Converting an international driving licence in Australia is crucial for drivers who want to drive in Australia legally. To convert an international licence in Australia, you must know the procedure. Regardless of whether you are a permanent resident or just on a temporary visa.
The basic conversion process includes applying for the current international licence. With the licence, you have to fill up an application form. Also, you have to attach an official English translated version of the licence.
In this guide, we will help you through the step-by-step process of converting your foreign driver's licence. This will also cover different categories according to the country of issuance and driving experience.
Common Australian Driving Licence Requirements
Basic driving licence requirements in Australia are almost the same in all states and territories. Still, they have some unique requirements, too
However, we have discussed the basic requirements for overseas licence conversion in Australia. We will later discuss the particular requirements for different states
The basic requirements include the following for most states
Proof of Identity
To verify your identity, you need to provide various proof of identity documents to the respective department of the state. They generally include valid visa, residential address proof, passport, photo identity, etc
No copies and laminated documents are accepted
Theory Test/ Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)
Depending on the current driving licence provider country, you may need to take a knowledge test. The knowledge test, or DKT, is a written test or computer-based test
Here, you will have to prove your knowledge of Australian road rules and driving safety. It includes questions on:
- Road signs
- Speed limits
- Safe driving practices
If you are in Queensland, we at Affordable Driving School can help you learn Australian road rules
Practical Test/Driving Test for Foreign Licence Holders
After you have passed the knowledge test, you have to take a practical driving test (if required). The practical driving test is to prove your driving skills so that you comply with the Australian driving standard
Vision Test
In most states, you need to attend and pass a vision test. This is to ensure that you meet the required visual requirements to drive in Australia
Document Translation
If your current international driver’s licence isn’t in English language, you have to translate it into English. You have to do this from particular organisations for particular states, which we will discuss later
Country Categories From Where You Are
Australia has divided countries into three categories in terms of converting international licences. They are
- Recognised country
- Experienced driver-recognised country
- Non-recognised country
- Recognised Country
Australia has an agreement with a list of countries. These countries are recognised countries where driving standards are considered the same as in Australia
If you are from these countries, in most states, you don’t need to take and pass any knowledge or driving tests
Here is the list of countries
- New Zealand
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Canada
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Guernsey
- Ireland
- Isle of Man (for licences issued on or after 1 April 1991)
- Italy
- Japan
- Jersey
- Luxembourg
- Malta (for licences issued on or after 2 January 2004)
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
1. Experienced Driver-Recognised Country
Australia has a list of countries where they consider the drivers to know the Australian driving rules and regulations. They also recognise the driver’s experience, but you have to prove your driving experience if you are from these countries in a driving test
But you don’t need to take a theory test here. Here is the list of experienced driver-recognised countries
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China)
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Poland
- South Korea
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa (Republic of)
- Taiwan
2. Non-Recognised Country
If you are not from the country listed above, you are from a non-recognised country. In this case, you have to take both a theory test and a driving test to convert your international licence into an Australian licence
Temporary Visa Driving in Australia
If you are a temporary visa holder in Australia, you can drive with your international driving licence for a limited time. This time for Driving in Australia with a foreign licence varies from 3 to 6 months, depending on the state.
Before the period ends, you have to convert your international licence into an Australian driving licence
Permanent Residency Driving Licence Conversion
If you have a permanent residence visa in Australia, you can also drive with your international licence for 3 to 6 months. But, before the period ends, you must convert your international driver’s licence into an Australian driving licence
Australia Foreign Licence Conversion Cost and Processing Fees
The cost and processing fee may vary depending on the state and application process involved. Here, we have mentioned the possible licence processing fees involvement
You may need to pay for the following aspects
- Licence application fee
- Knowledge test fee
- Practical driving test fee
- Document translation fee (if applicable)
- Vision test fee (if applicable)
How to Convert an International Driving Licence Into a New South Wales (NSW) Licence
If you are a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, you can drive on your international driving licence. But, you can do so for 3 months
You have to Convert your foreign licence to Australian within 3 months if you want to drive in Australia after 3 months
But if you are a temporary overseas visitor with a temporary visa, you can drive for up to 6 months in NSW with your current overseas licence. You can do this under some other conditions. For temporary visa holders, they need to apply for a temporary overseas licence.
However, if you are a driver aged 75 years old or over, you have to go through a medical review. Also, you may need to take a practical driving test
Things You Will Need for Licence Conversion
You will need the following things to apply for an Australian driver’s licence.
- The PDF licence application form.
- Your proof of identity
- Your international licence
- If your licence is not in English, you need to submit an approved translation approved by Transport for NSW
- If your international licence isn’t available with you, you need an Authorisation Letter from the country your licence is issued
- Your licence validation letter, if required
- Permanent residency proof of Australia.
- The payment
Other requirements:
- Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) and driving test for non-recognised country
- Driving test for experienced driver-recognised countries.
