Need to get an Australian driver’s licence? In this detailed Remitly guide, we look at not only how to apply for your driving permit, but go deeper into licence types and eligibility requirements. We’ll also explore the very specific rules and regulations you must follow on Australia’s roads.
Understanding driver licences in Australia
You can get by without a car if you live in a major Aussie city, as they have strong public transport links. But driving is often essential in smaller localities or rural areas, and it offers more freedom when you want to explore travel hotspots around the country.
The Australian licensing system
Licensing in Australia operates on tiers, which ensures new drivers progressively improve their driving skills. This Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS) also allows first-time drivers to become more confident and learn safe driving practices.
It is also standardised nationally under the National Driver Licensing Scheme (NDLS). This means all states and territories follow the same tiered system, eligibility criteria, and requirements for issuing, renewing or suspending driving licences.
Generally, Australian drivers must pass through three different levels before being fully authorised to operate a vehicle. The process starts with novice motorists receiving a learner’s permit, then a P1 and P2 provisional licence, before finally progressing to the full licence.
Categories of Australian driver’s licences
While the tiered system outlines requirements and restrictions for new drivers, licence categories define which types of vehicles you are allowed to drive. Here are some of the most common licence classes across the country:
Class C (Car) licence
This is your standard car licence, and it’s the most common driving permit in Australia. It gives you permission to drive:
- Cars, utes, and vans
- Light trucks and small tractors
- Vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes GVM (gross vehicle mass)
- Vehicles seating up to 12 adults
A Class C licence is ideal if you’re focused on personal transport, commuting, or vehicles for light commercial use.
Class R (Motorcycle) licence
An R-class licence lets you operate all kinds of motorcycles and motorised scooters, including:
- Learner Approved Motorcycles (LAMS): These are motorcycles with a smaller engine.
- Standard motorcycles: Feature larger engine capacities.
Acquiring this licence will require motorcycle-specific knowledge, such as safety gear, handling techniques, and safe riding practices.
Class LR, MR, HR, HC, and MC (Heavy vehicle) licences
This licence covers all heavy vehicles, with different requirements based on the specific class and previous experience. These driving permits are split into different classes as follows:
- Light Rigid (LR): For heavy vehicles up to 8 tonnes.
- Medium Rigid (MR): For vehicles over 8 tonnes and with up to two axles.
- Heavy Rigid (HR): For vehicles with a GVM over 8 tonnes and three or more axles.
- Heavy Combination (HC): Includes long-haul articulated trucks and prime movers with a single semi-trailer.
- Multi Combination (MC): The highest classification available and covers road trains, B-doubles, and prime movers.
Acquiring one of these licences allows you to drive vehicles in all preceding classes. For example, MR licence holders can operate LR vehicles as well. They also require additional training and certification geared toward professional drivers.
Australian road rules
When you first move to Australia, everything is brand new. You’ll probably have to start from scratch to understand things like the varying cost of living or the road rules in a new city. Arming yourself with basic knowledge is a good idea before you get an Australian driver’s licence.
In general, all countries follow similar regulations when it comes to road safety—including wearing seat belts, avoiding driving while intoxicated, stopping at red lights and stop signs, and not using a phone while driving. Here are some unique Australian Road Rules:
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- Drive on the left: in Australia, you drive on the left-hand side. The driver’s seat is on the right-hand side of the car.
- Know the speed limit: Always follow speed limits, which are clearly marked by road signs. You can reach speeds up to 50 km/h in most cities and towns—unless signs say otherwise—or 100-110 km/h on highways or freeways.
- Keep arms inside: Driving with limbs outside of your car is an offence, even if you’re just waving goodbye to friends. The rule of thumb is that if the car is moving, keep your limbs inside.
- Lock your doors: Leaving your car unlocked while unattended is illegal. This is standard best practice in most places in the world, but in Australia, it can get you into trouble with the law.
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- Honking: Unnecessary honking is illegal. Avoid using your car horn unless it’s to warn animals or other road users.
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- Overtaking: Speeding up while another vehicle is trying to overtake you is against the law. You can only go faster once the other motorist has passed your car and is sufficiently far away.
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- Fog lights: Avoid lighting up your fog lights during the day or in clear conditions, as you might receive a fine.
