Qld learner licence fee slashed after government backflip

The Queensland government has quietly reduced the cost of learner licences after coming under pressure over the original high costs.

The Palaszczuk government has slashed the cost of learner licences after it came under pressure from the state Opposition to cut the price of the fee.

From March 1, the cost of a three-year learner licence will be reduced to $75 – down from the original price of $186.55.

The government quietly updated the price of the licence in new regulations published on Friday, in a bid to address cost of living pressures.

It came after the state Opposition raised questions about the cost of the licence in parliament last year, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk vowing at the time that her Transport Minister would assess the fee.

“Having a driver's licence provides access to employment, education and community services, particularly for young people,” the explanatory notes for the regulation says.

“The significant reduction in the learner licence fee will assist learner drivers to deal with cost-of-living pressures.”

The new fee will apply to first-time applicants of learner licences, as well as those who are renewing their learner licence.

In NSW and Victoria, the cost of a learner licence is set at $26, while in Tasmania it costs $35.29 and in South Australia the price is set at $69 – but the licence is only valid for two years.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey has previously pointed out the on-road test in some states costs up to $230, while in Queensland the price is $62.

Queensland’s learner licences have had a three-year period of validity since 2007, when the graduated licencing system was introduced in the Sunshine State.

The three year period is meant to provide learner drivers with the time and flexibility needed to complete their 100 hours of supervised driving.

The government is expected to take a hit to their revenues as a result of the decision to slash the price of the licence.