What 'recognised countries' means for driving licence conversion in Australia

Migratio Editorial · Last updated 25 September 2026

TL;DR: There is no single national recognised-country list — each state and territory sets its own. Queensland's list has 27 countries, updated 29 May 2026 (it does not include New Zealand); New South Wales runs its own Recognised Countries and Jurisdictions list of 28, which does include New Zealand. Holders from a state's recognised countries can transfer to that state's licence without sitting the knowledge or practical test. Drivers from countries not on the relevant state's list, including India and the Philippines, must pass both tests. Check the list published by the state or territory issuing your licence — lists differ between states and can change.

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Overseas-licence conversion depends on the current recognition status and the rules of the state or territory issuing the Australian licence. Austroads changed the national framework in 2025–26, including the end of Experienced Driver Recognition, and further countries have been approved for future progressive implementation. Check the issuing authority before relying on a test exemption.

Recognition and recent changes

Austroads publishes national guidance through the Recognised Overseas Licences Scheme, but each state and territory sets and publishes its own recognised-country list — there is no single national list a driver can check once. The lists differ: Queensland's list holds 27 countries and jurisdictions (last updated 29 May 2026) and does not include New Zealand; New South Wales' Recognised Countries and Jurisdictions list holds 28 and does include New Zealand. Experienced Driver Recognition ended across all states and territories in early 2026. In July 2026, authorities agreed to recognise 12 additional jurisdictions, but Austroads said implementation would occur progressively from late 2026. An announcement does not mean the exemption is already operating in every state.

Tests and licence classes

Recognition can remove road-rules and practical tests for an equivalent car or motorcycle licence, subject to the issuing authority’s conditions. Heavy-vehicle, learner, provisional, age and recent-licence rules can differ. Queensland, for example, publishes separate rules for learner, car, motorcycle and heavy-vehicle transfers.

Check the state or territory authority

Use the Austroads scheme page and the licensing authority for the state or territory where you live. Confirm the country or jurisdiction, licence class, issue and expiry dates, translation requirements, identity evidence and any transfer deadline.

If the licence is not recognised

The issuing authority may require a road-rules test, hazard-perception test, practical test or a learner-stage process. The required sequence varies by jurisdiction and licence class. Use the authority’s current instructions rather than assuming one national test pathway.

Driving before transfer

The period in which a person may drive on an overseas licence depends on the state or territory and residence status. The licence must remain valid, and an English translation or International Driving Permit may be required. Check the local rule immediately after moving.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know whether my overseas licence is recognised?

Check the Austroads scheme page and then the issuing authority for your state or territory. Implementation dates and class-specific rules can differ.

Did Experienced Driver Recognition continue in 2026?

No. Austroads says that status ended across all Australian states and territories in early 2026.

Are the 12 jurisdictions announced in July 2026 already recognised everywhere?

No. Austroads said the changes would be introduced progressively from late 2026.

Do recognised licences avoid every test?

Not necessarily. The outcome depends on licence class, age, how recently the licence was held and the state or territory rules.

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