Driving in Australia with an Overseas Licence: State-by-State Guide

Australia’s vast landscapes and stunning scenic routes make it a unique destination for road trips. For this reason, many travellers like to buy or hire a car to travel around the country. For those holding an overseas driving licence, navigating the legalities of driving in Australia can be as challenging as the outback itself. Here’s a comprehensive state-by-state guide to help you understand the requirements.

Overseas visitor or moving permanently?

If you are from abroad and would like to drive in Australia, the first question you need to ask yourself is whether you would be considered an “overseas visitor” or whether you are moving to Australia permanently.

An overseas visitor is someone who holds a temporary visa. If you are moving permanently to Australia, then you would have a permanent resident visa.

In Australia, driving regulations vary depending on whether you hold a temporary visa or permanent visa. The regulations also differ depending on the state that you intend to drive in. For this reason, there are detailed links to the relevant state information in this article. If you intend to drive in more than one state, then you will need to read more detailed information for all states that you intend to drive in.

Overseas Visitors (Temporary Visa Holders)

Generally, if you’re a temporary visitor to Australia (tourist, student, or business visitor), you can drive with a valid overseas licence. If the licence is not in English, you must carry an official English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Remember, you must adhere to the class of vehicle which your overseas licence permits you to drive and abide by all local road rules.

New South Wales (NSW)

In NSW, you can use a valid overseas licence for as long as you remain a temporary visitor. If you decide to move to NSW, you can drive on your overseas licence for the first three months before you need to obtain a NSW licence.

Victoria (VIC)

Visitors in Victoria can drive with a valid overseas licence without needing to get a Victorian licence, as long as you’re not a permanent resident. The rules are similar to NSW regarding the transition period for new residents.

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland allows you to drive with an overseas licence for the duration of your stay as a temporary visitor. If you’re a resident, you must switch to a Queensland licence within three months of taking up residency.

Western Australia (WA)

In WA, you can drive on your overseas licence for as long as you remain a visitor. If your stay extends beyond three months, and you have a permanent visa, you’re considered a resident and must apply for a local licence.

South Australia (SA)

South Australia permits driving on a valid overseas licence for non-residents. Like other states, once you take up residency, you have a grace period of three months to obtain an SA licence.

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania’s regulations allow you to drive with a valid overseas licence for the duration of your visit. Residents are required to obtain a Tasmanian licence if staying for more than three months.

Northern Territory (NT)

In the NT, you can use your overseas licence for up to three months if you’re a permanent resident. Temporary visitors can use it for the entire duration of their stay.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT allows you to drive on a valid overseas licence if you’re a visitor. New residents can use their overseas licence for up to three months before needing to switch to an ACT licence.

More Information for Overseas Visitor (Temporary Visa Holder)

• New South Wales (NSW): More Information
• Queensland (QLD): More Information
• Victoria (VIC): More Information
• Western Australia (WA): More Information
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): More Information
• South Australia (SA): More Information
• Tasmania (TAS): More Information
• Northern Territory (NT): More Information

International drivers license translations in Australia

If your licence is not in English, you must carry either a NAATI certified English translation of your licence, or an International Driving Permit. A NAATI Certified translator will be able to create an English translation for you that meets Australian requirements.

If you are pulled over by a police officer whilst driving in Australia, you should show them your licence if requested to do so. If your licence is not in English, then you should show the police officer your NAATI certified English translation or IDP.

Permanent Residents (Moving to Australia)

The driving regulations in Australia differ for individuals who are moving to Australia on a permanent basis. If you are a permanent visa holder according to the Commonwealth Migration Act 1958 then you are considered to be a permanent resident, not a visitor.

If this is the case, then you will be required to apply for a state-issued driver’s licence. The application process differs state to state, so you will need to read the detailed information provided in the links below.

In most cases, if you are seeking to transfer your overseas licence into an Australian-issued driving licence, you will need a NAATI certified English translation service, if your licence is not in English.