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- Obstructing postboxes: Parking at or near a postbox could delay your mail deliveries.
Road rules per state
Each Australian state and territory follows the same basic road rules, but small variations exist from one region to another. Here’s a simple summary of some key differences:
- In Queensland, you must change lanes when passing an emergency response vehicle with flashing lights. Leave a clear lane between you where possible. On single-lane roads, move over within your lane and slow down.
- In Southern Australia, the speed limit in school zones is 25 km/h. This is significantly lower than the rest of Australia’s territories, where it’s 40 km/h.
- Victoria is the only state where drivers can make a U-turn at all intersections—unless there’s a “No U-turn” sign or a solid line.
- In New South Wales (NSW), it’s illegal to splash pedestrians waiting at a bus stop with water puddles that have pooled on the road nearby.
- Western Australia has introduced the Slow Down, Move Over (SLOMO) law, which requires drivers to slow down to 40 km/h when approaching stationary emergency vehicles.
- Meanwhile, in the Northern Territory, driving at night with dirty windows is a no-go. If caught, you’ll be handed a fine.
- Learner drivers need to know that South Australia is strict about speed limits. No matter the signage, drivers with a learner’s permit cannot exceed 100 km/h. This limit is set at 90 km/h in NSW and Tasmania.
- Unlike most of Australia, Tasmania, South Australia, and the Northern Territory do not implement double demerits during holiday periods or at any other time of the year.
The demerit point system
Australia’s demerit point system to help keep drivers safe. Each motorist starts off with zero demerits, but if you break a road rule, like speeding or going through a red light, you get demerit points on your driving licence.
Each traffic offence attracts a set number of points. However, if you pass a certain limit within a defined timeframe, you could have your licence suspended for a while or even lose it entirely.
Here are some other important facts about the Australian demerit point system:
- Points based on your licence type: The number of demerit points you can accrue before suspension depends on your licence type. The limit is lower for a learner’s permit or a provisional licence (P1 and P2), encouraging careful driving right from the start.
- Room to grow: You won’t be penalised eternally for demerit points earned. Demerits older than 40 months will not count towards your driver licence being suspended.
- Double demerits: During holiday periods like Christmas, some offences will earn you double the number of demerit points in most parts of Australia.
- Repeat offenders beware: If you exceed your demerit limit twice within five years, your Australian driver’s licence will be confiscated, and you’ll need to go through the entire approval process again.
Now that you know your rights and responsibilities, you’re ready to start the journey to becoming a fully licenced Australian driver.
Getting your learner licence (L plates)
A learner’s permit allows you to start driving on Aussie roads, but only under certain conditions. You can also put L-plates on your car to share your status with other road users.
Eligibility requirements
- Be at least 15 to 16 years old, depending on the state.
- Pass a theory-based knowledge test on traffic signs and road rules.
- Pass an eyesight test.
Application process
- Fill in and submit your application form to the designated centre or agent.
- Provide proof of identity and residency using two valid documents, including a passport, birth certificate, photo card, or credit card.
- Pay the required fees, which also vary by state.
Preparing for the test
Some states and territories offer pre-learner licence courses to help you prepare for the knowledge test. Find out about the resources available in your area at the local transport authority office or online.
Application and testing only take a few hours, and you’ll receive your learner’s permit immediately after passing the test. This authorisation will be valid for up to one year. During this time, you must adhere to several strict rules, including:
- Display your L plate clearly.
- Follow the posted speed limits.
- Adhere to the zero percent blood alcohol content (BAC) rule.
Provisional licences (P1 and P2)
This is the next step after your learner’s permit and allows you to drive without active supervision.
Transitioning from L plates to P1
- Be at least 17 to 18 years of age.
- Hold a learner’s permit for 12 months if you’re under 25, or six months if older.
- Complete the required number of supervised driving hours in your state. This usually ranges anywhere from 50 to 120 hours, plus 10 to 15 hours at night.
- Keep a record of your driving hours in an official logbook.
- Schedule and pass the practical driving test.
- Submit your application for the P1 licence and attach your logbook and the required fees.
This transition process usually takes at least one year—the approximate amount of time it takes to complete the supervised driving hours.
Moving from P1 to P2
- Hold a valid P1 licence for not less than 12 months.
- Pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT).
- Book and pass the practical driver’s test.
Once you receive P1 or P2 licensing, these authorisations are valid for one to three years, based on your state or territory.
Rules and restrictions
- Always display your plates clearly. P1 plates are red while P2 plates are green in colour.
- Only operate vehicles that are allowed within your licence class.
- Keep your physical licence or a digital copy on you at all times, in case you’re stopped by police.
- Follow speed limits, restrictions on the number of passengers, and any conditions outlined in your licence.
- Focus on building more driving experience and keeping your record clean. Every demerit point increases the required time before you can apply for your full licence.
Obtaining a full licence
This is the last stage of Australia’s driver’s licensing process, and it grants you full and unrestricted approval to operate motor vehicles on the roads.
Eligibility criteria
- Be 20 years or older.
- Hold your P2 licence for the required period, which ranges between one and two years in different states.
Application steps
- Provide valid documentation proving your identity and residency status.
- Pass a vision test.
- Pay the required licence fee in your state or territory.
Benefits of a full (unrestricted) licence
A full driver’s licence is the ultimate path to freedom. While the lengthy process can take up to three or four years, receiving your unrestricted licence offers several benefits:
- Next-level independence: Explore Australia and go wherever you want without relying on public transport.
- Job opportunities: Most positions require candidates to have a driver’s licence.
- Rent a car: Many car rental companies only accept contracts with fully licenced drivers. Also, you’ll be able to bypass age limit requirements.
Interstate and overseas licences
Let’s say you were licenced in Queensland but want to drive legally in Victoria or the Northern Territory. Don’t worry—Australian driving licences are generally recognised in every state or territory throughout the country.
But if you’re moving from one state to another, you may have to surrender your existing permit and become licenced in the new jurisdiction.
Transferring your overseas licence
Short-term visitors can drive using a valid overseas licence for a certain amount of time, which varies from one state to the next. However, it usually ranges between three to six months. For longer stays or permanent residency, though, you’re required to obtain an Australian licence or convert your valid overseas permit to a local one.
This is a fairly straightforward process if your country has an agreement with Australia allowing for automatic conversion. See the full list of countries on the official website. Otherwise, you’ll have to fulfil the following requirements:
- Take a theory and practical driving test.
- Provide valid proof of identity.
- Complete the application form and provide all required documents.
- Provide an official International Driving Permit or certified English translation of your overseas driver licence if it is in another language.
- Pay the required licence fee in your state or territory.
Cost and renewal fees
You’ll pay varying licensing costs and renewal fees based on your state or territory. But generally, the charges for each stage are as follows:
| Stage | Service | Cost* |
| Learner’s permit | Application fee | 25–50 AUD |
| Knowledge test | 20–40 AUD | |
| Vision test | 20–30 AUD | |
| Provisional licence (P1 and P2) | Practical driving test | 50–100 AUD |
| Provisional licence fee | 50–100 AUD | |
| Full licence | Application fee | 100–200 AUD
(for a five-year licence) |
| Renewal fees | 50–305 AUD
(for a one- to ten-year renewal period) |
*All fees vary from state to state.
Start driving in Australia
There’s no better way to get to know the Land Down Under than by the country’s wide, open roads. With a driver’s licence in hand, you’ll make the most of your opportunity to experience the outdoors like never before. Just—watch out for the spiders.
FAQs
How can a foreigner get an Australian driver’s licence?
As a foreigner, you can get an Australian driver’s licence by following its tiered licensing system, meeting all eligibility requirements at each stage, and submitting applications with the required supporting documents. Consult your local road transport authority for more information.
How do I get my full licence in Australia?
Getting a full Australian driver’s licence requires you to take and pass the learner’s test and log the required number of supervised driving hours. After at least six to 12 months, depending on your age, you can progress to your provisional licences, P1 and P2. You’ll then be ready to take a practical driving test and a Hazard Perception Test. Once you pass these, you can move on to applying for your full licence.
How do I change my overseas driver’s licence in Australia?
You must apply to transfer your current overseas driver’s licence to an Australian one. You have at least a three- to six-month window in which your overseas licence will be valid to use in Australia before you’ll be required to switch to one issued by your new state or territory.