How to convert your overseas licence in Australia

12/31/2024 12:00 AM

Arriving in Australia as a migrant and setting up your life in a new country can be daunting, but surprisingly converting an overseas licence isn't as hard as you'd think.

While there are some important Ts and Cs to be aware of, and the process can differ between the states and territories, in most cases converting an overseas licence to an Australian one is pretty straightforward.

Recently, Austroads, which manages overseas-issued licences on behalf of the states and territories under its Recognised Country Scheme, has updated the process for people applying for new car or motorbike licences.

RELATED: Migrants may need to take new driving test under changes to licensing-swap rules

It's the first wholesale change in almost 20 years, and now means that depending on where you've set up sticks – and also where you're coming from – you may need to retrain or retest.

Currently, and until April 2025, there are two lists – Recognised Country Status and Experienced Driver Recognition Status. To find out which countries are on which list click here.

From April 30 the second list will cease to exist, so anyone from a country on there may have to undertake further training and tests to get their Australian accreditation.

Here's how to convert your international licence in each state and territory, and important information on whether or not you'll need to retake your driving test.

How to convert your overseas licence in Victoria

It depends on which country your licence is from, your age, what type of licence you have and how long you've had it. Other factors also come into play, such as whether you have ever been disqualified or suspended from driving.

You can continue to drive on your international licence after you first arrive for up to six months.

If your country is on the 'recognised countries' list, the likelihood is that you won't need to take a new test.

But if it's on the 'experienced driver countries' list it depends on your age.

If you're over 25 years old then you probably won't, but if you're under 25 or your country isn't on either list, then you most likely will need to retake your test.

If you're over 21, but have had your licence for less than three years, you will only be able to get a probationary licence in Victoria.

The tests you'd need to do are: a learner permit test, hazard perception test, and the practical driving test too.

If you are able to simply transfer your licence from another country to Australia, all you will need to do is: make an appointment with VicRoads, fill in an application form, and show your current licence and proof of identity.

There is also a requirement to: have an eyesight test, let the authorities know if you're on any medication or have any medical conditions, and pay the fee.

How to convert your overseas licence in New South Wales

In NSW, you can drive on an overseas licence for three months until you must go to a Service NSW Centre to get a local one.

The New South Wales Government is cracking down on people driving on overseas licences in the state without changing over, because a number have been chalking up demerit points on foreign licences to skirt the law.

As a result, it is partnering with the Australian Border Force to put an end to it.

Like in Victoria, though, even those doing the right thing may also need to pass a theoretical or practical test depending on where you come from.

If your country is on 'recognised countries and jurisdictions list A' then you don't need to pass a test, and the same goes for list B, but only if you are over 25 – if you're under 25 you will need to do a theory test and driving test.

RELATED: Foreign drivers in crosshairs of Australian Border Force and NSW Government

And anyone over the age of 75 must undergo a medical review, which may also mean retaking a test.

It's also worth noting that holders of licences from certain countries may be required to obtain a validation letter from the relevant consulate or licensing authority.

Otherwise, in order to swap your licence a Service NSW Centre will need you to: fill out an application, show proof of identity, your overseas licence (if not in English, or not available then an authorisation letter), proof of Australian residency, and pay the fee.

They may also need to know about your contact lenses or glasses if you have them.

How to convert your overseas licence in Queensland

You can drive on an overseas licence for up to three months in Queensland.

You can switch your overseas licence to a Queensland one by going to a Transport and Motoring customer service centre, participating Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP) office, or licence-issuing police station (in rural or remote areas).

In Queensland there is no need to fill out an application form at the first location, but there is at QGAP offices and police stations.

As in other states, drivers over the age of 75 must get a medical certificate when applying for their Queensland licence.

In Queensland, whether you'll need to retake a test is dependent on whether you are from New Zealand, a 'recognised country or jurisdiction' (such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore) or from an 'experienced driver recognition country or jurisdiction (such as Bulgaria, South Korea, Taiwan).

