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.
Table of Contents
Can I drive in Australia on my overseas licence?
Under the National Driver Licensing Scheme, most Australian states and territories treat temporary visitors as “visiting drivers.” If you hold a valid overseas driver licence, you may drive the same classes of vehicle and must obey any conditions on your licence.
Key requirements for all states & territories
- Valid licence + English translation: Carry your original licence and either an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official English translation (NAATI-accredited or embassy-certified) if your licence isn’t in English.
- Conditions: You must wear a seatbelt, obey local speed limits, and comply with drink-driving laws (max 0.05 % BAC).
- Vehicle class: Only drive vehicles that your overseas licence authorises.
How long can I drive on my overseas licence?
| State/Territory | Visitor Licence Validity | Conversion Deadline (residents) |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 6 months | Convert within 6 months |
| Victoria | 6 months | Convert before 6 months end |
| Northern Territory | 3 months | Convert within 3 months |
| Queensland | Indefinite* | Convert within 3 months of residency |
| Western Australia | Indefinite | Convert within 3 months of residency |
| South Australia | Indefinite | Convert within 3 months of residency |
| Tasmania | Indefinite | Convert within 3 months of residency |
| Australian Capital Territory | Indefinite* | Convert within 3 months of residency |
* “Indefinite” means while you remain a temporary visa holder. Once you become a permanent resident (or hold a permanent visa), you must convert within the stated deadline.
State-by-state highlights
New South Wales
Temporary visitors may drive up to 6 months on a valid overseas licence. If you plan to stay longer, or hold a permanent visa, you must visit a Service NSW centre to convert your licence within 6 months of your arrival date. Drivers from recognised countries (UK, Canada, USA, Ireland, etc.) can generally transfer without tests, while others must pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) and/or a practical drive Service NSWNSW Government.
Victoria
You can drive on your overseas licence for up to 6 months. Beyond that, VicRoads requires you to obtain a Victorian licence—testing requirements depend on your licence’s country of issue.
Northern Territory
You may drive for up to 3 months as a visitor. After 3 months, the NT Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics mandates conversion; permanent residents cannot continue on their overseas licence.
Queensland, WA, SA, TAS & ACT
These jurisdictions allow visiting drivers to use a valid overseas licence indefinitely while on a temporary visa. However, once you become a resident (permanent visa holder or long-term resident), you must convert to a local licence—generally within 3 months of establishing resident.
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.
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
⚠️ 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 prior hitting the road.
Pro tips for overseas drivers
- Check before you drive: State rules change—always review the local transport authority’s website ahead of time.
- Carry your licence & translation: Fines for unlicensed driving can exceed A$1,000.
- Beware language rules: Only IDPs issued in your home country or NAATI-certified translations are accepted.
- Recognised country list: Use your state’s list to see if you’re exempt from testing.
- RoadRules app: Download the official app for local road rules and signage.
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.
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. Count around $100.
🚐 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.
Do i need to take a knowledge test?
Even All i need is to renew my overseas driver license and my driver license is not on the list of the excempted countries and what test do i need to learn id im going to take the knowledge test.and I’m married to australian citizen last may 25 2023 and i still waiting for my bridging visa
Hi Ronald, best to visit a Transport Office in the state / territory where you are living 🙂 Regulations differ from state to state.
I have a British class C truck license which is a HR license in Australia am I allowed to drive these trucks on my overseas license ?
Hi Reece, I believe you do but regulations are different from state to state -> make sure to check the rules in the state where you intend to drive. Cheers