Learning to drive is an investment, so it helps to know what it really costs. This guide breaks down the typical costs of getting your licence in Canberra in 2026: driving lessons, packages, and the ACT Government licence fees.

How much is a driving lesson in Canberra?

Driving lesson prices in Canberra vary between schools, instructors and lesson types, so always compare what is included (lesson length, pickup, car type). As a guide, here are our current prices at Progressive ACT Driving School:

All lessons are one-to-one, with pickup from home, school or work across Canberra. See full details on our prices page.

ACT Government licence fees

On top of lessons, you pay Access Canberra for your licences. As listed on the Access Canberra driver licence fees page (correct as at 1 September 2025):

• Learner licence: $63.30
• Provisional licence (original): $160.30

If you choose the one-off practical driving assessment instead of the logbook pathway, there are booking, change and cancellation fees too. Check the current amounts with Access Canberra before you book. Fees change, so always confirm on the official page.

The online Hazard Perception Test is free on your first attempt. A fee applies if you need to retake it.

So what does it cost to get your Ps in Canberra?

The biggest variable is how many lessons you need. For the ACT logbook pathway, Access Canberra says the minimum is 7 lessons and most people need 10 to 15. Here is a rough example using our prices and the government fees above:

• Learner licence: $63.30
• 10-lesson logbook package: $780
• Provisional licence: $160.30
• Total: about $1,003.60

If you need more lessons, add $78 to $85 per lesson. If you need fewer, your total drops. This example does not include fuel or practice in a family car.

How to save money on driving lessons

• Buy a package. Packages bring the price down to $78 a lesson.
• Practise between lessons. Supervised practice with family is free and means you need fewer paid lessons.
• Use the hours credit. Each hour with an ACT accredited instructor counts as 3 logbook hours, up to 10 actual hours.
• Book regularly. Weekly lessons stop skills fading, so you do not pay to re-learn them.
• Choose the right pathway. Read our guide to the ACT logbook pathway to see which option suits you.

Cheapest is not always best value

A lower hourly rate does not help if you need more lessons. Look for an ACT accredited instructor who gives clear feedback, plans each lesson around your logbook competencies, and is patient enough to keep you confident. That is what gets you to your Ps in fewer lessons.

Book your driving lessons in Canberra

Progressive ACT Driving School has been teaching Canberra learners since 2017. Lessons run 7 days a week, 7am to 7pm, with automatic lessons in our dual-controlled car or manual lessons in your own suitable car.

Book online in two minutes or call 0412 246 846.

Prices and fees checked in October 2026. Government fees can change; always confirm with Access Canberra.