How Much Are Driving Lessons in Melbourne? (Full Cost Breakdown)

ShortCut Driving
Sep 5
4 min read

If you’re planning to get your driver's licence in Melbourne, one of the first questions you’ll have is: how much does it actually cost to learn driving? From your learner permit all the way to the drive test, the total budget can vary a lot depending on whether you’re a beginner, an overseas licence holder, or somewhere in between.

This guide breaks down every stage: from VicRoads test fees to driving lesson costs, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. We’ll also show you how Shortcut Driving (based in Carlton) helps students save money with flexible, book-as-you-go lessons.

Estimated Budget Range

Most learners in Melbourne spend between $500 and $2,100 to go get a driver's licence. This estimate includes both VicRoads test fees (for the learner permit, hazard perception test, and drive test) as well as the cost of driving lessons. Beginners with no prior experience are usually closer to the higher end of the range, as they often need around 10 x 90-minute lessons to build confidence and become test-ready.

Learner Permit Stage ($0 – $49.40)

Before you can take driving lessons, you’ll need to get a learner permit.

Cost: The first attempt online is free. If you sit the test in person or retake the test online, it costs $49.40.
Tip: Take advantage of the free online test. Be prepared by practising with the VicRoads resources so you can pass on your first go and avoid extra fees.

Hazard Perception Test ($0 – $42.80)

The Hazard Perception Test (HPT) checks how well you identify and respond to risks on the road.

Cost: First online attempt is free. In-person or retest costs $42.80.
Tip: Use the first free online attempt to your advantage. Practise with the sample clips, get familiar with the scenarios, and aim to pass the first time so you won’t need to pay extra.

Driving Lessons ($360 – $1,800)

Driving lessons are usually the biggest part of the budget, and also the most valuable investment in your road safety and test preparation. At Shortcut Driving, we make it straightforward and flexible:

No lock-in bundles: Book lessons as you go.
Prices: Starting from $65 (45 minutes driving lesson) or $120 (90 minutes driving lesson).

FAQ: How Many Lessons Do I Need?

Beginners: Around 10 × 90-minute lessons is a good benchmark to build confidence and test readiness.

Beginner Lesson Structure

We’ve designed a clear pathway for beginners so they can improve step by step:

Stage 1 – Basic Control (3–4 lessons)

Quiet residential streets
Focus on pedal and steering control

Stage 2 - Moderate Traffic & Parking (2–3 lessons)

Busier suburban roads
Emphasis on give-way rules and parking techniques

Stage 3 – Busy Roads & Test Prep (2–3 lessons)

Lane changes and parallel parking
Simulated VicRoads Test routes and rule application

Overseas licence holders or experienced learners: Often only need 2–4 x 90-minute lessons to be test-ready.

Tip: If you’re under 21, you’ll need to log 120 supervised driving hours before sitting the test. If your family can’t provide this, check out the free TAC L2P program, which pairs learners with volunteer supervising drivers.

Drive Test ($73.30 - $303.30)

Once you’ve completed your practice hours and built enough confidence, the final step is the VicRoads drive test. This is where you demonstrate to an examiner that you can apply road rules safely and consistently in real traffic conditions. For most learners, this stage also comes with a few additional costs beyond the official VicRoads fee, such as using an instructor’s car and doing a short warm-up lesson before the test.

Want to know what happens on the day of your drive test? 👉 Check out our detailed guide: What to Expect During the VicRoads Drive Test?

VicRoads fee: $73.30
Shortcut Driving Drive Test package: $230
- 45-minute warm-up: $65
- Instructor car hire + test accompaniment: $165

Why shall I use an instructor car to sit the test?

VicRoads safety requirements: If you plan to sit the drive test on your own (a solo test), the vehicle must be fitted with a mounted handbrake so the licence testing officer can intervene in an emergency. Most private cars don’t have this feature now.

That’s why the practical option is to use a dual-control vehicle to sit the test accompanied by a DIA-accredited driving instructor. These cars have extra pedals that allow the instructor to step in if needed, ensuring both safety and compliance with VicRoads regulations. Learners are not allowed to sit the test alone in a dual-control vehicle as VicRoads requires that an accredited instructor must be present in the passenger seat to operate the controls when necessary.

Final Thoughts

Learning to drive in Melbourne doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. By understanding the full cost breakdown, you can plan your budget and learning journey with confidence.

At Shortcut Driving in Carlton, we make lessons flexible, practical, and effective. Whether you’re starting from zero or converting an overseas licence, our DIA-accredited driving instructors know exactly how to prepare you for success. With book-as-you-go lessons and insider knowledge of the Carlton test routes, we’re here to help you pass your test the smart way.

About the Author

Shortcut Driving is a Carlton-based Melbourne driving school. Our team includes female instructors, multi-lingual instructors, and former VicRoads licence testing officer, making us the trusted choice for learners from all backgrounds. We focus on safe, flexible, and effective lessons to help every student pass with confidence.