Convert an Overseas Licence in New South Wales

Recognised vs non-recognised countries

Whether your overseas licence transfers to a NSW full licence depends on your country of issue. Australia maintains a list of recognised countries through Austroads, the national body that sets driver licensing standards. If your licence is from a recognised country — including the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore — you can generally transfer to an Australian licence without sitting the knowledge or practical driving test. This is called an equivalent-class transfer.

If your licence is from a non-recognised country, you must sit and pass both the knowledge (theory) test and the practical driving test to get a full NSW licence. This includes licences from India and the Philippines. The exact list of recognised countries can change, so check the current list on the Austroads website or Service NSW before assuming your country is recognised.

Permanent residents and the 3-month rule

Once you become a permanent resident of Australia, you must obtain a NSW licence within about 3 months of your PR date. After that period, your overseas licence is no longer valid to drive on in NSW, even if it remains valid in your home country. This applies to all overseas licence holders, recognised or not.

If you are still a temporary visa holder (student, skilled worker, visitor), you can continue driving on your valid overseas licence for the duration of your stay, provided it remains valid. You do not have to convert while you're on a temporary visa — but rules can vary, so check with Service NSW if you're unsure of your visa status.

Documents you'll need

To convert your overseas licence to a NSW licence, you'll need to provide:

- Your original overseas driver's licence (not a photocopy)
- Proof of identity (passport, travel document or other government-issued ID)
- Proof of NSW residential address (recent utility bill, tenancy agreement, council rates notice, or similar)
- Your official English translation if your licence is not in English — this must be a NAATI-certified translation (the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters)

You will also need to pass an eyesight test as part of the application. Some applicants may be asked to provide additional medical documents depending on their age or any declared medical conditions.

Non-English licences and international driving permits

If your overseas licence is not in English, you have two options: carry an official NAATI-certified English translation alongside your licence, or carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is a multi-language translation document that supplements (but does not replace) your original licence. Both are recognised by NSW authorities and are valid while you are driving before you convert.

When you apply to convert your licence, ensure your NAATI translation is certified by an accredited translator — casual translations are not accepted.

Knowledge and practical tests for non-recognised countries

If you hold a licence from a non-recognised country (such as India or the Philippines), you must pass:

1. Knowledge (theory) test — a computer-based test covering road rules, traffic signs and safe driving practices
2. Practical driving test — an on-road assessment of your driving skills

These tests are the same as those sat by first-time drivers in NSW. Some applicants also take a hazard-perception test. The tests are conducted by Service NSW and must be booked in advance. Fees apply — check Service NSW for current costs and available test dates.

Applying to convert your licence

You can apply to convert your overseas licence through Service NSW in person, online or by mail. Visit the Service NSW website or the nearest Service NSW centre to lodge your application. The processing time typically takes a few weeks, but varies depending on whether you need to sit tests and the current demand at your local centre.

Some applicants may be asked for additional information or documents during processing, so provide clear copies of everything upfront.

Interstate moves

If you currently hold a NSW licence and move to another state, you will need to transfer your NSW licence to the new state's licence. Each state runs its own licensing system. Similarly, if you move to NSW holding an overseas licence from another country, NSW rules apply from that point.

Do I need to sit a driving test if I'm from the UK?

UK licences are from a recognised country, so you are generally exempt from the knowledge and practical driving tests. You can transfer to an equivalent-class NSW licence by providing your original licence, proof of identity and address, and passing an eyesight test. Confirm the current arrangement with Service NSW.

I have an Indian licence. Will I need to sit tests?

Yes. India is not a recognised country under the Austroads scheme, so Indian licence holders must pass both the knowledge (theory) test and the practical driving test to obtain a full NSW licence. You can continue to drive on your valid Indian licence (with an official English translation or IDP) until you convert or any PR deadline applies.

How long can I drive on my overseas licence before I must convert?

If you are a temporary visa holder, you can drive on your valid overseas licence for the duration of your stay. If you become a permanent resident, you must convert your licence to a NSW licence within about 3 months — after that, your overseas licence is no longer valid in NSW. Check Service NSW for your specific PR conversion deadline.

What is a NAATI translation?

A NAATI-certified translation is an official English translation of your overseas licence produced by a translator accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. Service NSW only accepts NAATI translations — other translations are not valid.

Where do I apply to convert my licence?

You can apply through Service NSW in person at a Service NSW centre, online via the Service NSW website, or by mail. Visit the Service NSW website for the nearest centre to you and for current processing times.

Can I drive before I convert my licence?

Yes, while your overseas licence is valid, you can drive in NSW (with a NAATI translation or IDP if it is not in English). However, once you become a permanent resident, you must convert within about 3 months. After that period, driving on an overseas licence is not permitted in NSW.