In most cases, if you are residing in a state for more than 3 months, then you are considered to be a permanent resident and may also be required to transfer your overseas licence into an Australian-issued licence. Rules are different in Victoria, where you will be able to drive with your overseas licence for 6 months.

The process is quite easy and quick. The best option is to visit a RTA office where you intend to live. They will be able to provide you with the forms to complete and the list of documents to provide.

More Information for Permanent Residents

• New South Wales (NSW): More Information
• Queensland (QLD): More Information
• Victoria (VIC): More Information
• Western Australia (WA): More Information
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): More Information
• South Australia (SA): More Information
• Tasmania (TAS): More Information
• Northern Territory (NT): More Information

All information in this article is current as at the publication date. However, the information is subject to change without notice due to the state-based licensing authorities changing their driving regulations as they see fit. We advise you to verify the official websites mentioned in this article.

In summary

• Overseas Visitors (Temporary Visa Holders): Driving with an overseas licence in Australia is generally permissible across all states for temporary visitors, with certain conditions. The transition period for new residents varies slightly but is usually set at three months. Always ensure your licence is valid, and you understand the specific requirements of the state you’re in. It’s also wise to stay informed about any changes to local laws to ensure a hassle-free driving experience down under.
• If the licence is not in English, a NAATI certified English translation or an International Driving Permit is necessary.
• Permanent Residents: Those moving to Australia on a permanent basis are required to apply for a state-issued driver’s licence, with the process varying by state. In most states, if residing for more than 3 months (6 months in Victoria), a transfer to an Australian-issued licence is needed.

FAQs

How long can I drive on an overseas licence in Australia?

Most Australian states and territories (exemption being the Northern Territory) allow visiting drivers on temporary visas to drive on their overseas licence for an indefinite period of time, as long as it is current and not suspended or cancelled. If your visa status changes to permanent, you will need to apply for an Australian driving licence within three months of the change.

How can I convert an overseas driving licence to an Australian driving licence?

If you hold an overseas driving licence and wish to convert it to an Australian licence, you should contact your nearest RTA office in the state where you live. You will need to provide them with various documents, including your current overseas licence and your ID. See here for more information.

Will I need to do a driving test to convert an overseas licence to an Australian licence?

Australian driver licensing agencies recognise certain overseas countries as having comparable licensing standards to Australia.

List of countries

If you hold a licence from one of these countries, you should not have to do a practical driving test or knowledge test.

Certain other countries are judged to meet some but not all of Australia’s licence testing requirements. If you are from one of these countries and over the age of 25, you can be considered for Experienced Driver Recognition status and may be exempt from sitting a practical driving test and knowledge test in order to convert your licence.

A person who holds a driver’s licence from one of these countries and is under 25 will be required to sit theory and practical driving tests in Australia. If they pass the tests, their overseas licence will be converted, based on years of driving experience and age, to the class of licence they would have been on had they started driving in that Australian jurisdiction.

If you hold a driver’s licence from a non recognised country and want to convert it to an Australian licence, you will also have to undertake a theory test and a practical driving test. When you pass both the theory and practical tests, your overseas licence will be converted, based on years of driving experience and age, to the class of licence you would have been on had you started driving in that Australian jurisdiction.

Can I convert an overseas learner permit to an Australian learner permit?

The rules for this vary depending on the state of Australia you are in, but you may have to sit a knowledge test to convert an overseas learner permit to an Australian one. You can contact your local RTA office for more information on your specific case.

How much does it cost to get an Australian driving licence?

The cost of getting an Australian driving licence varies depending on the state where you live. In Victoria, for example, a new 3-year driving licence is $85.50 and a 10-year licence is $292.80. In Queensland, a 1-year licence is $85.65.

10 safety tips for driving in Australia

Driving in Australia comes with its own unique challenges, so make sure you stay safe with our tips below.

Read more