Prices and facts on this page were checked in September 2026.
Driving schools in Malta
Dapperlance lists driving schools and instructors in Malta, including two long-running family schools in Ħamrun and Birkirkara that teach manual, automatic and motorcycle categories, a school that teaches in automatic and electric cars, and an instructor who specialises in one-to-one, anxiety-aware lessons for nervous learners. Message any of them for free from their listing.
What does a driving lesson cost in Malta?
A one hour driving lesson in Malta typically costs €20 to €33, and turning a learner permit into a licence adds roughly €77 in Transport Malta fees on top of the lessons. The lesson prices come from Malta driving schools' own websites and the Transport Malta figures come from Transport Malta's own learner permit application form, checked September 2026. Each school sets its own rates and the official fees can change, so confirm the current fee before you pay.
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Driving lesson, 1 hour, normal daytime hours | €20 to €33 |
| Driving lesson, outside normal hours or Saturday | €30 to €40, some schools set a 2 hour minimum on Saturdays |
| Automatic car lesson | Same rate as manual at the schools that publish one |
| Motorcycle lesson (45 minutes to 1 hour) | €15 to €25 |
| Learner permit (Transport Malta, valid 3 years) | €23.25 |
| Theory test (Transport Malta) | €30.25, €22.50 for a resit |
| Practical test (Transport Malta) | €23.25 on a weekday, €40 at the weekend |
| Probationary licence after passing | About €31 |
Three things move the total. Hours: there is no legal minimum number of lessons, schools judge readiness from progress, and a first-time learner with no experience usually needs somewhere between 20 and 40 hours. Timing: normal daytime hours during the week are the cheapest slot at most schools, evenings and Saturdays cost more and some schools only take Saturday bookings in a two hour block. Category: a car lesson and a motorcycle lesson are priced separately, and which motorcycle category you can train for depends on your age.
Getting a driving licence in Malta, step by step
- Apply for a learner permit from Transport Malta (€23.25, valid for three years). You must be 18 for a car licence.
- Pass the theory test (€30.25, €22.50 to resit).
- Take lessons with a licensed instructor. There is no fixed number of hours required by law.
- Book and pass the practical test (€23.25 on a weekday, €40 at the weekend).
- Receive a probationary licence (about €31), which applies for your first three years as a driver.
Automatic, electric and motorcycle lessons
Some Malta driving schools charge the same hourly rate for automatic lessons as for manual, and at least one school listed here teaches only in an automatic, fully electric car. A manual licence lets you drive both manual and automatic cars, while a test passed in an automatic car restricts the licence to automatic vehicles only, so check which suits your plans before booking a block of lessons. For motorcycles, the licence category (A1, A2 or A) depends on your age and the power of the bike, so check the current age limits on the Transport Malta licensing pages before booking. Motorcycle lessons are typically shorter than car lessons, 45 minutes to an hour, and priced separately from car tuition.
Nervous and first-time learners
One of the schools listed here works one-to-one and builds lessons specifically around learners who feel anxious behind the wheel, at their own pace rather than a fixed lesson plan. If nerves are the main obstacle, say so when you book a trial lesson, an instructor used to anxious learners will structure the early sessions differently, for example starting in an empty car park or a quiet road before joining traffic.
How to choose a driving school in Malta
An instructor teaching for payment in Malta must hold a driving instructor permit issued by Transport Malta, so ask to see it before booking a block of lessons. Ask whether the car is dual control, whether pickup from your home or workplace is included, and whether a choice of male or female instructor is offered, all common among Malta schools. Ask how theory preparation is handled: some schools run one-to-one theory sessions, others expect you to work through the official study material alone.
Common mistakes to avoid: booking a large block of lessons before a first trial lesson with that instructor, assuming an automatic lesson costs the same everywhere when only some schools publish a matching rate, and booking the practical test before the instructor thinks you are ready, since the weekday fee is small but a retest still means waiting for a new slot. Confirm in writing what the lesson rate covers and whether pickup and fuel are included.
Browse the driving schools and instructors listed above and message them directly, it is free. Related categories: Other Lessons, Private Tuition & Tutoring and Language Lessons.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get a driving licence in Malta?
Lessons typically cost €20 to €33 an hour and most first-time learners need 20 to 40 hours, so lessons alone can run into several hundred euros. On top of that, Transport Malta charges about €77 for the learner permit, theory test and practical test combined, plus around €31 for the probationary licence once you pass.
Can I learn to drive in an automatic car in Malta?
Yes, several schools teach in automatic cars and at least one listed here uses a fully electric automatic car. A test passed in an automatic restricts the resulting licence to automatic vehicles, while a manual test lets you drive either, so decide which fits your plans before you start lessons.
Is there a minimum number of driving lessons in Malta?
No, there is no legal minimum. Schools judge readiness from progress in lessons, and a complete beginner typically needs 20 to 40 hours before the practical test, while someone with previous driving experience abroad often needs far fewer.
What if I get nervous behind the wheel?
Say so when you book a trial lesson. One of the schools listed here specialises in one-to-one, anxiety-aware teaching that builds up gradually, for example starting away from traffic before moving to busier roads, rather than following a fixed lesson plan.