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 has changed significantly in 2026. New South Wales now enforces a strict 6-month rule, Queensland and Western Australia have scrapped the Experienced Driver Recognition pathway, and penalties for unlicensed driving can exceed A$2,200. Here’s the comprehensive 2026 state-by-state guide to help you stay legal on Aussie roads.
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 visa holders as “visiting drivers.” If you hold a valid overseas driver licence, you may drive the same classes of vehicle as your overseas licence authorises and must obey any conditions on it.
Key requirements (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) if your licence isn’t in English.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times (driver + all passengers)
- Obey local speed limits (vary by state ā see below)
- Comply with drink-driving laws (max 0.05 % BAC for full licence holders; 0.00 % for some categories ā see below)
- Drive vehicle classes authorised by your overseas licence
- ā ļø NSW exception: if you’re on a temporary visa and live in NSW for 6 months or more, you must convert to a NSW visitor licence ā see below
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How long can I drive on my overseas licence?
This is THE question for backpackers and international drivers. The rules differ significantly between visitors on temporary visas and permanent residents:
| State/Territory | Visitor (temporary visa) | New resident / permanent visa holder |
|---|---|---|
| š¢ New South Wales | 6 months then NSW visitor licence required | 3 months to convert |
| š¢ Victoria | While overseas licence remains valid | 6 months to convert |
| š¢ Queensland | While overseas licence remains valid | 3 months to convert |
| š¢ Western Australia | While overseas licence remains valid | 3 months to convert |
| š¢ South Australia | While overseas licence remains valid | 90 days to convert |
| š¢ Tasmania | While overseas licence remains valid | 3 months to convert |
| š“ Northern Territory | 3 months then NT licence required | 3 months to convert |
| š¢ ACT | While overseas licence remains valid | 3 months to convert |
ā ļø Important update 2026: NSW is now the only state with a hard 6-month limit on temporary visa holders driving on their overseas licence. NT is the only state with a 3-month limit for visitors.
š” The clock starts when you become a “resident” ā generally defined as either being granted a permanent visa, OR (in Queensland) having lived in the state for 3+ months on a resident visa, OR (in Victoria) when you become a Victorian resident.
List A vs List B countries: what’s changed in 2026
This is the biggest change in 2026. Until recently, drivers from many countries could convert their overseas licence to an Australian one without any test, thanks to the Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) programme.
EDR has now been abolished or significantly tightened in most jurisdictions:
- NSW: EDR ended 1 February 2026 for List B drivers
- QLD: EDR for Taiwan/Hong Kong ended 29 November 2025
- WA: EDR fully removed 1 November 2025
- VIC, TAS, NT, SA, ACT: aligned with national reforms
List A countries (no test needed)
If your licence is from one of these countries, you can generally convert without taking any test:
Austria Ā· Belgium Ā· Bosnia & Herzegovina Ā· Canada Ā· Croatia Ā· Denmark Ā· Finland Ā· France Ā· Germany Ā· Greece Ā· Guernsey Ā· Ireland Ā· Isle of Man Ā· Italy Ā· Japan Ā· Jersey Ā· Luxembourg Ā· Malta Ā· Netherlands Ā· New Zealand Ā· Norway Ā· Portugal Ā· Singapore Ā· Spain Ā· Sweden Ā· Switzerland Ā· UK Ā· USA
List B countries (test now required since 2026)
Drivers from these countries must now pass both knowledge AND practical driving tests to convert their overseas licence to an Australian one:
Europe: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia Asia & Africa: Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, South Africa
Non-recognised countries
Drivers from countries not on either list must complete the full local licensing process (knowledge test + hazard perception test + practical driving test).
ā ļø Important: while you’re on a temporary visa, you can still drive on your overseas licence regardless of List A or List B ā these tests only apply when you want to convert to an Australian licence.
State-by-state highlights (2026)
New South Wales – Strictest rules in Australia
Visiting drivers can drive on their valid overseas licence for up to 6 months from arrival in NSW. After 6 months, you must apply for a NSW temporary visitor licence (Q condition) ā driving on your overseas licence past 6 months is now considered unlicensed driving.
- Penalty: A$603 (1st offence) ā A$924 (2nd offence) ā up to A$2,200 (court)
- Permanent residents: 3 months to convert (transfer process: visit a Service NSW Centre)
- Tests required: List A = no tests; List B = both knowledge + practical (since 1 Feb 2026)
Official: Service NSW ā Overseas Visitor Licence
Victoria
You can drive on your overseas licence as long as it remains valid while on a temporary visa. New residents (permanent visa holders, Australian citizens returning) have 6 months from becoming a resident to obtain a Victorian licence.
Apply at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre
Testing requirements depend on your country (List A vs List B)
Queensland
Visiting drivers on a temporary visa can drive indefinitely on a valid overseas licence. Permanent residents (after 3 months of residency on a resident visa) must convert to a Queensland licence within 3 months.
