is available in NSW, Queensland and the ACT, with a cap of 10 lessons (up to 30 hours logged). South Australian learners are eligible for up to five lessons, which can be logged as 15 hours.
Additionally, in NSW, Queensland, and the ACT, learner drivers who have completed 50 hours of supervised driving can take a Safer Drivers Course. Completing this program grants an additional 20 logged hours.
The takeaway
While the broad pathway to getting a driver’s licence in Australia is similar, the financial and practical requirements differ significantly depending on where you live. Prospective drivers – and their families – would be wise to factor these state-based differences into their planning.
