Can I drive in Australia on my foreign licence?

Yes — in most states, temporary visa holders can drive on a current overseas licence indefinitely, as long as it stays valid and is in English (or carried with an approved translation or International Driving Permit). NSW is the exception: after 6 months of living there you must hold a NSW licence.

How long can I drive on an overseas licence in NSW?

Six months of continuous residence. From then on, driving on your overseas licence in NSW counts as unlicensed driving. Since February 2026 the Experienced Driver Recognition scheme has ended, so drivers 25+ from List B countries must pass both the knowledge test and a practical driving test.

Do permanent residents have to convert their licence?

Yes. Once you hold a permanent visa, you generally have 3 months (QLD, WA, SA, NSW) or 6 months (VIC) to get a local licence. Whether you sit tests depends on which country issued your licence.

Updated July 2026

Live in Oz · Guides

Driving on a Foreign Licence in Australia: State Rules (2026)

On a temporary visa you can drive on your current overseas licence indefinitely in most states — carry an English translation or International Driving Permit if it's not in English. The big exception is NSW: after 6 months of residence you must switch to a NSW licence. Permanent residents get 3–6 months to convert, depending on the state.

The rules, state by state

State	Temporary visa holders	Permanent residents
NSW	Must get a NSW licence after 6 months of residence	3 months to convert
QLD	Overseas licence OK while it's valid	3 months to convert
VIC	Overseas licence OK while it's valid	6 months to convert
WA	Overseas licence OK while it's valid	3 months to convert
SA	Overseas licence OK while it's valid	3 months to convert

"Valid" means current, not suspended, and for the vehicle class you're driving. If your licence expires, your right to drive expires with it.

My licence isn't in English — what do I need?

Carry either an International Driving Permit (issued in your home country alongside your licence, not instead of it) or an approved English translation — in most states that means a NAATI-certified translator. Police can fine you for driving with an untranslated licence even when the licence itself is fine.

What changed in NSW in 2026?

The Experienced Driver Recognition scheme ended in February 2026. Drivers aged 25+ from "List B" recognised countries — which used to skip testing — now sit both the knowledge test and a practical driving test to get their NSW licence. Budget time for a driving lesson or two in an Australian car first; testing officers care about local habits like keeping left and roundabout signalling.

Converting when you become a permanent resident

The clock starts when the permanent visa is granted, not when you arrived. Licences from "recognised countries" (most of Europe, UK, Japan, Canada and others) usually convert with paperwork only. Everyone else sits the knowledge test and often a practical test. Book early — city testing slots run out weeks ahead.

Why this matters beyond the fine

Driving unlicensed doesn't just risk a fine — it can void your car insurance entirely. After an accident, an insurer who finds you were required to hold a local licence and didn't can refuse the claim. If you've passed your state's deadline, stop driving until you've converted.

General information only, not personal migration advice.

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