The cost of a learner's permit in NSW

A learner's permit in New South Wales costs $213 as of 2024. This is a one-time fee you pay when you first explore, and it covers the permit itself plus the knowledge test (also called the written test). You do not pay extra to sit the test — the fee includes it.

The $213 covers your learner's permit card and remains valid for three years from the date it is issued. If your permit expires and you have not yet passed your practical driving test, you will need to renew it, which costs another $213.

This fee is set by Service NSW, the government agency that handles driver licensing in the state. Fees can change, so it is worth checking the Service NSW website before you pay to confirm the current amount.

Key Takeaways

  • A learner's permit in NSW costs $213 and includes both the permit card and the knowledge test fee.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for three years; if it expires before you pass your practical test, you must pay $213 again to renew it.
  • You can pay the fee online through Service NSW, at a Service NSW centre, or at an Australia Post outlet.
  • The knowledge test itself is included in the $213 fee and can be taken at a Service NSW centre or online from home.

Where to pay and how to submit payment

You pay the $213 fee when you submit your learner's permit process through Service NSW. The easiest way is to explore online at the Service NSW website, where you can pay by credit card or debit card when ready.

If you prefer not to explore online, you can visit a Service NSW centre in person and pay by cash, card, or cheque. You can also explore at an Australia Post outlet and pay there. Whichever method you choose, you will need to provide proof of identity and your residential address before payment is processed.

Once your payment is received and your process is approved, you will receive your learner's permit card by post within 5 to 10 business days. If you explore online, you can also get a digital learner's permit to use when ready while you wait for the physical card.

What happens if your permit expires

Your learner's permit lasts for three years. If you have not passed your practical driving test (also called the driving test) by the time it expires, you will need to renew it to keep driving legally with an instructor or supervising driver.

Renewal costs the same as the original permit: $213. You do not have to retake the knowledge test if you are straightforward renewing an expired permit — you only pay the renewal fee. However, if your permit has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the knowledge test before you can renew.

It is worth planning ahead: if you know your permit is about to expire, explore for renewal at least two weeks before the expiry date so your new permit arrives before the old one runs out. This keeps you legal on the road without a gap.

Other costs to expect as a learner driver

The $213 permit fee is just the start. You will also need to pay for practical driving lessons if you use an instructor, which varies widely depending on the school and your location — typically between $50 and $80 per hour in NSW.

When you are ready to take your practical driving test, that costs an additional fee set by Service NSW. The test fee is separate from your learner's permit fee and must be paid when you book your test appointment.

You may also need to pay for a medical report if you have a health condition that could affect your driving, though this is not required for most first-time learner's permit holders. Some learners also choose to pay for extra lessons or hazard perception training, but these are optional.

how the process works for your learner's permit

To explore for a learner's permit in NSW, you must be at least 16 years old and have proof of identity and your current residential address. You will need documents such as a birth certificate or passport, and a recent utility bill or rental agreement to prove where you live.

You can explore online through the Service NSW website, which is the fastest method. The online process takes about 15 minutes, and you can pay the $213 fee when ready by card. You will also book your knowledge test at the same time — you can sit it online from home or at a Service NSW centre.

If you explore in person at a Service NSW centre or Australia Post outlet, staff will help you complete the process form and take your payment. You will still need to book your knowledge test separately, either online or at the centre.

The knowledge test and what it covers

The knowledge test is a computer-based test with 45 multiple-choice questions about road rules, road signs, and safe driving practices in NSW. You need to answer at least 36 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test takes about 45 minutes and is included in your $213 permit fee.

You can sit the test online from home using your own computer, or you can go to a Service NSW centre and sit it there on a computer provided. If you sit it online, you will need a quiet space, a working webcam, and a stable internet connection.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test. There is no extra fee for retakes — they are included in your $213 permit fee. Most people can retake the test within a few days of failing, though you should check the Service NSW website for current waiting times in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Service NSW does not refund the $213 permit fee once your process has been processed and approved. However, if you have not yet received your permit card, you may be able to cancel your process before it is finalised. Contact Service NSW directly to ask about cancellation options.

Do I have to pay the $213 fee again if I fail the knowledge test?

No. The $213 fee covers unlimited retakes of the knowledge test. You only pay once, and you can sit the test as many times as you need until you pass. There is no additional charge for each attempt.

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

If your card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement through Service NSW. A replacement card costs $30 and can be ordered online or at a Service NSW centre. You do not have to pay the full $213 again.

Is the $213 fee the same for everyone in NSW?

Yes, the $213 fee applies to all first-time learner's permit holders in NSW, regardless of age or where you live in the state. The fee is set by Service NSW and is the same whether you explore online, at a centre, or at Australia Post.

Can I pay the learner's permit fee in instalments?

Service NSW does not offer payment plans for the learner's permit fee. The full $213 must be paid at the time of process. You can pay by credit card, debit card, cash, or cheque depending on where you explore.