Foreign driving licences in Western Australia (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: Visitors may drive in Western Australia on a current and valid overseas licence without transferring it. An Australian citizen or permanent resident has 3 months to transfer it.
| 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 citizen or permanent resident with a current and valid overseas licence may drive in Western Australia for up to 3 months using it, and must apply to transfer it within that period. After 3 months it cannot legally be used. [2] |
| Conditions for a visitor on an overseas licenceUsing a foreign driving licence | A visitor (a tourist, a business traveller, or a person studying or working temporarily) may use a current and valid overseas licence and does not need to transfer it to a WA licence. The holder must carry the licence, drive only vehicles it authorises and comply with its conditions. [1] |
| Local licence required for permanent residents and citizensUsing a foreign driving licence | An Australian citizen or permanent resident with a current and valid overseas licence may drive in Western Australia for up to 3 months using it, and must apply to transfer it within that period. After 3 months it cannot legally be used. [2] |
| International Driving Permit needed with an overseas licenceUsing a foreign driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Western Australia: 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.
- Western Australia: 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
- Department of Transport (Western Australia): Visiting from overseas or interstate | Transport WA (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
- Department of Transport (Western Australia): Moving from overseas | Transport WA (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 visitor | Yes (source: Austroads) |
|---|---|
| Overseas licence after becoming a resident | An 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 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. (source: Austroads) |
| Local licence required for permanent residents and citizens | An 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 Western Australia
- E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 50 km/h · Minimum age: 16
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; 10 g or less may get an intervention notice · Growing at home: Banned
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 110 km/h
- Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, Containers for Change · 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: 16, with a supervisor
- Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Specified drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any cannabis detected
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules, 16+ · Minimum age: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
- Home educationNature of the parental duty: School or registration
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
- MopedsMinimum age to ride: From 15 years 6 months · Licence: Class R-N or other WA licence
- 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 not touched
- 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, on rent or hire
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.