QUEENSLAND has reduced the price of a learner’s license by over half, following revelations that its fees were the highest in the country.
Starting March 1st, the three-year learner’s license fee of $186.55 will be reduced to $75, becoming the second most expensive fee in the country.
Only learner drivers in Western Australia will pay more, with a fee of $126.10. In contrast, a permit costs $25 in the Northern Territory, and $26 in New South Wales and Victoria.
The price reduction was achieved following pressure from the Liberal National Party, who had referred to the previous fees as an “absolute rip-off”.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said he was proud of the savings delivered for learner drivers and that his department would continue to review driver licenses and fees as the state prepares for the rollout of digital licenses later this year.
Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli who launched the campaign last year said easing cost of living pressures on Queenslanders was a major priority for his team.
“Queenslanders backed our campaign and we backed them,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“Thanks to our campaign, the State Government’s learner licence fee rip-off will now be reduced from the exorbitant $186.55, by far the most expensive in the country, to $75.