- Important: EDR for Taiwan & Hong Kong drivers ended 29 November 2025 ā they now need to pass both tests regardless of age
- Apply at a TMR Customer Service Centre or QGAP office
Official: QLD TMR ā Transferring to a Queensland licence
Western Australia ā EDR fully removed
Visiting drivers on a temporary visa: drive indefinitely on valid overseas licence. New residents: 3 months to convert.
- Important: EDR fully removed 1 November 2025 ā drivers from non-recognised countries now must complete tests
- Apply at a Department of Transport Customer Service Centre
Official: WA Department of Transport ā Overseas drivers
South Australia
Visiting drivers on a temporary visa: drive indefinitely on valid overseas licence. New residents: 90 days to convert.
Official: SA Government ā Driving with an overseas licence
Tasmania
Visiting drivers: indefinite while temporary visa is valid. New residents: 3 months to convert via Transport Tasmania.
Official: Transport TAS ā New to TAS overseas
Northern Territory ā Stricter 3-month rule
This is the only state besides NSW with a hard time limit for visitors. You can drive on your overseas licence for 3 months only from arrival in NT. After that, you must obtain an NT driver licence ā regardless of visa status.
- Permanent residents: 3 months to convert
- Apply at MVR (Motor Vehicle Registry) office
Official: NT Government ā Driver licence rules
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Visiting drivers: indefinite while temporary visa is valid. New residents: 3 months to convert via Access Canberra.
Official: Access Canberra
NAATI Translation: Required Across All States
If your licence isn’t in English, you must carry either a NAATI-certified English translation OR an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country. Police can request to see this document any time you’re driving.
Order your NAATI translation in 24h
Permanent Residents (Moving to Australia)
The driving regulations differ for those moving to Australia on a permanent basis. If you hold a permanent visa under the Commonwealth Migration Act 1958, you are considered a permanent resident, not a visitor ā and must apply for a state-issued driver licence within the timeframe above.
Documents typically required for transfer:
- Original overseas driver licence (not expired or expiring soon)
- NAATI-certified English translation (if licence not in English)
- Proof of identity (passport)
- Proof of address in Australia (utility bill, lease)
- Evidence of permanent residency (visa grant notice)
- Photo (taken at the centre)
- Payment (A$60-150 depending on state and licence class)
ā ļø List B drivers: since the EDR removal in 2025-2026, you’ll need to pass both the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) and a practical driving test to transfer your licence.
Official transfer information by State
- NSW: Service NSW ā Transfer overseas licence
- QLD: QLD TMR ā Transfer
- VIC: VicRoads ā New to Victoria
- WA: WA Transport ā Transferring
- SA: SA ā Drivers licence transfer
- TAS: Transport TAS ā New to TAS
- NT: NT ā Transfer interstate/overseas licence
- ACT: Access Canberra
ā ļø Driving regulations are subject to change without notice. Always verify on the official State authority website before driving.
Speed limits, BAC and demerit points
A few rules apply across all of Australia that are important to know:
Speed limits
| Zone | Typical limit |
|---|---|
| School zones (during school hours) | 40 km/h (sometimes less – check signs) |
| Built-up areas (city/suburbs) | 50 km/h |
| Major roads / shopping strips | 60-70 km/h |
| Highways outside cities | 80-110 km/h |
| Open country roads | 100-110 km/h |
| Northern Territory open roads | up to 130 km/h (some sections) |
ā ļø Speed cameras everywhere ā fixed, mobile, and (in some states) covert. Fines start around A$200 for minor breaches and can exceed A$1,000+ for severe speeding.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
- General rule: 0.05 % BAC maximum for full licence holders
- Zero BAC (0.00 %) required for:
- Learner drivers
- P-plate (Provisional) drivers
- Drivers under 25 (some States)
- Truck and bus drivers
- Heavy vehicle drivers
- Driving over the limit: immediate licence suspension + fine A$600-2,000+ depending on level
Demerit points
Most states use a demerit points system (similar to many European countries). Overseas visitors driving on their overseas licence can still accumulate demerit points ā and if you reach the threshold (12 points for full licence equivalent), your authority to drive in Australia can be withdrawn.
Common offences:
- Speeding by 10-20 km/h: 2-3 points + fine
- Mobile phone use while driving: 5 points + A$554 fine (NSW)
- Running a red light: 3 points + fine
- Not wearing seatbelt: 3 points + fine
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FAQs
š 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 Iām 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 š 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
Hello,
I am going in Australia in end of June, with a WHV.
And I am hoping to drive over there.
I am french, but I have an Irish driving liscence, so it’s already in english.
So I don’t have to translate it ?
Thank you.
Hi there, yes if your licence is in English no need to translate it. Cheers