Driving in Australia on an International Licence: When Do You Need to Change to an Australian Licence?

A common question we get asked by our clients is: “How long can I drive in Australia on my overseas licence?”

You may have heard stories of people driving for years on an international licence without switching. But the reality is very different and in many cases, continuing to drive without transferring your licence can mean you are considered unlicensed, which carries serious penalties.

The rules vary by state and territory. Whether you’re a visitor, temporary visa holder, or permanent resident, the timeframe to convert your licence depends on where you live and your visa status.

This guide explains the current rules across Australia in 2026.

The Big Rule: Visitor vs Resident

Across Australia, there is a key distinction:

• Visitors (tourists, working holiday makers, short-term students, temporary visitors) can generally drive on a valid overseas licence.

• Residents and permanent visa holders must usually transfer to an Australian driver licence within a set timeframe (often 3 or 6 months).

If you become a permanent resident, the clock typically starts from the date your visa is granted — not when you first arrived.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW has tightened its approach in recent years.

Six-Month Rule for Temporary Visa Holders

If you are a temporary visa holder and have lived in NSW continuously for 6 months, you must obtain a NSW driver licence. After that, driving on your overseas licence means you are considered unlicensed.

Penalties apply and can include fines and insurance complications.

Permanent Visa Holders

Permanent residents must transfer to a NSW licence within 3 months of becoming a resident.

2026 Update: Recognised Country Scheme Changes

From 1 February 2026, Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) status ceased for drivers from certain countries previously on NSW “List B”.

Affected countries include:

• Bulgaria

• Cyprus

• Czech Republic

• Estonia

• Hong Kong (SAR) – for licences held at least 12 months

• Hungary

• Latvia

• Lithuania

• Poland

• Republic of Serbia

• Romania

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• South Africa

• South Korea

• Taiwan

Drivers from these countries must now pass:

• Driver/Rider Knowledge Test

• Driving or Riding Test

This is a significant change and may lead to longer test wait times.

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland requires Australian Citizens and permanent residents to obtain an Australian licence within 3 months of residing in the State. This does not apply to temporary residents and visitors.

There are different rules for transfer, depending on where the licence is from:

• New Zealand licences

• Recognised countries (e.g., UK, Canada, Singapore)

• Non-recognised countries (e.g., China, India, South Korea, Taiwan)

To transfer your licence, you must:

• Present your original overseas licence

• Provide NAATI-certified translation (if not in English)

• Provide proof of identity and Queensland residency

• Declare medical fitness

• Pass road rules and practical tests (unless exempt)

• Pay the licence fee

Testing requirements depend on whether your country is recognised.

All documents must be originals — certified copies are not accepted.

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria also uses recognised and non-recognised country classifications.

Recognised Countries

If your licence is from a recognised country, you generally won’t need to sit tests.

Non-Recognised Countries

You must complete:

• Learner Permit Test

• Hazard Perception Test

• Drive Test

Tests can often be completed online, and your first attempt at some tests may be free.

Even if you’re from a recognised country, if you are under 18, you must obtain a learner permit first.

Drivers who have or will be living in Victoria for 6 months or more are required to obtain an Australian licence.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT distinguishes clearly between visiting drivers and residents.

Visiting Drivers

If you are genuinely visiting the ACT, you can drive on your overseas licence as long as:

• It remains valid

• You carry an International Driving Permit (if required)

• You continue to be a visitor (includes tourist, working holiday, student, temporary work visa holders)

Permanent Visa Holders

If granted permanent residency, you must obtain an ACT licence within 3 months.

Temporary residents who intend to become permanent residents should consider changing to an Australian licence.

Recognition status determines whether testing is required.

Tasmania (TAS)

In Tasmania:

• Visitors and temporary visa holders can drive on an overseas licence if it remains valid.

• Once a permanent visa has been held for more than 6 months, you must transfer to a Tasmanian licence.

You must also:

• Carry your overseas licence

• Carry a translation or International Driving Permit if not in English

• Only drive vehicles you are licensed for

If you fail to transfer after the required timeframe, you are considered unlicensed.

South Australia (SA)

Permanent residents living in South Australia must obtain their Australian licence within 90 days. If your overseas licence expires while you are in Australia, you must get an Australian licence.

In South Australia, you must provide an official translation if your licence is not in English.

Translations must be:

• NAATI-certified (signed or QR digital stamp)

• Or provided by a consulate

• Or endorsed by Multicultural SA

Interestingly, SA only requires surrender of overseas licences if issued by:

• England

• Scotland

• Wales

• Ontario (Canada)

Other licence holders may retain their overseas licence after transfer.

Testing requirements depend on recognition status.

Western Australia (WA)

WA has a strict 3-month rule.

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident with a valid overseas licence, you can drive in WA for up to 3 months.

After that, you must transfer your licence.

Failure to transfer after 3 months means you cannot legally drive.

Visitors (tourists, temporary students or workers) do not need to transfer, provided their overseas licence remains valid.

Northern Territory (NT)

In the NT, new residents and visitors can drive for up to 3 months on an overseas licence.

After 3 months:

• You must transfer to an NT licence.

• Your overseas licence becomes invalid in the NT.

• You must not drive until properly licensed.

If your licence is not in English, you must obtain:

• An International Driving Permit before arrival, or

• An authorised English translation in the NT.

Demerit points and offences are recorded locally and can affect your ability to drive.

Can You Really Drive for Years on an International Licence?

Short answer: No, not if you are a resident.

While some migrants may say they have continued driving for years without switching, this can create serious risks:

• Being treated as an unlicensed driver

• Fines and penalties

• Insurance invalidation in an accident

• Potential impact on visa status or future applications, including Citizenship (which takes all driving-related offences into consideration)

Insurance companies may refuse to pay out claims if you were not properly licensed under state law.

What seems harmless can quickly become costly.

Recognised vs Non-Recognised Countries

Most states rely on Austroads’ recognition lists.

If your country is recognised:

• You may not need to sit practical tests.

• You may only need to verify your licence and identity.

If your country is non-recognised:

• You may need to complete knowledge, hazard perception, and practical driving tests.

• Some states may require supervised periods.

Rules differ by state, so always check your local authority.

International Driving Permits (IDP)

An International Driving Permit is often required if:

• Your licence is not written in English

• The vehicle class is unclear

An IDP is not a replacement for your licence — it must be carried with your original overseas licence.

Key Takeaways

If you are moving to Australia:

1. Check your state’s rules immediately after arrival.

2. Understand whether you are classified as a visitor or resident.

3. Note the 3-month or 6-month deadlines (depending on state).

4. Confirm whether your country is recognised.

5. Book tests early — wait times can increase.

Delays are common, particularly after policy updates.

Final Thoughts

Driving rules in Australia are state-based, and timelines differ significantly.

While visitors can often drive on an overseas licence, permanent residents and long-term temporary residents generally cannot continue driving indefinitely without transferring to an Australian licence.

If you’ve recently migrated or are planning your move, make understanding local licensing rules part of your settlement checklist. Driving legally protects not just your safety, but your finances and future in Australia.