The cost of your learner's permit knowledge test in Victoria

Your learner's permit knowledge test in Victoria costs $50.70 as of 2024. You pay this fee when you book your test through VicRoads, the state authority that runs the test. The fee covers the written test itself — the 45-question multiple-choice exam you sit at a VicRoads office or approved testing centre.

This is a one-time fee per test attempt. If you don't pass on your first try, you'll pay the $50.70 again when you book your next test. There's no separate process fee to get your learner's permit; the test fee is the only cost VicRoads charges you directly.

The fee may change year to year, so check the VicRoads website before you book to confirm the current amount. Some testing centres may charge a small additional fee for their own services, but this is rare and would be disclosed when you book.

Key Takeaways

  • The learner's permit knowledge test costs $50.70 per attempt in Victoria, paid when you book your test.
  • You pay only once per test sitting — if you fail, you pay the fee again to retake it.
  • This is the only fee VicRoads charges for the learner's permit itself; there is no separate process cost.
  • You can book your test online through the VicRoads website and pay by card at the time of booking.
  • The fee may vary slightly year to year, so confirm the current price on VicRoads before you book.

How to book and pay for your test

You book your learner's permit test through the VicRoads website. You'll create an account, enter your personal details, and choose a test date and location that suits you. When you complete the booking, you'll pay the $50.70 fee by credit or debit card. Your booking confirmation will arrive by email with your test details and a reference number.

You can book your test up to several weeks in advance, which gives you time to study. Test dates fill up quickly in busy periods, so booking early improves your chances of getting a time that works for you. You'll need to bring your booking confirmation and a form of photo ID to your test appointment.

What happens if you don't pass

If you don't pass your first attempt, you can retake the test. You'll need to book another test slot and pay the $50.70 fee again. There's no waiting period between attempts in Victoria — you can book your next test as soon as you're ready, though most people study for a week or two before trying again.

VicRoads will tell you your score when ready after you finish the test. You need to score at least 35 out of 45 questions correct to pass. If you don't pass, you'll receive feedback on which topic areas you found difficult, which can help you focus your study before your next attempt.

Other costs to know about

The $50.70 test fee is separate from the cost of your actual learner's permit card, which is $30.90. You pay for the card only after you pass your knowledge test. So your total cost to get a learner's permit is $81.60 if you pass on your first try.

If you're learning to drive with an instructor, you'll also have driving lesson costs, which vary by instructor. Some learners study using paid online courses or apps, though free study materials are available through VicRoads and the library. These are optional expenses — the only mandatory cost is the test fee and the permit card fee.

Where you can take your test

VicRoads runs test centres across Victoria in major towns and cities. You can take your test at a VicRoads office or at an approved private testing centre. Both charge the same $50.70 fee. When you book online, you'll see all available locations and dates, and you can choose whichever suits you best.

If you live in a regional area, you may have fewer test centre options nearby. Some people travel to the nearest city to sit their test on a date that works for them. Check the VicRoads website to see which centres are closest to you and what dates they have available.

Refunds and cancellations

If you need to cancel your test booking, VicRoads will refund your $50.70 fee if you cancel at least 7 days before your test date. If you cancel with less than 7 days' notice, you'll lose the fee. If you don't show up to your test without cancelling, you'll also forfeit the fee.

If VicRoads cancels your test (for example, due to a centre closure), you'll receive a full refund and can rebook at no extra cost. Check your email regularly after you book, in case VicRoads needs to contact you about any changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay for my test in cash or by other methods?

No. VicRoads accepts only card payments (credit or debit) when you book online. You cannot pay in cash at the test centre. Make sure you have a valid card ready when you book your test slot.

Do I have to pay the test fee upfront when I book?

Yes. The $50.70 fee is charged to your card when ready when you complete your booking. You don't pay anything else on the day of your test — just bring your confirmation and ID.

What if I pass my test but don't want to get my permit yet?

You don't have to pay for your permit card right away. Your test result is valid for a set period, so you can wait and pay the $30.90 card fee later when you're ready. Check VicRoads for how long your result stays valid.

Is the test fee the same for all ages?

Yes. The $50.70 fee applies to all learner's permit test takers in Victoria, regardless of age. Teenagers and adults pay the same amount.

Can I get a discount on the test fee?

VicRoads does not offer discounts on the learner's permit test fee. The price is fixed at $50.70 for all test takers. Some community organisations may offer free or low-cost study support, but the test fee itself cannot be reduced.