How To Transfer Your International Driver’s Licence to an Australian Licence

If you’ve recently moved to Australia or are planning to, then you’ll want to transfer your international driver’s licence to an Australian one. Luckily, the task isn’t complicated, but there are some details that depend on which territory you’re in.

At Remitly, we want to help your transition go as smoothly as possible. Let’s go over what you’ll need in order to transfer your international driver’s licence in Australia.

Do I need an Australian licence?

If your stay in Australia is temporary and you are not planning on becoming a resident, you can continue to drive on your current overseas licence in most states. However, all permanent residents must obtain a local licence to continue driving in the country. 

Australia offers new immigrants and visitors a grace period on their driver’s licences. This gives you a brief window where your overseas licence will remain valid to use. In most of Australia, this lasts for three months (90 days) after becoming a resident. However, some states extend this to six months. 

This article assumes that you currently hold a driver’s licence for a non-Australian country and need it to be converted. If you do not have a driver’s licence, you can follow our guide on the steps to get yours now.

Getting started

Each Australian region has its own process for transferring an international licence, but there’s some overlap in the requirements. 

• If your current licence isn’t in English, you’ll need to have it translated by a trusted authority. The most accessible way is to use the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
• If you have a medical condition or are on medication that affects your ability to drive, you’ll need to prove you’re medically fit to drive.
• You may need to take an eye test (bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them while driving).
• You’ll need to have a photo taken (for your licence card).
• You’ll need to pay the appropriate fee.

In addition to the requirements above, each state will have further steps to follow. Most states have a list of “recognised countries” with a streamlined conversion process. If your licence is not from a recognised country, you will likely have to complete a road test. Please note that these requirements can change, and it’s important to consult the website of the state you reside in for up-to-date information.

If you already know where you’ll be doing your licence conversion, feel free to skip down to the appropriate section below.

Transfer your international driver’s licence in New South Wales (NSW)

In New South Wales, the grace period in which you can freely drive with your overseas driver’s licence is extended to six months. Service NSW is the government body in charge of vehicle licensing for the state. To get started with the transfer, you’ll need to provide the following:

• a completed Licence Application form, which can be downloaded from their website
• proof of identity—you can find a list of acceptable documentation here
• your original overseas licence
• a licence validation letter, if required—this is a letter from the country in which your licence was issued confirming the details on your licence to be true
• proof of Australian permanent residency

Once you have gathered and completed the above documentation, you’ll need to turn it in at a service centre to complete the process. In some circumstances, you may be asked to complete a test or provide additional documentation.

Transfer your international driver’s licence in Victoria

Victoria is another state that allows a six-month window for using your international licence. VicRoads manages registration and licensing services on behalf of the Victorian state government, so everything you need to convert your licence will be done through their online licensing portal.

Once you have completed the short questionnaire about yourself, you will be given instructions on how to proceed. Let’s go over all the steps you’ll need to complete in order to get your Victorian licence.

Step 1: Do the road rules course and knowledge test

As a newcomer, you will need to do a learner permit test, also known as the road law knowledge test. This is an online course that will go over the Victorian road rules, followed by a short test on what you’ve learnt.

Step 2: Prepare for and book an appointment

Before you can book your appointment, you’ll need to gather the following documents:

• a completed application form (DO NOT sign this form; they will ask you to sign it in front of an official)
• identity documents (note that your current Victorian address must be on one of the documents)
• if you don’t have a valid copy of your overseas licence, you’ll need to get a licence verification letter

Once the above documentation is in order, you can book your appointment online through VicRoads. If you hold a licence from a non-recognised country, you’ll need to complete the following steps as well.

Step 3: Do the Hazard Perception Test

Upon completing the learner permit test, you’ll be able to do the hazard perception test. This checks that you can safely look out for and respond to dangers on the road.

You can do this test online through the VicRoads portal. However, if you cannot do it online, or you’d like to do it in another language, you’re welcome to do it in person.

Step 4: Complete a driving test

You can prepare by checking the drive test checklist, and when you’re confident, book your drive test through the VicRoads portal.

Assuming you’ve passed the driving test, the hard part is behind you, and you’ll receive your temporary licence immediately.

Transfer your international driver’s licence in Queensland

Here, all road licensing is managed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. You’ll be using their online portal for all parts of the application. You can apply for a transfer of your interstate or international licence by visiting a transport and motoring customer service centre, any participating Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP) office, or a licence-issuing police station.

It is important to note that you will have to complete when visiting police stations and most QGAP offices. In all cases, you’ll need to bring or complete the following:

• a driver’s licence application form 
• your overseas licence
• your original evidence of identity documents
• proof that you live in Queensland

In Queensland, the requirements to transfer your overseas licence will vary depending on where your current licence was acquired. If you hold a licence from New Zealand or a recognised country, you may be exempt from testing requirements, depending on the type of licence. If you hold a licence from a non-recognised country, you’ll need to pass a written and practical test.