As noted above, this second category will cease to exist on April 30, so from May 1 licence holders from these countries will be required to pass a road rules test and a practical driving test to get a Queensland licence, regardless of their age.

In all cases, you will need to: show your overseas licence (and a translation if not in English from an approved National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) translator), bring proof of identity and residency, and pay the fee.

In some cases, you may also need to prove you are medically fit to drive if you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely.

How to convert your overseas licence in Western Australia

In WA, you can drive on an overseas licence for up to three months before transferring to a local one.

As in other states, what you need to do next depends on whether you're from a recognised country, an experienced driver country or a non-recognised country.

As long as you hold a current licence from a recognised country that hasn't expired in the last 12 months, there's no need to retake a test.

However, if you're under 25 years old you will. And if your driver's licence is from Hong Kong and you have held it for less than a year, you will need to sit the theory and practical driving assessment.

When switching over from your international licence to your Western Australian one, you'll need to prove your identity – which must be in English or translated if relevant, be the original documentation, and show supporting documents such as a marriage certificate if needed.

How to convert your overseas licence in South Australia

In South Australia, the period you can drive on your overseas licence is also three months.

On the SA Government website it states that a “practical driving test is required to transfer a licence class other than car or motorcycle – eg, a truck licence".

However, this does not strictly mean you would have to take a test to change over your licence. 

If you use the 'Overseas licence check' function, it shows you'll only need to do so if you are under 25 years old, are over 25 but have had your licence for less than three years, or depending on the country you're from.

When you arrive in SA, you need to apply for your licence at a Service SA centre and pay the licence fee.

You'll need to show your overseas licence (and an approved English translation, if required) and complete an application form. Following that, you will receive a temporary driver’s licence and your full one will be posted to you.

How to convert your overseas licence in the Northern Territory

As in other states and territories, you have three months to drive on an overseas licence in the NT.

Following that, you must go to a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) office and complete an application, show your current licence – or if it's not in English then an international driving permit, official translation by an authorised translator, or original letter from the licensing authority in the country of origin.

In addition, you must also provide proof of identity and residency, pass an eye test and pay the licence fee.

In the NT there are two lists of countries – if you're from anywhere on the first list, then you don't need to pass a theory or practical test again to get a local licence.

If you're from anywhere on the second list and are over 25 or have had your licence for more than two years, then you're also in the clear. However, if you are neither of those things, you'll have to retake both tests.

How to convert your overseas licence in Tasmania

You can drive on an overseas licence in Tasmania for six months after you arrive.

In Tasmania, there are three types of categories for overseas driver licences: recognised countries, experienced driver recognition countries, and non-recognised countries.

To convert your overseas licence in Tasmania you will need to go to a Service Tasmania centre, prove your identity, show your overseas licence and complete an application form.

If your current licence has expired, if your country is on the experienced driver list and you're under 25, or your country is not recognised, you'll also have to pass a test on Tasmanian road rules, a hazard perception test and a practical one as well.

How to convert your overseas licence in the Australian Capital Territory

Overseas holders of a full licence must transfer to an ACT driver’s licence within three months of living there. 

Unlike some other states, however, there are also some key details for the ACT it's worth noting depending on when you moved there.

If you started living in the ACT between April 1, 2022 and January 25, 2023 you can continue to drive on your overseas driver's licence for 12 months from the date your permanent visa was issued if you're from an approved country, or three months if from an experienced driver recognition country.

When it comes to getting a local licence, if you're over 25 years old and from an experienced driver country or hold a full licence already, no further test is required but if you're under 25 then you will need to retest.

In that case, you will need to pass a road rules knowledge test and practical assessment or achieve a Certificate of Competency.

To simply transfer over a licence, you need to visit an Access Canberra Service Centre and bring your current licence or official translation from an embassy, consulate or Department of Immigration if not in English, proof of identity and residency, and pay the fee.

To change licences in the ACT you must also notify authorities if you have a permanent or long-term illness, injury, or incapacity that might impair your driving ability as you may need to undergo a medical exam and driving assessment to prove you're fit to drive.

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