Are you a newcomer to Australia wondering how to convert your overseas driving licence to an Australian one? You’re not alone. Thousands of migrants, international students, and temporary workers navigate this process every year.
But here’s the catch: major rule changes took effect in 2026, and what worked for your friend last year may no longer apply. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know—state-by-state requirements, costs, deadlines, and exactly what documents to bring—so you can get on the road legally and confidently.
⚠️ 2026 Update: What Has Changed
Before diving into the process, you need to understand the most important change affecting overseas licence holders in 2026.
The Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) scheme ended in all Australian states and territories in early 2026. Previously, drivers aged 25 and over from certain countries could convert their licences without testing. That exemption has now ceased.
From 1 February 2026, drivers from what was known as “List B” countries must now pass both a knowledge test and a practical driving test to obtain a licence in NSW and other states. This brings Australia closer to consistent national licensing standards.
Good news: The list of recognised countries is expanding. From late 2026, 12 additional jurisdictions—including Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, and Taiwan—will be recognised, bringing the total to 40 countries plus New Zealand.
Step 1: Determine If Your Country Is Recognised
The first and most critical question: Is your overseas licence from a recognised country?
Recognised Countries (Direct Swap – No Tests Required)
If your licence is from one of these 28 countries, you can convert directly without any knowledge or driving tests:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
| North America | Canada, United States |
| Asia-Pacific | Japan, New Zealand, Singapore |
What you get: If your overseas licence is a full (unrestricted) licence, you’ll receive a full Australian licence with no P-plates or restrictions.
Non-Recognised Countries (Tests Required)
If your country is not on the recognised list—including China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and most of Asia, Africa, and South America—you must pass both a knowledge test and a practical driving test.
Former EDR Countries (Now Require Tests)
Countries that lost their EDR status in 2026 now require testing. This includes many nations that previously had direct swap arrangements for drivers over 25. Check with your state’s licensing authority to confirm your status.
Step 2: Know Your Deadline – State-by-State Conversion Timelines
Driving on your overseas licence after the deadline is considered unlicensed driving and carries heavy penalties.
Note: In Victoria, the 6-month clock starts from the date you become a permanent resident. In NSW, temporary visa holders must convert within 6 months of residing in the state.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Before visiting your state’s licensing centre, gather these essential documents:
Required Documents Checklist
- Your overseas driving licence (original, current or expired within the last 5 years)
- NAATI-certified English translation (if your licence is not in English)
- Proof of identity (passport, visa, birth certificate, etc.)
- Proof of residency in your state (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement)
- Completed licence application form (available at your state’s licensing centre)
NAATI Translation Requirements
If your overseas licence is not in English, you must provide a NAATI-certified translation. NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) is the only accredited body for translations accepted by Australian transport authorities.
Cost: NAATI-certified driver’s licence translations typically cost between $59 and $99.
Who can translate:
Step 4: The Conversion Process – By State
New South Wales (NSW) – Service NSW
Process:
- Visit a Service NSW centre
- Provide your documents and overseas licence
- Pay the applicable fee
- If from a recognised country: receive your NSW licence on the spot
- If from a non-recognised country: book and pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) and Driving Test
Cost: Approximately $127 for knowledge test + driving test (plus licence fee)
Key change: From 1 February 2026, drivers from former List B countries aged 25+ must now pass tests
👉 Check your eligibility on Service NSW
Victoria (VIC) – VicRoads
Process:
- Visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre
- Provide documents and overseas licence
- If from a recognised country: direct conversion
- If from a non-recognised country: pass Knowledge Test, Hazard Perception Test (HPT) , and Practical Driving Test
Cost: Approximately **$73** for tests (knowledge test ~$26 + drive test ~$41.50)
Deadline: 6 months from becoming a permanent resident
👉 Check your requirements on VicRoads
Queensland (QLD) – Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)
Process:
- Visit a TMR customer service centre
