Do you have an overseas permit but would still wish to drive in Australia? In many states, you can drive with an overseas license for a limited period of time—usually 90 days. Moreover, depending on your place of origin, you should convert your international permit into an Australian state permit. State-to-state variations exist when it comes to transferring a foreign driver’s license to an Australian driver’s license. It can become confusing if you’re not familiar with how everything works. Many reputed driving schools in Sunshine compiled essential information for each state to assist you in transferring your international permit.
Victoria
Driving in Victoria with an international permit depends on your visa status. If you hold a temporary visa you do not need to obtain a Victorian driver’s license. Additionally, if you are visiting for less than six months then you can drive for the duration of your visit. For granting this permission appropriate documentation is required.
Your driver’s license must be current and valid. It must be written in English, or accompanied by an English translation or an international driving permit. The international driving permit must be carried along with your overseas license. Lastly, both must be issued by the same country.
However, if you stay in Victoria for more than six months, you must convert your international license or permit to a Victorian license. The kind of license or permission you’ll receive, as well as the exams or appointments you have to attend, are determined by:
- Which nation issued your license or authorization?
- How old are you?
- How long have you held your license (excluding your learner permit)?
New South Wales (NSW)
The first step in driving in New South Wales with an international permit is to ascertain the type of visa you currently hold. As long as your current permit hasn’t been revoked or suspended and you follow NSW traffic laws, you can drive while visiting the state. Driving in NSW is permitted for a maximum of ninety days with a flow abroad permit. It is crucial to get help from driving schools in Sunshine to continue driving. They can help you to apply for a NSW permit.
To complete the exchange, you’ll need the supporting documents.
- Your identity proof
- An examination of knowledge
- Driving examination
- A report from a clinical setting
- Your international permission (as well as an English translation if necessary)
Queensland
Thankfully, you are able to drive in Queensland if you hold a valid foreign driving permit. If you are worried about any of the following, you are not allowed to drive in Queensland with an international license:
- Suspended driving in the event of unpaid fines.
- Driving at over 40 km/h.
- Sick from a medical condition.
- Living in Queensland for an extended period of time, yet not an Australian citizen.
- Not passed their practical exams.
- After the allotted three months, you must obtain a QLD permit in order to continue driving in Queensland.
South Australia (SA) and Northern Territory (NT)
If you are visiting South Australia, you can drive the same type of vehicle that your current license permits. To drive safely you must adhere to any conditions specified on your overseas license. You will need the following:
- A valid license that was written in English and issued in another nation.
- A driving license with an English translation or an international driver’s permit.
- Drivers must carry their license documents at all times while driving. They have to present those documents along with their passport to the police upon request.
Australian Capital Territory
Visiting drivers do not need to obtain an ACT driver’s license as long as their visitor status is unchanged. They also don’t require an ACT license until their overseas license and international driving permit remain valid. A visiting driver is defined as someone who is a tourist, a business person, visiting friends or relatives, on a working visa, or studying.
However, overseas drivers with a full license who move to the ACT must obtain an ACT driver’s license. In most cases, driving schools in Sunshine provide all the details for the same. They must obtain it within 90 days of living there. If you are over 25 years old and hold a full license from an approved country or jurisdiction, no further tests are required. If you are under 25 and have a license from an approved country, you must pass a road rules knowledge test. Additionally, you must pass a practical driving test or obtain a Certificate of Competency under the Competency-Based Training and Assessment Scheme.
Western Australia (WA)
You can drive any kind of vehicle that is permitted by your foreign license while you are in Western Australia (WA). You can drive as long as it remains valid in the issuing country. If your overseas license becomes invalid, you must apply for a WA license to continue driving.
Visiting drivers include:
- Overseas Defense Force personnel and their families
- Individuals on business trips
- Individuals with working holiday visas
- Individuals working temporarily in WA
- Students studying in WA
- Tourists
If your overseas license is not in English, you must carry an international driving permit. You can also have an approved English translation of your license when you drive. To drive on WA roads with your overseas driver’s license (and international driving permit, if applicable), you must:
- When driving, keep your license and, if necessary, your international driving permission with you at all times. After that present it to a police officer if requested.
- Adhere to any additional license requirements
- Drive only the types of vehicles you are authorized to drive.
- Hold a current license that is not suspended or canceled (you cannot drive on your overseas license if you are disqualified from driving or if your driving privileges are revoked).
Tasmania (TAS)
You can drive in Tasmania with your overseas license if you are a visitor. If you have a temporary visa (such as an international student or worker), then also you can drive in Tasmania. Furthermore, you can have a driving permit if there is a permanent visa granted within the last 90 days.
If you have been issued a Tasmanian learner’s permit, you must drive under the learner’s permit conditions. Get help from driving schools in Sunshine. As per the rule, you must be accompanied by a fully licensed supervisory driver. You can no longer drive using your overseas license and must pass an on-road driving assessment to obtain a provisional or full Tasmanian license. International learner’s licenses are not recognized in Tasmania.
If your international license is not in English, you must also carry either:
- An International Driving Permit, or
- An English translation of your license by an authorized translator.
Let’s Wind Up
If you prepare beforehand, the process of converting your foreign driver’s license to an Australian license can be completed in a manageable number of steps. You can legally drive in Australia and take advantage of all the stunning drives the nation has to offer by following proper instructions. If you need more support with driving exercises, you might think about contacting reputable driving instructors in Sunshine. They can offer you helpful advice and training to make sure you are ready for the driving conditions in Australia.
