Converting Your Overseas Driver's Licence in Australia

What You'll Need

Before you convert your overseas licence, most states ask for a similar set of documents:

• Your valid overseas driver's licence (the original)
• A NAATI-certified English translation, if it isn't already in English
• Proof of your Australian address (a utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement)
• Proof of identity (passport, visa grant notice)
• Proof of Australian residency

Some states also ask for a medical report or eyesight test result. The exact list, and any fees, are set by each state, not nationally — check your state's own transport authority page for its current checklist before you go.

How long you can drive before converting

Every state sets its own deadline for converting an overseas licence:

• New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory: 3 months
• Victoria and Tasmania: 6 months
• Australian Capital Territory: check with Access Canberra for the current rule

Whether you'll need to sit a knowledge or practical test is a separate question, and depends on whether your country is on the recognised list your state publishes. There's no single Australia-wide list — Queensland's holds 27 countries and New South Wales' holds 28 and, unlike Queensland's, includes New Zealand. See our guide to recognised countries for the current detail.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Visit your state's transport authority website and check its own recognised-country list. Being on the list generally means no knowledge or practical test; not being on it usually means you'll sit both.

Step 2: Get your licence translated, if needed

If your licence isn't already in English, arrange a NAATI-certified translation. Check your state authority's page for what it will accept.

Step 3: Gather your documents

Bring your identity documents, proof of residency, and your overseas licence. Ask your state authority whether it requires a medical report or eyesight test before you book.

Step 4: Apply

Most states accept an online application with scanned documents; some require an in-person visit. Check your state's current process rather than assuming a timeframe.

Step 5: Sit a test, if required

If your country isn't on your state's recognised list, you'll generally sit a knowledge test and a practical driving test. Format, length and fees are set by your state authority — check its page rather than assuming a figure from another state.

Step 6: Receive your Australian licence

Once approved, your state authority issues your Australian licence.

Common Pitfalls

Not checking your overseas licence is still valid: an expired overseas licence generally can't be converted or relied on to drive.

Missing the translation step: if your licence isn't in English, you need a NAATI-certified translation before converting — organise this early rather than at the last appointment.

Booking a test too late: if your country isn't on your state's recognised list, book your knowledge and practical tests as early as you can rather than waiting until your conversion deadline is close.

Driving past your state's deadline: each state sets its own time limit for driving on an overseas licence before you must convert — 3 months in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory, 6 months in Victoria and Tasmania.

Assuming an old country list still applies: recognised-country lists change. Check the list your state currently publishes, not something you read a few years ago.

Recognised list vs. no recognised list

Fees, processing times and exact test formats are set by the state issuing your licence, not nationally — check your own state's page rather than a figure quoted for another state.

Practical Next Steps

This week: check your state's transport authority website and its current recognised-country list.

If your country's on it: arrange a NAATI-certified translation if needed, gather your proof of residency and identity, and apply.

If it isn't: book your knowledge and practical tests as early as you can.

In the meantime: you can keep driving on your valid overseas licence until your state's deadline — 3 months in most states, 6 in Victoria and Tasmania. Check your state's page for the exact rule that applies to you.

Getting Your Certified Translation

Use a NAATI-certified translator — search the NAATI database for a provider in your state. Check with your state's transport authority for how it wants the translation submitted, and confirm cost and turnaround with the translator directly rather than assuming a figure.

State transport authorities

• New South Wales: Service NSW (service.nsw.gov.au)
• Victoria: VicRoads (vicroads.vic.gov.au)
• Queensland: Transport and Main Roads (tmr.qld.gov.au)
• South Australia: SA.GOV.AU
• Western Australia: Department of Transport (transport.wa.gov.au)
• Tasmania: Service Tasmania (service.tas.gov.au)
• Australian Capital Territory: Access Canberra (accesscanberra.act.gov.au)
• Northern Territory: your state road authority

How long can I drive on my overseas licence before I have to convert it?

It depends on your state. New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory give you 3 months; Victoria and Tasmania give 6. Check your state's transport authority for the exact rule.

Do I need to sit a driving test to convert my licence?

It depends on whether your country is on the recognised list your state publishes. There's no single national list — Queensland's holds 27 countries and New South Wales' holds 28, and the two lists aren't identical. If your country isn't recognised, you'll generally sit both a knowledge test and a practical driving test.

Does my overseas licence need to be translated?

If it isn't already in English, most states ask for a NAATI-certified translation. Check your state's transport authority for what it will accept.

What happens if my overseas licence expires before I convert it?

An expired licence generally can't be converted or relied on to drive. Convert before it expires, or check with your state's transport authority about your options.

Is the process the same in every state?

No. Each state and territory sets its own recognised-country list, time limit, documents and fees. Check the page published by the state or territory issuing your licence rather than assuming another state's rules apply.