The Burrow
Jul 23, 2025
Learning to drive is a rite of passage for many people around the world. It represents freedom, flexibility, and the first real taste of independence – but it doesn’t always come cheap.
With the rising cost of living, it’s no surprise that the price of obtaining a driver’s licence varies significantly depending on where you live. From knowledge exams and hazard perception tests to practical assessments, and eventually, an open driving licence, the total cost of becoming a fully licenced driver can add up quickly.
It doesn’t help that car insurance for young drivers who just got their licence is typically a lot more expensive than it is for older, more experienced motorists.
To better understand how the cost of learning to drive varies globally, Compare the Market AU has compiled the Global L-Plate Index: a ranking of 23 countries and eight Australian states and territories based on the combined cost of theory and practical driving tests. Data was sourced from official government websites and reliable local sources, with exchange rates converted as of June 2025.
The results reveal a stark contrast in affordability around the globe. For instance, Czechia offers one of the cheapest options for aspiring drivers, with a combined test cost of just $32.90 USD (700 CZK). Meanwhile, on the other end of the scale, learners in New Zealand face costs as high as $217.50 ($362.50 NZD).
So, how much does it cost to learn to drive around the world — and how do Australia’s states and territories compare to some of the cheapest and most expensive countries globally? Read on to find out.
Some countries offer driving tests at a fraction of the cost compared to others, with parts of Europe, particularly Eastern Europe, proving the most affordable.
Sitting in the middle of the index in 12th position is the United Kingdom. Despite its high cost of living, UK learners pay a relatively moderate $115.60 USD (£85) in government test fees — lower than in many other developed nations and well below the most expensive global regions.
Let’s take a closer look at the top three most affordable countries for driving tests worldwide:
Czechia takes the top spot with a total test cost of just $32.90 (700 CZK), making it the most budget-friendly country in the index. Czechia stands out for its simplified and affordable licensing process, offering a single low-cost payment that covers multiple components: road traffic regulations and medical training, vehicle operation and maintenance, and the practical driving assessment.
This all-in-one approach streamlines the licencing process for new drivers. Although driving lessons come at an extra cost, learning to drive in Czechia is still cheaper than in many other European countries.
In second place, France has a combined test cost of $34.80 (€30), the fee to just sit the theory exam. Learners have the option to complete their practical training either through a driving school or independently as a ‘free candidate’, which can significantly reduce costs for those confident behind the wheel.
While full packages with lessons can push the total cost higher, this flexible approach makes France one of the most accessible places in Europe to begin the journey to a driver’s licence.
Chile ranks as the third cheapest country, with learners in Santiago paying a total of $43.13 (39,207 CLP) for both the theory and practical driving tests. Despite being one of South America’s more developed nations, Chile manages to keep driver testing fees low and accessible.
Canada ranks 13th on the Global L-Plate Index at $119.14 USD ($161 CAD), while Norway (19th, $164 / 1,640 NOK) and Denmark (20th, $192 / 1,200 DKK), also stand out for their high-test costs. However, it’s New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Switzerland that lead the index as the three most expensive countries to get a licence. Let’s take a closer look at the combined costs in each of these countries:
New Zealand ranks as the most expensive country to learn to drive, with a combined test cost of $217.50 ($362.50 NZD). Learners must progress through a three-stage licensing system — starting with a theory test for the learner licence, followed by a restricted practical test, and finally a full licence practical test.
While the high price point doesn’t include the cost of lessons, it does include two attempts at each stage. If a learner fails any test twice, any third or subsequent attempt will incur an additional test fee.
Coming in second, the Netherlands has a total cost of $216.34 (€186.50 EUR). In addition to the theory and practical test costs, learner drivers are required to submit a health declaration before taking the practical exam, adding to the overall expense.
While the practical driving test itself costs around $160 (€138.50 EUR) when booked directly, many learners go through driving schools, which bundle the test with vehicle hire and extra admin costs. There’s also an optional surcharge for anxiety-friendly tests, designed to provide a calmer experience but increasing the overall cost further.
While these high fees may support robust driver training and road safety outcomes, they can present a real challenge for younger or first-time drivers.
In third place, Switzerland sees learner drivers paying up to $202.95 (CHF 165) for theory and practical driving tests. Beyond the core tests, learner drivers must also complete several additional requirements, including an eye test, a traffic skills course, and post-test refresher training — all of which contribute to the total expense.
With its rigorous standards and multi-step licensing system, Switzerland’s fees are among the steepest in Europe.
Now that we’ve seen how licence test costs vary across the world, how do they compare across Australia? Are learners paying similar fees from state to state, or are the differences more surprising than expected?
Australia’s average cost across all states for combined theory and practical tests sits at $147.66 AUD — placing it well below high-cost nations like New Zealand and many European countries. But the national average masks huge internal differences.
As it turns out, learner drivers in Australia can expect to pay very different amounts depending on where they live, with costs influenced by not just the tests themselves, but also the structure of each state’s licensing process. According to our Global L-Plate Index, Victoria comes out as the cheapest state when it comes to learning to drive costs, while South Australia ranks as the most expensive:
Victoria’s low combined cost of $71.20 AUD for driving tests is largely due to the state waiving fees on the first attempt at both the online learner permit knowledge test and hazard perception tests. In contrast, South Australia charges for every stage of the process, including a theory test fee, hazard perception test, and one of the highest practical test fees in the country, all contributing to a combined total of $285.00 AUD.
Like Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory offer relatively low upfront costs for learner drivers. In Tasmania, first-time applicants get free knowledge and hazard perception tests, making the practical exam the main expense. The Northern Territory supports learners through its DriveSafe NT program, which offers subsidised lessons, free tests, and training resources — significantly lowering costs, especially for those in remote areas.
States like New South Wales and Queensland charge separately for each stage of the process, including the knowledge test, hazard perception test, and practical assessment. In Western Australia, learner drivers also face extra costs beyond the standard test fees, such as booking charges and fees for the Computerised Theory Test (CTT). This means learners pay multiple fees along the way, significantly raising the total cost.
The Australian Capital Territory offers a more accessible path. Students in Year 10 can complete the ACT Pre-Learner Licence Course, which includes two free attempts at both the knowledge and hazard perception tests as part of the program, meaning you only pay for the practical assessment.
Of course, none of these costs account for optional driving lessons, meaning the true cost of learning to drive is often much higher than the government test fees alone.
Whether you’re just beginning your driving journey or helping someone else prepare for it, it’s important to plan for the associated costs. Here are a few ways to manage the expenses:
Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) of an insurance policy before buying to understand insured events, coverage limits and exclusions.
The Global L-Plate Index ranks 23 countries and eight Australian states/territories based on the total cost of learning to drive, using the latest data collection as of June 16, 2025. The key data points include:
For countries where test costs are bundled into packages, the combined cost figure was used for ranking. Exchange rates were standardised on the same date for global comparison. For Canada and Chile, data reflects the largest province or city (Ontario and Santiago) due to the decentralized nature of cost management in these countries.
All data is sourced from official government sites, transport departments, or recognised third-party providers. Prices are subject to change and may not include extra costs such as driving lesson packages or licence card fees.
All currency exchanges were calculated using Google and are correct as of 26.6.2025.