How to transfer your international driver’s licence in Western Australia (WA)

In Western Australia, all licensing is done through the Department of Transport. You’ll find a tool on the website to check if your licence is recognised in Australia. Once you have that information, you can follow the links to transfer your licence from a recognised or unrecognised country. You’ll need the following documents:

• a completed driver’s licence application form
• your overseas licence
• proof of identity documents (WA has specific requirements)

If your licence is issued by a recognised country, you may be exempt from further testing requirements—find out more on the official website above.

Transfer your international driver’s licence in South Australia (SA)

To transfer your driver’s licence in SA, you’ll need to use the online portal provided by SA.gov.au. You’ll start by taking a short questionnaire. Once they have the necessary information, they’ll be able to guide you through the process of transferring your international driver’s licence. The basic documents you’ll need are:

• your current and valid overseas licence (with an approved translation if not in English)
• proof of identity 
• a completed application form

Once you have completed the above, you can take it to a Service SA centre near you. Whether you need to take the theory test, hazard perception test, and practical test depends on where your licence was issued and what type of licence you hold.

How to transfer your overseas driver’s licence in Tasmania

In Tasmania, you’ll be using Service Tasmania‘s online portal for all your licensing needs. Let’s go over what you’ll need to bring:

• a completed application form
• proof of identity documents (more info on their website)
• provide your overseas licence
• confirm that your permanent visa was not granted more than 6 months ago

Depending on where your licence was issued and how old you are, you may also need to complete a learner driver knowledge test, a hazard perception test, and a practical driving assessment.

Important note: If your current licence has expired (or your permanent visa was issued more than 6 months ago), you’ll have to go through the process of applying for a learner licence before you can take the overseas driving assessment.

Transfer your international driver’s licence in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Access Canberra is the one-stop shop for all licensing requirements in ACT; make sure to visit their website for any further details you may need. Let’s go over how to transfer your international licence in ACT.

If your licence is from an approved country (you can check the list of approved countries here), you won’t need to take any tests. All you need to do is visit an Access Canberra service centre with the following documents:

• • your current driver’s licence
  • proof of identity 
  • proof of residency

You’re done; you’ll get a temporary licence until your licence card arrives by mail. Let’s go over the process if your licence is not from an approved country.

Step 1: Take the learner course and pass the test

Start by taking the ACT pre-learner licence course; this includes the ACT Road Rules test. You’ll need to pass to continue.

Step 2: Book your appointment

Upon completion of the above, visit an Access Canberra Service Centre and book your practical driving assessment. For this, you’ll need to bring with you:

• your international driver’s licence
• your proof of identity and residency
• the certificate you received upon passing the ACT Road Rules test

Step 3: Take the practical test

Here’s what you need to know:

• The test is done in your own vehicle.
• You should arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment. Important note: You forfeit your appointment if you’re more than 5 minutes late.
• Bring your current driver’s licence.
• Bring the certificate showing you passed the ACT Road Rules test.
• Bring your proof of identity and residency.

Note: You only get one attempt at this assessment using your overseas driver’s licence. If you fail the test, you will need to apply for and go through the process of acquiring an ACT learner licence.

Converting your overseas licence in Northern Territory (NT)

In NT, everything you’ll need is on the nt.gov.au website. To get started, check the list of approved countries and see if yours is there. If you’re from an approved country, you only need to complete step one below; otherwise, you’ll need to complete steps two and three.

Step 1: Submitting your application

Visit an MVR office with the following documents:

• a completed application for an NT driver licence
• your current driver’s licence
• proof of identity and residency

Step 2: Take the theory test

Next, you’ll need to take the theory test at an MVR office. Passing this will grant you an interim licence that is valid for one year and allow you to move on to step three.

Step 3: Take the drive test

Now that you’ve passed the theory test, you need to complete the driving test. Upon passing, the MVR office will upgrade your interim licence.

Step 4: Receive your new driver’s licence

Upon completion of the above, you’ll receive your new NT licence. 

Getting a driver’s licence is just one of the many practicalities to consider when moving to Australia. For more helpful tips, check out our guides on getting a visa, applying for citizenship, registering a vehicle, or learning English in Australia.

FAQ

How do I get my full licence in Australia?

Each state will have its own nuance, but in general, you need to meet these requirements:

• You must have a provisional licence, such as a P2 licence, for a specified period of time (usually 12 months).
• Pass an eyesight test.
• Have no disqualifications or restrictions on your licence.
  You can use this guide for more information.

Can I get my full licence at 25 in NSW?

Yes, at 25 or older, you can apply for a full licence without getting a P2 licence if you have held your P1 provisional licence for at least 12 months; otherwise, you’ll need to start with a P2.

Do you have to retake your driving test if you move to Australia?

Testing requirements depend on which country issued your driver’s licence, how long you’ve had it, and how old you are. Visit the website of the driving authority for your state to learn more.