Foreign driving licences in Australian Capital Territory (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: A visiting driver may use a valid overseas licence in the ACT, with an official English translation if it is not in English. A permanent visa holder may use it for 3 months before an ACT licence is needed.

RuleWhat applies
Overseas licence valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
Overseas licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceA holder of a permanent visa may continue to use an overseas licence for 3 months, after which an ACT driver licence is needed. A resident on a temporary visa may choose to obtain an ACT licence. [1]
Conditions for a visitor on an overseas licenceUsing a foreign driving licenceA visiting driver (a person who arrives with no intention of becoming a resident) may use an overseas licence that stays valid. An International Driving Permit is advised; a licence not in English needs an official English translation. The holder must still be a tourist or visitor. [1]
Local licence required for permanent residents and citizensUsing a foreign driving licenceA holder of a permanent visa may continue to use an overseas licence for 3 months, after which an ACT driver licence is needed. A resident on a temporary visa may choose to obtain an ACT licence. [1]
International Driving Permit needed with an overseas licenceUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The Australian Capital Territory: the visitor and resident rules read apply to a licence from any country outside Australia, so the EU and non-EU rows show the same rule. Whether tests are needed to convert a licence depends on the issuing country and was not covered.
  • The Australian Capital Territory: a translation or International Driving Permit is needed only when the licence is not in English, so a yes or no for this field would not be accurate.

Sources

  1. Access Canberra: Drivers with licences from overseas - Access Canberra (Internet Archive snapshot of 6 March 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

National rules that also apply

These rules are set at national level in Australia and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for Australia

Overseas licence valid for a visitorYes (source: Austroads)
Overseas licence after becoming a residentAn Australian licence is required once a person becomes a permanent resident or an Australian citizen. The Austroads page gives no grace period. (source: Austroads)
Conditions for a visitor on an overseas licenceA 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. (source: Austroads)
Local licence required for permanent residents and citizensAn Australian licence is required once a person becomes a permanent resident or an Australian citizen. The Austroads page gives no grace period. (source: Austroads)

More rules in Australian Capital Territory

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, mainly footpaths and shared paths
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 18+ within the limit · Growing at home: Yes, 2 plants per adult, 4 per home
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container deposit scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 years 9 months, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Same rights as bicycles
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence or permit needed)
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • MopedsLicence: Motorcycle licence (class R)
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Mounted or untouched; L/P: no voice use
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, compulsory · Minimum alarms and where: On or near the ceiling in bedrooms or in the corridor that leads to bedrooms, installed as per the manufacturer's instructions and the National Construction Code. A multi-level home needs smoke alarms on each level, interconnected.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Towing trailers and caravansTrailer mass allowed with a car licence in any combination: Up to 9,000 kg GVM
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

Compare with the other states and provinces →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.