Driving in Australia with an International Driver's License

by Careseekers

If you're planning to drive in Australia with an international driver's license, it's essential to know the rules, which vary by state and territory. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the regulations in each part of the country.

New South Wales (NSW)

In NSW, if you’re a temporary visa holder intending to stay for more than six months, you must convert your overseas license to an NSW license within six months of arrival. If you're just visiting, you can drive with your overseas license for up to three months. If your license is not in English, you must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a certified English translation.

Key Points:

  • Convert to an NSW license if staying over six months.
  • Drive with an overseas license for up to three months if visiting.
  • Carry an IDP if your license is not in English.

Victoria

In Victoria, visitors can drive on their overseas license for up to six months. If you become a permanent resident, you must obtain a Victorian driver's license within six months of your residency.

Key Points:

  • Drive with an overseas license for up to six months.
  • Obtain a Victorian license within six months of becoming a resident.

Queensland

Temporary visitors in Queensland can use their overseas license for the duration of their stay. If you become a resident, you need to transfer your overseas license to a Queensland license within three months.

Key Points:

  • Use your overseas license while visiting.
  • Transfer to a Queensland license within three months of residency.

South Australia

South Australia allows visitors to drive with their overseas license, provided it's current and valid. Permanent residents must obtain a South Australian license within 90 days of arrival.

Key Points:

  • Drive with an overseas license as a visitor.
  • Obtain a South Australian license within 90 days of residency.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, visitors can drive with their overseas license as long as it remains valid. New residents must obtain a WA driver's license within three months.

Key Points:

  • Drive with an overseas license while visiting.
  • Obtain a WA license within three months of residency.

Tasmania

Visitors can drive with an overseas license for up to three months. If you become a resident, you need to get a Tasmanian license within three months.

Key Points:

  • Drive with an overseas license for up to three months.
  • Obtain a Tasmanian license within three months of residency.

Northern Territory

You can drive with your overseas license for up to three months in the Northern Territory. After that, you must convert it to a local license.

Key Points:

  • Drive with an overseas license for up to three months.
  • Convert to a Northern Territory license after three months.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

In the ACT, visitors can drive with their overseas license for up to three months. If you become a resident, you need to obtain an ACT license within three months.

Key Points:

  • Drive with an overseas license for up to three months.
  • Obtain an ACT license within three months of residency.

By understanding and following these regulations, you can enjoy a safe and legal driving experience in Australia. Safe travels!

For more detailed information please visit:

NSW Government

VicRoads

Transport and Main Roads Queensland

SA.GOV.AU

WA.gov.au

Tasmania Government

Northern Territory Government

ACT Government

To become a care or support worker, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/carer

To find disability support services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/disability-support-workers

To find aged care services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/aged-care-workers

To make a referral, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/referrals