Allara Drives, Social Enterprise Driving School
Learn to drive and make a difference!
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.
Why learn to drive with Allara Drives?
Friendly, easy-to-follow driving lessons
Driving lessons are available in English and Dari.
Women owned, women led driving school
We're proud to have a team of skilled and supportive female driving instructors.
Make an impact as you learn to drive
Canberra's only social enterprise driving school meaning all profits go towards a good cause.
No prior driving experience required
Beginner-friendly lessons tailored to those with no driving experience.
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.
How much do your driving lessons cost?
Standard 1 Hour Weekday Driving Lesson
$95
Standard 1 Hour Weekend Driving Lesson
$110
Subsidised 1 Hour Weekday Driving Lesson
$45
Subsidised 1 Hour Weekend Driving Lesson
$60
All lessons are with a female instructor in a dual controlled vehicle.
Subsidised lessons are available on application for refugees and asylum seekers.
Why are your prices different ?
- Refugees and asylum seekers can face challenges finding work, including language barriers, difficulty getting qualifications recognised, discrimination, and lack of transport.
- Obtaining a driver's licence is essential for improving employment opportunities but this can also be challenging:
Finding someone to help with supervised driving hours is difficult.
So refugees tend to need more driving lessons than other learners, which is expensive.
It is also hard to find an instructor who speaks languages other than English.
By learning to drive with us, you are helping others!
More benefits of learning to drive with Allara Drives
Female instructors
Our instructors are patient, friendly, multicultural, 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 and are comfortable and safe.
Flexible scheduling
We offer flexible scheduling so that you can find a time 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 or an asylum seeker 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.
Who are we?
Jess and Ruth
Jess and Ruth are the co-founders of Allara Creative and Allara Drives and will be the ones on the end of your emails and phone calls helping you to achieve your driving dreams!
Aqila
Aqila is an ACT Accredited Driving Instructor. Originally from Afghanistan, Aqila speaks 4 languages and is experienced working with multicultural communities in Canberra.
Allara Drives is grateful to funding support from Snow Foundation, Hands Across Canberra, the ACT Government through the Social Enterprise Grant Program, and the AMP Foundation.