- No test for recognised countries
- Fitness to drive medical test if required
- Contact lenses or glasses, if you use
From Where You Can Get Translated Your Overseas Licence
You have to get your licence translated from one of the following places
- Multicultural NSW
- Department of Home Affairs
- Taipei Economic and Cultural Office – If your licence is issued by the Republic of China (Taiwan).
- Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea – if your licence is issued by the Republic of Korea.
The original translated document must be provided. If it isn’t possible to submit the original copy, you must submit a copy certified by a Justice of the Peace.
And if you can’t provide the translated copy anymore, you must provide an authorisation letter from the following places
- The department that issued your licence in your country
- Or embassy, diplomatic office, or consulate in Australia
How to Apply
The process for international licence conversion in NSW is simple
- Download the PDF application form and fill it out
- Gather all the documents we mentioned.
- Now, go to the Transport for NSW Service Centre and submit your application in person
The licence payment fees vary. So, check the licence fees. Then, you can make your payment using the payment method that best suits you
How to Convert an International Driving Licence Into a Queensland (QLD) Licence
In Queensland, the licence validity for international drivers is 3 months from day 1 when you arrive here. You must convert your international driving licence by this time
What You Will Need
You will need to follow documents with you when applying for converting your overseas licence into a Queensland licence
- Your international licence. The licence must be in English. If not in English, you have to bring an English-translated licence. The licence translation for foreign drivers must be from an approved NAATI translator.
- Your evidence of identity. You must prove that you are living in Queensland
- A medical report that shows you are fit to drive. (if required)
Other Things to Remember
- If you are from the exempt countries and jurisdictions (recognised country), then you don’t need to take a knowledge test, and driving test.
- If you are from an experienced driver-recognised country, then you don’t need to take the knowledge test. But you have to take the driving test and pass
- If you are from a non-recognised country, you have to take and pass both the knowledge and driving tests
Payment
The licence fee varies depending on how long you need the licence. Based on your licence type, you will pay the licence fee
How to Apply
You can apply from any of the following places
- Transport and motoring customer service centre
- Participating Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP) office
- Licence-issuing police station (in rural or remote areas of Queensland).
If you apply at the QGPA office or any police station, you must complete a driver's licence application form(F3000).
If you are applying to the Department of Transport and Main Roads Customer Service Centre, then you don’t need to complete the form
Please remember all documents you need to bring must be original copies. Any photocopies or certified copies aren’t accepted in Queensland driving applications
The authority will return your documents after verifying your identity and relevant aspects
If you are 75 years or older, you have to get a Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver form (F3712).
How to Convert an International Driving Licence Into a Victorian(VIC) Licence
Victoria only categorised countries into two categories: recognised and unrecognised countries. Most experienced driver-recognised countries fall under recognised countries in Victoria
However, here are the steps you need to go through to convert your international licence into a Victorian licence
If you are from a non-recognised country, then you have to go through all these steps
If you are from a recognised country or from New Zealand, please skip Steps 1, 5, and 6
Step 1: Take the Road Rules Knowledge Test (Not Applied for Recognised Countries)
This is an online course where the trainer teaches you the Australian vehicle rules for international drivers in Victoria. This course will take a test on what you have learned
You have to sign up for the course on myVicRoads.
Step 2: Prepare for an Appointment
Prepare the following documents for a VicRoad overseas licence conversion
- Download the application form, complete it, and bring it. Don’t sign it yet
- Your international driving licence. If not in English, you must translate it into English
- Your evidence of identity.
- Glasses or contact lenses if you use them
- Medical reports, if any.
- Your identity documents
- Fees for the licence conversion payment
Step 3: Book an Appointment for Your Licence Verification
You need to come to the VicRoads centre. Before coming with all the documents, book your appointment. You can also book your appointment over a phone call through 13 11 71.
