Introduction:

Driving in Australia is on the left hand side of the road, the same as in the UK, Ireland, South Africa and Japan. Our vehicles are all right-hand drive too and distances are measured in kilometres. Our roads are generally of high standard, particularly in the cities, where they are of a similar standard as those found in any developed country and traffic is generally not as congested as the rest of the world, though Aussies do complain that we have high traffic volumes in Sydney and Melbourne. Perth’s high population growth over the last decade has meant we have increasing traffic congestion there too.

Driving in Australia outside the cities can be very different to driving anywhere else in the world due to the vast distances that can be involved (Perth to Sydney is further than London to Moscow!). Our relatively small population (of approximately 23 million) means that some of the roads can be quite desolate and you can often drive for a few hours without seeing another vehicle! If you are heading across to Aussie for the first time, the RAC (a national motoring organisation) can assist with free tips and advice and they have offices in all the major cities. Here’s a

The legal requirements in Australia governing drivers licences and the laws relating to legally driving in Australia are set by the various state and territory governments who issue and manage their own drivers licence programs, as Australia is a Federation of independently governing states.

Please see below for a summary and information on what the legal implications are and how to either apply for a drivers licence using your current licence from your home country or to re-apply (as is relevant to you).

 

Driving in Australia – Australian Capital Territory (ACT):

People from other countries who take up residence in the ACT must obtain an ACT Driver Licence to drive a motor vehicle or motorbike. When you move to the ACT your current overseas licence or International Driving Permit is valid for only three months. Drivers licence holders from

Driving in New South Wales:

If you want to continue driving in Victoria after this time you must get a Victorian driver licence. If your overseas driver licence has expired, you will still be able to take the drive test as you are exempt from holding a learner permit for the test.

If you’re a permanent Australian resident, or hold a permanent visa under the  Commonwealth Migration Act 1958 , and you intend to stay in NSW, you are not considered to be a visitor. As such, you are allowed to drive in NSW on a current overseas licence for a maximum of three months. After that, you will need to apply for a NSW licence to continue driving or riding. Certain Recognised Countries can apply for a NSW Drivers Licence without having to pass a written or driving test.  

Driving in Victoria:

If you have entered Victoria on a temporary visa: you are not required to get a Victorian driver licence and/or learner permit you may drive using your current overseas driver licence for the length of your stay. 

If you have entered Victoria on a permanent visa issued under the Migration Act 1958 you may drive on your overseas driver licence, providing it is written in English or accompanied by an English translation or international driving permit for:

  • 6 months from the date you first entered Australia if the permanent visa was issued before you entered Australia, or
  • 6 months from the date when the permanent visa was issued to you if the permanent visa was issued to you while in Australia.

Driving in Queensland:

If you have a resident visa or have become an Australian citizen and have lived in Queensland for 3 months, you will need to get a Queensland driver licence. For detailed information on how to apply for a Queensland drivers licence visit the

Driving in South Australia:

If you get a permanent visa and become a resident, you must get your South Australian driver’s licence within three months. Once you are issued with a South Australian learner’s permit or driver’s licence, your overseas licence is invalid and you may be required to surrender it. For more information and details on how to apply for a South Australian drivers licence, visit the

Driving in Western Australia:

If you hold a permanent residence visa and are living in Western Australia, you can drive with your current overseas licence for up to 3 months and will need to apply for a WA licence to be legally allowed to drive after this period. Migrants who hold provisional or temporary residence visas (e.g.

Driving in the Northern Territory:

For information on drivers licences for the Northern Territory, please visit the 

http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/mvr/licensing/faqs/overseas-licence

 

Driving in Tasmania:

You can drive in Tasmania on your overseas licence if you are a visitor OR have a temporary visa (e.g. international students, refugees, working, holiday) OR have a permanent visa that has not been issued more than 3 months. For information on how to apply for a Tasmanian drivers licence, visit http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing/newtotas/overseas#Permanent%20Visa%20Holders

 

 

 

About VicRoads

On 1 July 2019, VicRoads and Public Transport Victoria came together with the Department of Transport (DoT) to create a properly integrated transport department – in step with other global cities.

On 1 January 2023, DoT was renamed the Department of Transport and Planning.

We don’t plan or operate our road, tram, or rail systems separately – we run a transport network.

The new Department of Transport and Planning gives us a singular, integrated focus on tackling the big issues – from improving buses in growing suburbs to making it easier to walk and cycle places and embrace new technology. 

 

Effective 1 January 2020, all road management functions and responsibilities of the Roads Corporation (VicRoads) are transferred to and vested in the Head, Transport for Victoria (established under s64A of the Transport Integration Act 2010).

As a result, a reference to the Roads Corporation or VicRoads in the road management standards, manuals, guidelines, codes of practice, technical notes, drawings, specifications and other technical information and documentation available for download must be construed as a reference to Head, Transport for Victoria –

(a) so far as the reference relates to any period on or after 1 January 2020; and
(b) if not inconsistent with the subject matter.