- Provide documents and overseas licence
- If from a recognised country: direct conversion
- If from a non-recognised country: pass knowledge and practical tests
Deadline: 3 months from becoming a Queensland resident
👉 Visit the QLD Government website
Western Australia (WA) – Department of Transport
Process:
- Visit a DTMI service centre
- Complete Drivers Licence Application (DLA1) form
- Provide identity documents and overseas licence
- If from recognised country: no theory or practical test
- If from non-recognised: pass theory test and Practical Driving Assessment
Key change: From 1 November 2025, the Experienced Driver Recognised category no longer exists in WA
South Australia (SA) – Service SA
Process:
- Visit a Service SA centre
- Provide documents and overseas licence
- Complete theory test
- If required, pass Hazard Perception Test (HPT) and VORT (driving test)
Deadline: 3 months from becoming a South Australian resident
Cost: Theory test ~$24 + licence fee ~$60-180 + practical test ~$45
Tasmania (TAS) – Service Tasmania
Process:
- Visit Service Tasmania
- Provide evidence of identity and overseas licence
- Complete licence application form
- If from non-recognised country: pass knowledge test, Hazard Perception Test, and practical driving assessment
Note: You can complete the knowledge test at home through the Plates Plus course
Deadline: 6 months from permanent residency grant
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – Access Canberra
Process:
- Visit an Access Canberra service centre
- Provide documents and overseas licence
- From 1 July 2025, non-recognised country licence holders receive a provisional licence upon passing the practical driving examination
Deadline: 3 months from becoming a resident
Northern Territory (NT) – Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR)
Process:
- Book an appointment at MVR Darwin
- Bring all required documents
- Transfer your overseas licence
Deadline: 3 months (applies to both permanent residents and temporary visa holders)
👉 Book an appointment on Territory Services
Step 5: What to Expect – Costs Summary
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| NAATI translation | $59 – $99 |
| Licence conversion fee (recognised countries) | ~$90 |
| Knowledge test | ~$24 – $57 |
| Driving test | ~$41 – $70 |
| Licence issuance (1-5 years) | ~$60 – $228 |
| Total (recognised country) | ~$90 – $150 |
| Total (non-recognised, full test path) | ~$200 – $350 |
Step 6: Important Rules for Temporary Visa Holders
If you’re on a temporary visa (student, working holiday, skilled worker):
- NSW: You must convert within 6 months of living in NSW
- Other states/territories: You can generally drive on your overseas licence for the duration of your visa
- Northern Territory: Even temporary visa holders must convert within 3 months
Always carry your overseas licence plus either:
- A NAATI-certified English translation, or
- A valid International Driving Permit (IDP)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Australia with just my overseas licence?
Yes, temporarily. Visitors can drive on a valid overseas licence for the permitted period in their state. Permanent residents must convert within the deadline.
What if my overseas licence expires?
If your licence has expired for more than 5 years, you cannot use it for conversion. You’ll need to follow the process for getting a first Australian licence.
Will I get a full Australian licence?
If your overseas licence is a full (unrestricted) licence, you’ll receive a full Australian licence. If it has conditions (automatic only, limited hours), those conditions may carry over.
Do I need to surrender my overseas licence?
In most states, yes—you must surrender your overseas licence when converting. Some states make exceptions for certain countries.
What if I’m disqualified or have driving bans?
You cannot convert if you are disqualified from driving anywhere in the world or have any convictions or driving bans.
How long does the process take?
- Recognised countries: 1-2 hours at the licensing centre
- Non-recognised countries: Allow 2-4 weeks to study for the knowledge test, book, and pass both tests
Final Checklist Before You Go
✅ Check if your country is recognised
✅ Confirm your state’s deadline
✅ Get a NAATI-certified translation (if needed)
✅ Gather all identity and residency documents
✅ Book an appointment online if possible
✅ Bring payment for fees
✅ Study for the knowledge test (if required)
✅ Practice for the driving test (if required)
Resources & Official Links
- Austroads – Overseas Licence Recognition
- Service NSW
- VicRoads
- QLD Transport and Main Roads
- Transport WA
- Service SA
- Service Tasmania
- Access Canberra
- NT Motor Vehicle Registry
- NAATI – Find a Translator
You can also check out how to exchange your local drivers licence for a UK licence, how to swap your local drivers licence in various states in Canada. We also updated our guide on how to get a DVLA driver’s licence check code online, this and more related resources are available on buyukdrivinglicense.co.uk blog just for you.