You can also book your appointment in person at one of VicRoads Customer Service Centres
Step 4: Go to Your Appointment
On the day of the appointment, go to the appointment centre with all the documents we mentioned. You must bring all original documents
Then, you will be asked to sign your application form in front of a staff member
Also, if you are from a recognised country, you will also be given an eye-sight test
Step 5: Do the Hazard Perception Test (Not Applied for Recognised Countries)
This test will evaluate your response and observation ability to dangers on the roads. This is a theoretical test, and you can take it online after you complete your road rules course
Step 6: Book and Do a Drive Test (Not Applied for Recognised Countries)
After the theory test, you need to take a practical driving test. So, when you have adequately trained and are ready to take the test, book your appointment
Step 7: Get Your Licence
After all tests and appointments, your licence application is completed. If you can satisfy the authority, they will provide you with a temporary paper licence
You will receive your original Victorian driving licence card in your email. The temporary licence will then be invalid, and you will use your original licence
How to Convert an International Driving Licence Into a Western Australian(WA) Licence
You can drive in WA for 3 months with your overseas driving licence. You must convert your licence to a Western Westralia licence to drive after 3 months
You will need the following documents
The licence must be translated by one of the following:
Tests You Need to Take
If you are from a recognised country, you don’t need to take any test
If you are from an experienced driver-recognised country. You need to take the following tests
Under 25 years old:
- Light Vehicle Licence: You need to pass theory tests and a practical driving assessment (PDA)
- Heavy Vehicle Licence: If you have a Light Rigid class equivalent licence, you have to pass the heavy vehicle relevant theory and PDA. If you have a truck or any other heavy vehicle licence, you also need to pass a Heavy Vehicle Theory Test (HVTT)
25 Years or Older
- Light Vehicle Licence: Need to pass theory and PDA test for a car or motorcycle
- Heavy Vehicle Licence: For a Light Rigid class equivalent licence, no theory test, but a PDA test is a must. But for heavier vehicle licences, passing an HVTT and PDA is a must
If you are from a non-recognised country, you must take a theory test and PDA and pass them
Visiting a Driver Vehicle Services Centre or Regional DoT office
To complete the application, please go to the Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or regional DoT office. Now, complete the application by submitting all the documents we discussed earlier
- Also, pay all the fees required, including application fees, licence renewal fees, and test fees
- You have to take an eyesight test at the same office
- If you have any medical condition, declare it and provide a medical report
- The authority will take your photo
After the application is completed, book your theory test and PDA(if applicable). Please, book the tests when you think you are ready for the tests
After passing all the tests(if applicable) and verifications, you will get your Western Australian licence. Either you will get 1-year, or 5-year licence for the relevant class of vehicle
But if you fail the tests, you need to reschedule the tests and pay the fees until you pass the tests
Special Note
If you are from the following countries, you must get a Letter of Verification from your high commission, embassy or consulate. They must validate the authenticity of your overseas licence
- Bangladesh’
- Pakistan
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Afghanistan
- India
For Afghanistan, the WA road authority only accepts the verification letter from the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Canberra.
How to Convert an International Driving Licence Into a South Australian (SA) Licence
South Australia offers overseas drivers P1 and P2 provisional licences, as well as full Australian licences for SA
These are categorised based on age, licence issuance time, licence’s current status, etc. Regardless of your country, you must pass a Practical Driving Test, except for New Zealand
You will need to submit the following documents to any of the Service SA Centres, and pay the licence fee
- Your overseas licence. Translate it into English if it is not in English
- Your completed licence application form (153.5 KB PDF) (153.5 KB PDF).
- Your evidence of identity.
After verification and a practical driving licence, the SA Road Authority will provide you with a temporary driving licence until your photo licence isn;t ready
Check the official Overseas licence check of the South Australian government for more information
How to Convert an International Driving Licence Into a Tasmanian Licence
You can drive in Tasmania with your overseas licence for 6 months. You have to submit the following documents to one of Service Tasmania’s Service Centres.
- Your overseas licence (English translated if not in English by NAATI certified translator).
- A complete application form
- Your proof of identity
- A concession card if you have any
- Take an eye-test
- A photo taken by the authority
- The licence fee
You have to pass a-
If you are from-
- A non-recognised country or
- An experienced driver-recognised country, and aged under 25 and
- Hong Kong and your licence has been issued, which doesn’t last more than 12 months
How to Convert Your International Driving Licence Into a Northern Territory(NT) Licence
You can drive 3 months in the Northern Territory with your international driving licence
If you are from a recognised country, you don’t need to take and pass a theory test and driving test
You will also get the same advantages for countries if-
- you are 25 years old or older, and
- you have been holding your licence for 2 or more than 2 years
These countries are-
- Bulgaria
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Poland
- Republic of Cyprus
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Republic of Serbia
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
To apply for the licence conversion, you need the following things to submit in your MVR office across NT
- Your overseas licence in English
- If English is not available, then translate into English or an international driving permit or authorisation letter from your country’s authority.
- Completed L1 application for an NT driver
- Your proof of identity
- Your photo that is taken by the authority
- An eye test to pass
- Paid fees for the licence
- Pass the rider theory test and practical driving test (if not from recognised countries for licence conversion Australia or not from the countries listed above)
After completing the application, you will get a driver’s licence receipt. You can use this to drive in NT until you get your licence card
How to Convert Your International Driving Licence Into an Australian Capital Territory(ACT)
You can drive for 3 months in Australia with your overseas driving licence. To get a full-time licence, you have to apply by visiting an Access Canberra Service Centre
Bring the following documents with you
- Your current international licence in English or translated into English. Get the translation from your country’s embassy or the Department of Immigration
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residency
- A credit or debit card for the payment.
If you are from an approved country or an experienced driver-recognised country, you can apply without taking any theory and practical driving test
The recognised and experienced driver-recognised countries of ACT are almost the same as those listed in the NT
For more information, you can check the official overseas driving licence rules in the ACT
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the rules for driving in Australia with a foreign licence are almost the same in all states and territories. If you are from a non-recognised country, you must know the state regulations for driving licence conversion
At Affordable Driving School, we help international drivers learn the local state’s driving regulations. Ensure that you are ready to take your knowledge and practical driving test with ease
If you are thinking about getting your Queensland driving licence, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are at your service any time