Discovering Australia

Driver's License Most states and territories allow persons who enter Australia on a permanent visa or who are permanent residents to drive on their current overseas license for a maximum of three months after arrival, provided that the license is in English or has an official translation. If a driver’s license does not have a photo, drivers are required to carry another form of formal photo identification with them. After this initial period, the holders of non-Australian driver’s licenses will have to obtain an Australian license in the state or territory of residence. Depending on the country of origin of your driver’s license, a simple transfer might be sufficient. In most cases, you will have to take the practical and theoretical driving lessons and tests.

You should always check with the authority in your state or territory if the overseas license can be converted:

Licensing and motor vehicle registration agency

State or Territory

Telephone

Website

ACT NSW

Road Transport Authority 02 6207 7000

www.rego.act.gov.au www.rms.nsw.gov.au https://nt.gov.au/driving http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ www.transport.sa.gov.au www.transport.tas.gov.au www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Roads and Maritime Services

13 2213

NT

Department of Transport 1300 654 628

QLD

Department of Transport and Main Roads

13 2380 13 1084

SA

Transport

TAS VIC

Transport Tasmania

1300 851 225

VicRoads

13 1171

WA

Department of Transport 13 1156

www.transport.wa.gov.au/index.asp

Recognized countries and jurisdictions Applicants from the countries listed below are exempt from undertaking a knowledge and drive test when applying for an Australian driver’s license as their licensing standards are comparable to Australia. This makes it simpler to exchange a driver's license.

Austria Belgium

Denmark Finland

Guernsey

Jersey Malta*

Portugal Singapore

UK

Ireland

USA

Bosnia and Herzegovina France

Isle of Man** Netherlands

Spain

Canada Croatia

Germany

Italy

New Zealand

Sweden

Greece

Japan

Norway

Switzerland

*Malta (for licenses first issued on or after 2 January 2004) **Isle of Man (for licenses first issued on or after 1 April 1991)

© 2020-2021 Dwellworks

Page 11

Discovering Australia