What you need to know about driving in Australia.

Firstly you need to know that, If you’re planning to drive a car, it is very important to learn the road rules, which may be different to what you have experienced in your home country (such as driving on the left side of the road). The rules also differ in each state and territory, so ensure you learn the rules that apply to your location.

If you are in a student or tourist visa in Australia, you are a temporary resident, which means that you are able to drive in Australia using your licence from your home country if it is current and valid.

* If your licence is not written in English, you must also carry a certified translation in English or apply for an IDP (International driving permit)  from your home country.

 If you are Permanent Residency in Australia, your overseas issued driving license is valid for the first three months of your residence.

​ If you wish to continue to drive after three months, an Australian issued driver’s licence must be obtained in the state or territory in which the person is residing.

​If you have an overseas valid license and needs to apply for an Australian driving license you ​are required to undertake a theory test and a practical driving test. If applicants pass both the theory and practical 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 commenced driving in that Australian jurisdiction.

Individual applicants from the countries listed below are exempt from undertaking a knowledge and drive test when applying for an Australian car or motorcycle licence. This makes it simpler to exchange a driver’s licence.

Recognised countries and jurisdictions are:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Canada
  • Croatia
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Guernsey
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man (for licences first issued on or after 1 April 1991)
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Jersey
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta (for licences first issued on or after 2 January 2004)
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Portugal
  • Singapore
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • UK
  • USA

But, if you wish to apply for your first driving license here in Australia, you can see here the steps that you’ll need to follow: Steps to get your license.

Motor vehicle registries in Australia

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