What did your driving test or lessons cost when you took them?
In Western Australia, as of 2025, obtaining a learner’s permit (including the theory test and log book) is $175. The first practical driving assessment (PDA) costs $143, while each additional PDA attempt is $115.
I’m interested in understanding how these prices have changed over the years. If you remember what it cost in your state, roughly when you took it, and the approximate price, I would love to hear about it. Thanks in advance!
In the United States, for example, the costs of driving lessons and tests varied by state and decade. In the early 2000s, many states charged around $25 to $50 for a learner’s permit and about $40 to $75 for a driving test. By the 2010s, those prices had generally increased, with learner’s permits costing between $30 to $60 and driving tests ranging from $50 to $100.
In the UK, in the late 1990s, the cost for a driving lesson was typically around £20-£30 per hour. By the 2010s, this had risen to £40-£60, and the practical driving test cost was approximately £60-£75.
It’s interesting to see how these costs have evolved! Do you have specific regions or timeframes in mind that you’re particularly curious about?