Brisbane’s growing suburbs and wide-open roads make driving more of a necessity than a luxury. But when it comes to getting your license, many new drivers hit the same wall—do I really need lessons from a school, or can I just learn with someone I know? It's a fair question, especially when advice online or from friends can be all over the place.

The truth is, while it’s not legally required, enrolling in a driving school in Brisbane often clears up a lot of confusion. It helps build skills faster, offers structured support, and can even save time when logging hours. Still, plenty of learners wonder if it’s truly essential.

So, what’s the better route—lessons with a professional or hands-on practice with a family member? 

Let’s explore both options and see how each path affects your journey to getting that all-important driver’s license.

Is Driving School Legally Required?

Short answer: No, but…

No law says you must enrol in a driving school to get your license. You can practise with a licensed supervisor—like a parent, sibling, or friend—as long as they meet the rules.

BUT there’s a catch. To move from a learner’s licence to a provisional (P1) licence, you’ll need to:

1. Be at least 16 years old to start

2. Pass a written road rules test

3. Log 100 supervised driving hours (including 10 hours at night)

4. Pass the practical driving test

Here’s the important part: professional driving lessons count for more.

Why Driving Schools Still Matter

You might not have to go, but it can make things easier

When you take lessons from a licensed instructor, each hour behind the wheel counts as three hours in your logbook, up to a total of 10 actual hours (which equals 30 logbook hours).

So, if time is tight or you want to build skills faster, formal lessons give you a serious head start.

That’s where driving school in Brisbane becomes more than just an option—it becomes a smart choice.

What Happens If You Skip It?

Here’s what you’ll need to manage on your own

If you decide not to enrol in a school, you’ll still need to:

1. Track your own logbook hours carefully

2. Make sure your supervisor is qualified (must have held an open license for 1 year)

3. Learn road rules and test manoeuvres by yourself

4. Book and prepare for your practical test without professional support

It’s doable—but not always smooth. Many learners find it harder to pass the first time without structured lessons.

What Do Driving Schools Actually Teach?

It’s more than just “driving in a straight line.”

A solid driving instructor won’t just help you pass the test—they’ll teach you how to drive safely and confidently in real traffic.

Topics often include:

1. Roundabout and merging techniques

2. Parallel parking and hill starts

3. Night driving and wet weather tips

4. Hazard detection and decision making

5. Confidence on highways and unfamiliar roads

These are the kinds of lessons that help new drivers stay safer once they’re driving solo.

So, What’s the Best Move?

If you're confident, have a calm supervisor, and are committed to logging 100 hours properly, you can absolutely get your license without a driving school.

But if you're short on time, need structured lessons, or just want to boost your skills, enrolling in a driving school in Brisbane can help.

Even a few formal lessons mixed with private practice can make a big difference—especially when preparing for the test.

Final Takeaway

While driving school isn’t mandatory in Brisbane, it can be incredibly useful. Whether you take lessons or not, the goal is the same: to become a safe, capable driver ready for the road.

Ask yourself:

1. Do I have someone calm and qualified to practise with?

2. Am I confident learning things like parking or merging on my own?

3. Do I want help with test prep or tricky manoeuvres?

If your answers lean toward needing support, then driving lessons might be your best path. In the end, it’s about choosing what works best for you—not just ticking a box.