Convert an Overseas Licence in Victoria

Recognised vs non-recognised countries

Australia maintains a list of recognised countries through Austroads, which sets national driver licensing standards. If your overseas licence is from a recognised country — including the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore — you can generally transfer to a Victorian licence without sitting the knowledge or practical driving test. This streamlined transfer 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 obtain a full Victorian licence. This includes licences from India and the Philippines. The recognised-country list is maintained by Austroads and can change, so check the current list on the Austroads website or VicRoads before you apply.

Permanent residents and the 6-month rule

Once you become a permanent resident of Australia, Victoria requires you to obtain a Victorian licence within about 6 months of your PR date. After that period, your overseas licence is no longer valid to drive on in Victoria, even if it remains valid in your home country. This applies to all overseas licence holders, regardless of their country of origin.

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, as long as the licence remains valid. You do not have to convert while you hold a temporary visa — but check VicRoads if your circumstances are unclear.

Documents you'll need

To convert your overseas licence to a Victorian licence, VicRoads requires:

- Your original overseas driver's licence (not a photocopy)
- Proof of identity (passport, travel document or government-issued ID)
- Proof of Victorian residential address (recent utility bill, rental agreement, council rates notice or similar document)
- 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 process.

Non-English licences and international driving permits

If your overseas licence is not in English, you can either carry a NAATI-certified English translation alongside your original licence, or carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is a standardised multi-language translation that supplements your original licence and is recognised by Victorian authorities. Both options allow you to drive legally in Victoria while your application is being processed.

When you apply to convert your licence, VicRoads will only accept a NAATI-certified translation — informal or notary-only translations are not valid.

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 are required to pass:

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

These tests are identical to those taken by first-time drivers in Victoria. VicRoads may also require a hazard-perception test depending on the class of licence you are applying for. Tests are booked through VicRoads and fees apply — check the VicRoads website for current costs and available dates.

How to apply

You can apply to convert your overseas licence through VicRoads in person at a VicRoads service centre, online via the VicRoads website, or by mail. Visit the VicRoads website to locate your nearest service centre and check current processing times. Applications typically take several weeks, though times vary depending on whether you need to sit tests and current demand.

Provide clear copies of all documents with your application to avoid delays.

Moving to another state

If you move from Victoria to another Australian state, your Victorian licence will no longer be valid in that state. You will need to transfer to the new state's licence system. Similarly, if you move to Victoria from another country, Victorian rules apply from the date you establish residency.

Can I transfer my UK licence without sitting tests in Victoria?

Yes. The United Kingdom is a recognised country, so UK licence holders are generally exempt from the knowledge and practical driving tests. You can transfer to an equivalent-class Victorian licence by providing your original licence, proof of identity and address, and passing an eyesight test. Confirm the current rules with VicRoads.

I'm from the Philippines. Do I need to sit driving tests?

Yes. The Philippines is not a recognised country, so Philippine licence holders must pass both the knowledge (theory) test and the practical driving test to obtain a full Victorian licence. You can continue driving on your valid Philippine licence (with an official English translation or IDP) until you convert or until any PR conversion deadline applies.

What is the deadline to convert my licence if I'm a new permanent resident?

As a new permanent resident in Victoria, you must obtain a Victorian licence within about 6 months of becoming a PR. After that period, driving on your overseas licence is no longer permitted in Victoria. Check VicRoads for your specific PR conversion deadline and any recent changes to this timeframe.

What is a NAATI translation?

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

Can I drive on my overseas licence while my conversion application is being processed?

Yes, as long as your overseas licence is valid and you carry a NAATI translation or International Driving Permit if it is not in English. However, if you are a permanent resident who has exceeded the conversion deadline, driving on an overseas licence is not permitted in Victoria.

How long does a licence conversion take?

Processing times vary depending on whether you need to sit tests and current demand at VicRoads. Standard conversions for recognised-country holders typically take a few weeks. Applicants who must sit tests may take longer. Check the VicRoads website for current timeframes.