Allara Drives
Please note, we are not currently accepting bookings. We are currently completing the ACT Government requirements to ensure we operate a high quality driving school.
Allara Drives is Canberra's first and only social enterprise driving school. Allara Drives is open to everyone, with a special focus on helping people from refugee backgrounds obtain their driving licences by offering low-cost driving lessons.
All driving lessons are one hour long and are delivered by our ACT Accredited Driving Instructors using the ACT Government Logbook and Competency-Based Training System. Through 22 systematically-taught competencies, this method allows for a step-by-step assessment of everything you need to get your provisional licence (P-Plates) and means you avoid the stress of a practical test.
Pricing
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$35 per hour
- For people from refugee backgrounds
- Dual controlled vehicle
- Lessons available in 7 languages
- Female instructor
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$95 per hour
- Dual controlled vehicle
- Female instructor
- Knowledge that your lesson cross-subsidises a refugee's driving lesson
- Commitment to excellence: We are committed to providing top-quality driving education and training to help you become a safe and confident driver
- Female instructors: Our instructors are patient, friendly, multi-cultural, and understanding of your needs
- Individualised instruction: Every student is different and we will tailor your lessons to your needs and skills
- Dual controlled vehicles: Our vehicles were fitted with dual controls in 2025, are comfortable and safe
- Flexible scheduling: We offer flexible scheduling so that we can find a time that suits you
- Pricing: Our prices are competitive within Canberra, but also make a difference - $20 from every one of your lessons goes towards helping a refugee to learn to drive too
- Easy online bookings: Booking and paying online is simple. Reminders will be sent automatically so you don't miss a lesson. All past and upcoming lessons can be viewed through the online student portal.
FAQs
Before you start your lessons
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How do I book a lesson?
We are not currently open for bookings, but when we are, you'll be able to book online quickly and easily. If you prefer, you'll also be able to give us a call.
What do I need in order to start lessons with you?
You will already need to have your Learners Licence, but other than that - nothing! We can teach you even if it's your first time in the drivers seat. We only ask that you bring a good attitude and willingness to learn.
I've already started my log book, but with another school - can I still have lessons with you?
Yes absolutely! In the ACT, you can have your log book competencies marked off by any number of Accredited Driving Instructors. Our driving instructors will assess your level in your first lesson and go from there.
Do I get three hours in my logbook instead of one with a driver instructor?
Yes. For your first ten lessons with an accredited driving instructor a one hour lesson will count as three hours towards your logbook. After the first ten lessons, each hour will only count as one hour.
How many lessons will I need before I can get my P-plate licence?
Everyone progresses at their own pace and so it's not possible to say how long it will take you to finish the competencies required in the log book. However, a minimum of 7 lessons will be required, and potentially up to 20 lessons, depending on your skills.
Your instructor will decide when you are ready and rest assured, we’ll never try and sell you more lessons than needed and will advise when we feel you have the skills to pass the log book test. At this point, you will be able to sit for your Final Drive assessment. You will not need to have a separate test with Access Canberra.
Don't forget, you will also progress faster if you can do some extra practice hours outside of lessons (always with a fully licenced driver alongside you!).
Will I be fully covered by insurance?
Absolutely. All our drivers are covered by insurance as required by the ACT Government.
What is your cancellation and no show policy?
We understand that sometimes things happen and you need to cancel or reschedule your lesson. The first time this happens, there'll be no charge, but thereafter the following fees will apply:
- 24 hours or more before lesson start time - $0 fee
- 12-24 hours before lesson start time - $20 fee and rescheduled lesson (we will rebook your lesson for you)
- 12 hours or less (including no show) - $90 fee and cancelled lesson (you'll need to rebook and pay for your lesson)
Day of your lessons
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What do I need to bring with me to my lesson?
You must bring your Learners Licence and your Log Book to every lesson. If you do not have a Log Book yet, you can get one from any Access Canberra shopfront.
Can I be picked up or dropped off at home or school?
Yes, you can be picked up and dropped off at any location (e.g. from home to school). However, we recommend that you are dropped off close to your original pick up point so that you can spend more time learning and less time stuck in traffic.
What happens if I'm running late?
If you are running late, you will receive your lesson with the remaining time. For example, if you are 15 minutes late, then your lesson will be 45 minutes in total (instead of 60 minutes). Please let your instructor know via text message if you know that you are going to be late.
Can I use my own car for lessons?
No, due to insurance and safety, all students must use the instructors’ vehicle which has dual controls fitted.
After your lessons
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I want to do extra practice, but I don't have anyone to drive with. Can you help?
We understand that getting your hours can be difficult if you do not know anyone who has the time or the required licence to help you. We also know how important it is to practice as much as you can!
If this is you, please email hello@allaracreative.com.au and we might be able to pair you up with a mentor who can support you to complete your supervised hours.
I have some feedback about my lesson, who can I contact?
We want to hear your constructive feedback - good or bad - so that we can improve lessons for other Canberrans! Please contact Ruth or Jess at hello@allaracreative.com.au.
Can I change to automatic lessons if I decide I don't want to learn manual any more?
Yes. At any time when learning manual you can change to automatic without having to redo any competencies. Although, if you are learning automatic and decide you want your manual licence you will need to redo all your competencies in a manual.