The cost of a Queensland learner's permit

A Queensland learner's permit costs $20.00 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it. This is the fee you pay to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) when you lodge your process. You do not pay this fee upfront — you pay it when you submit your process documents, either online through the DTMR portal or in person at a service centre.

The $20 fee covers the permit itself and the processing of your process. There are no additional hidden charges added later. If your permit expires and you need to renew it, you pay the same $20 fee again.

Key Takeaways

  • A Queensland learner's permit costs $20.00 and lasts for one year from the date of issue.
  • You pay the fee when you submit your process, not before, and there are no extra charges.
  • If you explore online through the DTMR portal, you can pay by credit or debit card at the time of submission.
  • If your permit expires, you pay $20.00 again to renew it for another year.
  • The fee is set by Queensland legislation and does not vary based on your age or where you live in the state.

How to pay when you explore online

If you explore for your learner's permit through the DTMR online portal, you will enter your payment details at the end of the process form. The portal accepts Visa and Mastercard. You will receive a receipt when ready after payment, and your process will be processed from that point.

Processing usually takes 10 business days. Your permit will be posted to the address you provided on your process. You do not need to pay anything else during this waiting period.

How to pay when you explore in person

If you explore at a DTMR service centre or an approved agent (such as a post office or licensed testing facility), you can pay by cash, card, or EFTPOS at the counter. The staff member will process your payment and give you a receipt. Your process will be lodged on the same day.

Service centres are located across Queensland. You can find the one nearest to you on the DTMR website. Bring your identity documents, proof of residence, and your learner's knowledge test pass certificate when you attend.

What happens if you cannot pay the fee

There is no payment plan or deferral option for the learner's permit fee. The $20 must be paid in full at the time you submit your process. If you do not have the funds available, you will need to wait until you do before you can lodge your process.

Some young people receive the fee as a gift from family members. Others save the amount over a few weeks. The fee is intentionally low to keep the cost of starting to drive as small as possible.

Renewing your learner's permit

If your learner's permit expires before you pass your practical driving test, you can renew it by paying another $20 fee. You do not need to retake the knowledge test — your pass certificate remains valid. You straightforward explore for a new permit using the same process as the first time.

Many learners renew their permit once or twice while they are learning to drive. There is no limit to how many times you can renew, as long as you keep paying the fee and remain within the age and medical requirements set by DTMR.

Other costs to know about

The $20 learner's permit fee is separate from other costs you will face on the path to a full licence. You will also need to pay for the knowledge test (if you have not already), practical driving lessons, and the practical driving test itself. Each of these has its own fee.

The knowledge test is usually $35 to $45 depending on where you take it. Practical lessons vary widely depending on the instructor and your location, typically ranging from $50 to $80 per hour. The practical driving test costs around $100 to $120. These are not included in the learner's permit fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about getting a learner's permit?

Refund policies vary depending on how you applied. If you applied online and have not yet received your permit, contact DTMR to ask about a refund. If you applied in person, ask the service centre staff at the time of payment. Generally, refunds are not automatic, so you will need to request one and provide a reason.

Do I need to pay the $20 fee every time I take the knowledge test?

No. The $20 fee is for the learner's permit only. The knowledge test has a separate fee, which you pay to the testing provider (usually $35 to $45). You only pay the permit fee once per year, or when you renew.

What if I lose my learner's permit after I have paid for it?

If you lose your permit, you can request a replacement from DTMR. There is usually a small replacement fee (typically $10 to $15), which is less than the original permit fee. You will need to provide proof of your identity and explain that the permit was lost.

Does the cost change if I am over 25 years old?

No. The learner's permit fee is $20 for all ages. Queensland allows people over 25 to obtain a learner's permit if they have never held a licence, and they pay the same fee as younger learners.

Can I pay the learner's permit fee with a payment plan?

No. The full $20 fee must be paid at the time you submit your process. DTMR does not offer payment plans or instalment options for the learner's permit fee.