Can you drive in Australia with an overseas driver’s license? Do you need an English translation or an international driver’s license? Do you need to apply for an Australian driver’s license? These are the common questions we hear a lot! In this post, you can find answers to all these questions!
Although the requirements for overseas driver’s licenses may vary slightly among different Australian states and territories, it is recommended that you follow the following requirements when preparing an overseas driver’s license.
- An overseas driver’s license issued in English, or;
- An international driver’s license accompanied by an overseas driver’s license, or;
- A non-English overseas driver’s license with an official English translation.
For example: If you hold a driver’s license from China, you will need to carry the original Chinese driver’s license and a NAATI translation when driving in Australia.
Driving in Australia – Things you need to know
Below we will provide the requirements for overseas driver’s license holders in each state:
New South Wales
If you hold an overseas driver’s license and are still a temporary resident, you can use your overseas driver’s license indefinitely in New South Wales.
If you are granted permanent residency, you can only use your overseas driver’s license in New South Wales for up to three months, after which you must obtain a New South Wales driver’s license.
Australian Capital Territory
If you provide an international driver’s license and/or an overseas driver’s license and your visitor status remains the same, you are not required to obtain an ACT driver’s license.
If you become a permanent resident of Australia, you must obtain an ACT driver’s license within three months to continue driving.
Victoria
If you reside or visit Victoria for no more than six months, you can use your driver’s license from your state of residence or an overseas driver’s license, and you do not need to apply for a Victorian driver’s license.
If you will reside in Victoria for six months or more, you must convert your overseas driver’s license to a Victorian driver’s license to continue driving.
Queensland
If you are a visitor or tourist in Queensland, you can drive with a valid overseas driver’s license or a driver’s license from another Australian state or territory.
You must apply for a Queensland driver’s license in the following situations:
- You are an Australian citizen with a driver’s license from another state and have been residing in Queensland for three months or more; or
- You are an Australian permanent resident and have been residing in Queensland for three months or more.
South Australia
If you are a short-term visitor in South Australia with a temporary visa, you are allowed to operate a vehicle, but only the type that matches the classification authorized by your driver’s license. It is mandatory to keep your current driver’s license issued either overseas or interstate with you all the time.
In case your license is not in English, you must have an International Driving Permit or an English translation with you.
Western Australia
When driving in Western Australia, it is mandatory to carry your Driver’s Licence with you at all times. For tourists and short-stay visitors who plan to stay less than 90 days, their valid licence issued in their home country along with a passport can serve as additional identification.
However, if the licence is not in English, an English translation must also be carried. Failure to comply with this requirement can lead to an on-the-spot fine.
Tasmania
If you are a visitor or hold a temporary visa in Tasmania, you are allowed to drive or ride using your overseas license. However, there are certain conditions that must be met, such as ensuring that your overseas license is valid and remains current during your stay and that your visitor’s exemption has not been terminated.
If your permanent visa has been issued for more than six months, you will be considered unlicensed, unless the Registrar of Motor Vehicles has approved an extension of time. You must not have been issued a Tasmanian license, be disqualified from driving in Tasmania or anywhere else in the world, or have your license suspended or cancelled.
You are only allowed to drive vehicles for which you are licensed, and if you wish to ride a moped, scooter, trike, or motorcycle, you must have a motorcycle license. You must carry your license with you at all times, and if it is not in English, you must also have an official translation or an international driver’s permit. Additionally, you must adhere to the Tasmanian road rules.
Northern Territory
If you are a newcomer to the Northern Territory (NT) or visiting, you are allowed to drive using your out-of-state or overseas license for a period of up to 3 months provided that:
- your license is valid and in English,
- you have not been prohibited from driving in the NT or anywhere else, and
- you carry your license with you at all times while driving.
You must obtain an international driving permit in advance if:
- your overseas license is not in English, or
- the type of vehicle you are authorized to drive is not easily identifiable.
Final Tips
As shown above, except for Victoria and the Northern Territory, states and territories are relatively “lenient” with drivers holding temporary residency visas, as long as they have an overseas driver’s license and an official translation, they can drive without any restrictions. Only when the driver obtains permanent residency do they need to change to a local driver’s license within a time frame of 3-6 months.
However, if you are in Victoria and the Northern Territory must pay attention to the length of your residency to avoid driving illegally!
Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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