Foreign driving licences in Australia (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: Visitors without a permanent visa may drive on a valid overseas licence, with an international driving permit or an English translation if the licence is not in English. Time limits apply in the Northern Territory (3 months), New South Wales and Victoria (6 months); a permanent resident or citizen needs an Australian licence.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Overseas licence valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licence | Yes [1] |
| Overseas licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licence | An Australian licence is required once a person becomes a permanent resident or an Australian citizen. The Austroads page gives no grace period. [1] |
| Conditions for a visitor on an overseas licenceUsing a foreign driving licence | A visiting driver, who does not hold a permanent visa, may drive on a valid overseas licence. The licence must be carried at all times together with either an international driving permit or an English translation if it is not in English. The driver may drive only vehicles the licence authorises and must keep to its conditions. Time limits: Northern Territory 3 months; New South Wales and Victoria 6 months; indefinitely in the other states and territories while the licence is current. [1] |
| Local licence required for permanent residents and citizensUsing a foreign driving licence | An Australian licence is required once a person becomes a permanent resident or an Australian citizen. The Austroads page gives no grace period. [1] |
| International Driving Permit needed with an overseas licenceUsing a foreign driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Driver licensing is run by the states and territories; the source is Austroads, the association of Australian and New Zealand road transport agencies. It does not distinguish EU licences from other overseas licences, so the same text is given for both. Local requirements in the Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria should be checked with the licensing authority, as the source says.
- Austroads requires either an international driving permit or an English translation when the licence is not in English. A yes or no value for an international driving permit cannot be given from this.
Sources
- Austroads: Drivers Visiting Australia or New Zealand (Internet Archive snapshot of 29 August 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
Australia: rules by state or province
| Country | Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitor | EU/EEA licence after becoming a resident | Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitor | Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a resident | International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Yes, up to 6 months as a temporary visitor | Permanent resident: NSW licence within 3 months | Yes, up to 6 months as a temporary visitor | Permanent resident: NSW licence within 3 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Victoria | Yes, if living in Victoria under 6 months | Convert if living in Victoria 6+ months | Yes, if living in Victoria under 6 months | Convert if living in Victoria 6+ months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Queensland | Yes, while visiting | Citizen or resident visa: Queensland licence after 3 months | Overseas licence usable, but 3-month limit for residents | Citizen or resident visa: Queensland licence after 3 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Western Australia | Yes, while a visitor | Citizen or permanent resident: transfer within 3 months | Yes, while a visitor | Citizen or permanent resident: transfer within 3 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| South Australia | Yes for short-term visitors | Permanent resident: SA licence within 90 days | Yes for short-term visitors | Permanent resident: SA licence within 90 days | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Tasmania | Yes, visitors and temporary visa holders | Permanent residency: convert within 6 months | Yes, visitors and temporary visa holders | Permanent residency: convert within 6 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Australian Capital Territory | Yes, while a visitor | Permanent visa: ACT licence after 3 months | Yes, while a visitor | Permanent visa: ACT licence after 3 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Northern Territory | Yes, for up to 3 months | Transfer within 3 months of living in the NT | Yes, for up to 3 months | Transfer within 3 months of living in the NT | ⚠ Not yet verified |
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.