Converting an Overseas Licence in Western Australia

Migratio Editorial · Last updated 23 July 2026

TL;DR: Western Australia recognises licences from about 28 countries including the UK, USA, Canada and NZ, allowing test-exempt transfers. Non-recognised countries must pass the knowledge and practical driving tests. Permanent residents must convert within a set timeframe — check Transport WA for your deadline.

Moving to Western Australia is exciting, and if you have a valid overseas driving licence, you can start driving immediately — but only for a limited time. To drive legally long-term in WA, you'll need to transfer your overseas licence to a Western Australian licence. The transfer process depends on which country issued your licence. If it's from one of about 28 recognised countries — the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and most of Western Europe — you can transfer without sitting a knowledge test or practical driving test. If your licence is from a non-recognised country, you'll need to sit both tests, just like a new driver. The good news is that the transfer process is straightforward, and Transport WA makes it clear what you need to do. This guide walks you through the pathway, the documents you'll need, and the timeline you're working with in Western Australia.

Recognised country vs non-recognised country

Western Australia applies the national Austroads recognised overseas licences scheme, which covers about 28 countries and territories. If your licence is from a recognised country — UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, most Western European countries, and a few others — you can transfer to an equivalent Western Australian licence without sitting the knowledge test or practical driving test. You'll do an eyesight test and provide identity and residency proof, and you're done. If your country is not on the recognised list, you'll sit the knowledge test and the practical driving test, the same as a new Australian driver.

Because the recognised-country list can change, check the current Austroads list and confirm with Transport WA before you assume your country's status.

Timeline: when you must convert

Temporary visa holders can drive on a valid overseas licence for the length of their stay, as long as the licence remains valid and they carry it. However, once you become a permanent resident or Australian citizen, you're on a deadline to convert to a Western Australian licence. Each state sets its own deadline — commonly a few months after PR approval. Check Transport WA for Western Australia's exact deadline. After that date, driving on your overseas licence in WA is not legal, even if your overseas licence is still valid. Plan ahead so you don't find yourself in that position.

Documents you'll need

To transfer your licence in Western Australia, gather these documents:

- Your original overseas driving licence (not a photocopy)
- An official English translation (NAATI-certified) if your licence is not in English
- Proof of identity (passport, visa grant letter, birth certificate)
- Proof of Australian residential address (utility bill, rental agreement, tenancy agreement)
- You'll do an eyesight test at Transport WA or a licenced testing facility

Confirm the complete checklist with Transport WA before you book your appointment — requirements can vary and may change.

How the transfer works: recognised countries

If your licence is from a recognised country, the process is quick. You book an appointment with Transport WA (or an approved testing facility), bring your documents, pass an eyesight test, and your licence is transferred to an equivalent Western Australian licence. No knowledge test, no practical driving test — your overseas licensing standard is trusted in Australia. Fees apply for the transfer; check Transport WA's current fee (fees change, so don't assume previous amounts).

How the transfer works: non-recognised countries

If your licence is from a non-recognised country, you'll need to pass two tests: the knowledge (theory) test and the practical driving test. The knowledge test covers Western Australian road rules and road signs — you can study using the state's online study guide or resources. The practical test is a supervised drive with a test officer who checks your vehicle control, road-rule knowledge, and hazard reaction. Transport WA may also require a hazard-perception test. You'll book both tests online, usually with waiting times between them. You can sit them at your own pace, but remember: if you're a permanent resident, you have a deadline to convert, so book tests early and give yourself time to prepare and, if needed, resit if you don't pass on the first attempt.

Driving before you convert

You don't need to wait until your licence is converted to drive. On a temporary visa, you can drive on a valid overseas licence — as long as it's valid. If it's not in English, carry an official NAATI-certified English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your licence. Most Australian police will accept these. Once you're a permanent resident, you have until your state's deadline to convert. After that, driving on your overseas licence in Western Australia is illegal. Convert before the deadline passes.

Costs and processing time

Transfer fees vary depending on whether you sit tests (recognised countries usually pay less than non-recognised). Check Transport WA's current fees. Processing time is quick for recognised-country holders — often same-day after the eyesight test. Non-recognised holders may take longer because of test scheduling. Book your appointment early, especially if you're close to your conversion deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Can I transfer a UK driving licence in WA without sitting a test?

Yes. The UK is a recognised country, so you can transfer your UK licence to an equivalent Western Australian licence without the knowledge test or practical driving test. You'll do an eyesight test and provide identity and residency proof.

I'm from the Philippines. Do I have to sit tests to get a Western Australian licence?

Yes. The Philippines is not a recognised country, so you'll need to pass the knowledge (theory) test and the practical driving test. You can drive on your valid Philippine licence (with an official English translation or IDP) until your permanent-resident conversion deadline, but after that, you must have an Australian licence.

What's the deadline to convert my licence after I get permanent residency in WA?

Western Australia sets its own deadline — check Transport WA for the exact period. It's commonly a few months. If you miss it, your overseas licence is no longer legal to drive on in WA.

My overseas licence is not in English. Can I still drive in Western Australia?

Yes, but only if you carry an official NAATI-certified English translation or an International Driving Permit alongside your licence. Without one, police may not accept your overseas licence.

How long does the transfer take if I'm from a recognised country?

Usually the same day, provided you pass the eyesight test and have all your documents. Book an appointment with Transport WA or an approved testing facility.

Can I drive while I'm waiting to sit my practical driving test?

Yes, as long as your overseas licence is valid and you carry it (with a NAATI translation or IDP if needed). Once you're a permanent resident, you can drive until your conversion deadline, but don't delay booking your tests.

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