Just landed in Australia and need to drive? Whether you’re a tourist or a new resident, you can operate vehicles under your overseas license for a brief stint after arrival. Beyond that, you’ll need an Australian driver’s license.
At Remitly, we understand that obtaining a driving license in Australia is crucial to maintaining independence and accessing job opportunities. We’ll walk you through the process across all Australian states, helping you get behind the wheel faster in your new home. So, here’s your state-by-state guide to getting licensed to drive Down Under.
Your first 90 days in Australia
As a fresh arrival to Australia, your overseas license remains valid for at least three months. This can extend to six months in some states, such as Victoria and New South Wales (NSW).
However, each Australian state maintains different requirements for international license holders, which we explore later in this blog post.
Converting your overseas license to an Australian driver’s license
To be eligible under Australian law, any prior licenses must be in English or accompanied by an official English translation. This allows drivers from New Zealand, the United States, and many European nations to convert their licenses directly.
Across Australia, the Department of Transport processes these conversions through local service centers. Basic requirements for non-residents include:
- Proof of identity
- A current overseas license
- Evidence of residency
Applying for a driving license in Australia
Obtaining a full license is a process that involves three key stages, each designed to build driving competency on Australian roads.
First comes the learner’s permit. To get one, you’ll have to pass a knowledge test about road rules and safety requirements. Regardless of the state, you must also complete supervised driving hours with an experienced driver, record progress in your log book, and display your L plates clearly on the front and back of your car.
The provisional license follows the successful completion of both the hazard perception test and the practical driving test. A driving instructor can help prepare for these assessments. P plates indicate your provisional license status and that of other learner drivers and road users.
After meeting all provisional requirements, you may now qualify for a full license. Though demerit points and speed limits apply, this type of license grants complete driving privileges.
Provisional vs. full license in Australia
Provisional licenses come with significant restrictions to help new drivers safely gain experience on the main roads. For example, some of these limitations include:
- You must maintain lower speed limits.
- You cannot have any alcohol in your system.
- Maintain passenger number limits during night hours.
- Avoid using any mobile device while driving, even if they are hands-free.
This licensing phase lasts between two and four years, depending on your state.
On the other hand, a full license grants complete driving privileges on all Australian roads. At this stage, you can travel at standard speed limits, have a blood alcohol content of up to 0.05%, drive with any number of passengers, and use hands-free mobile devices. Additionally, there’s no need to display P plates, and your license remains valid for one to five years before renewal. However, this can vary by state and the driver’s age.
Testing and requirements
In all Australian states, theory-based tests help new license holders adapt to local driving conditions and traffic regulations. This ensures a thorough understanding of Australian road rules before receiving a learner’s permit. The tests cover essential topics, including traffic signals, safe driving practices, blood alcohol limits, mobile phone restrictions, and principal road regulations. Preparation materials and practice tests are available through state transport websites.
Following this, the practical driving test evaluates real-world driving abilities through a comprehensive assessment. Examiners observe your vehicle control and speed management abilities, as well as execution of essential maneuvers like parking and lane changing. Intersection management skills receive particular attention as they help you tackle one of the most common challenges for new drivers.
Costs and processing times
The cost of an Australian driver’s license varies by state and stage of the licensing process:
- Learner’s permit: $40 to $90 AUD
- Knowledge test: $35 to $45 AUD
- Practical driving test: $50 to $150 AUD
- Provisional license: $80 to $140 AUD
- Full license: $120 to $180 AUD
Processing times are generally swift across all license types. Overseas license conversions take between two and ten business days, while learner permits offer same-day processing. Provisional licenses are processed within one and five business days after passing the practical test. Complete license processing requires five to ten business days, with some states offering expedited services at additional fees.
Essential tips for success
Getting your driver’s license in Australia is a straightforward process, but some prior preparations could make it go much faster:
- Book tests early because wait times can stretch over six weeks in major cities.
- Bring original documents plus photocopies to all appointments.
- Practice parallel parking and three-point turns—they’re standard test components.
- Study road rules specific to your state because speed limits vary
- Consider booking a practice session with a local instructor before your test
- Allow two to three hours for the practical test process, including paperwork
- Always carry your driver’s license when operating a motor vehicle in Australia
State-by-state requirements
As mentioned earlier, each Australian state maintains different requirements for licensing international drivers. Here’s what you need to know for every state:
New South Wales
Service NSW manages all driver licensing across the state. The multi-stage licensing system focuses on gradual skill development and road safety. New drivers start with a learner’s permit before progressing through provisional stages to a full license. Key requirements include:
- 120 hours of logged driving practice.
- A minimum of 12 months on a learner’s permit.
- Hazard perception test before P1 license.
Victoria
VicRoads. gov oversees Victorian licensing through a comprehensive graduated system. The Victorian approach emphasizes extensive practice in assorted conditions, including night driving and different weather conditions. Key requirements include:
- 120 hours of driving with a supervising driver.
- 20 hours of night driving.
- Mandatory hazard perception test.
Queensland
Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads prepares drivers for diverse road conditions, from urban Brisbane to remote outback tracks. The state offers a streamlined pathway to complete licensing. Key requirements include:
- 100 hours of driving with a supervising driver.
- Logbook validation.
- One-year minimum learner period.
Western Australia
The Department of Transport manages licensing across Western Australia’s vast territory. The system accommodates both urban and rural drivers with practical testing adapted to local conditions. Key requirements include:
- 50 hours of driving with a supervising driver.
- Mandatory logbook completion.
- A minimum of six months on a learner’s permit.
South Australia
South Australia offers a straightforward process through its graduated licensing system. The state focuses on building confidence through extensive practice periods. Key requirements include:
- 75 hours of driving with a supervising driver.
- Mandatory night driving hours.
- Two-year provisional period.
Tasmania
Being an island, Tasmania‘s licensing system reflects its unique driving conditions, with special attention to rural and mountain road skills. Key requirements include:
- 80 hours of driving with a supervising driver.
- Minimum learner period of 12 months.
- Two-stage provisional license system.
Northern Territory
The Motor Vehicle Registry addresses the unique challenges of remote driving and extreme weather conditions in the Northern Territory. Key requirements include:
- 50 hours of driving with a supervising driver.
- Minimum six months on learner’s permit.
- Two-year provisional period.
Australian Capital Territory
Access Canberra manages the territory’s licensing system and aligns closely with NSW standards. Key requirements include to get licensed in the ACT include:
- 100 hours of driving with a supervising driver.
- Three-year provisional period.
- A hazard perception test.
Additional resources
For the most current information about driving permits, road rules, or license requirements in Australian states, visit the relevant transport authority websites listed above. Each website provides the following:
- Current licensing fees
- Online booking
- Practice tests
- Downloadable application forms
- Service locations
- Contact information
Stay connected while getting licensed in Australia
While working through the licensing process, keep family and friends back home updated on your progress. Remitly helps you send and receive money securely as you invest in your new life in Australia. Whether you’re about to start driving lessons or saving up for license fees, our reliable service helps you efficiently manage the transition.
FAQs
Yes, foreigners can get a driver’s license in Australia, too. Application procedures vary by state, and you must pass a practice and testing regimen designed to build your driving competency on Australian roads.
Your overseas license remains valid for at least three months after you arrive in Australia. This can extend to six months in some states, such as Victoria and New South Wales.
This varies depending on the license type, but processing times are generally swift. Learner licenses offer same-day processing, provisional licenses take between one and five business days after the practical test, and complete license processing requires five to ten business days.
