Three states, three different schemes, and a different list of “recognised” countries in each one. Pick where you live and the rest fades out — or read all three and compare.
Work out your route
Which conversion is yours?
Tap your state and the other lanes fade out — but you can always see the whole picture, including the states that aren't yours.
Who are you?
What you need
- Your original overseas licence Not a photocopy. If it is lost, an authorisation letter from the issuing country instead.
- Proof of identity Standard NSW identity documents, and proof of permanent residency if that is your route.
- An approved translation, if it is not in English Transport for NSW only accepts translations from Multicultural NSW, the Department of Home Affairs, or — for Korean and Taiwanese licences only — the relevant consulate.
What you do
Recognised country
- Check the current list of recognised countries and jurisdictions on the NSW driving website — it includes places like the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Singapore and Japan
- Take your form, original licence and ID to a service centre
- No knowledge or driving test if your licence is current, or expired within the last 5 years
Not on the recognised list
- Book and pass the driver knowledge test
- Book and pass the driving test
- Then complete the transfer at a service centre with the same documents
Citizens, permanent residents and NZ licence holders must transfer within 3 months of arriving. Other temporary visa holders can drive on their overseas licence for 6 months before they need to apply for a temporary NSW licence instead. Drivers 75 or older need a medical review as well.
How long
What arrives
What you need
- Your current overseas licence or learner permit Valid, and in English or with a translation.
- Category A and Category B identity documents VicRoads’ standard proof-of-identity combination.
- Proof of your Victorian address A bank statement, utility bill or lease. No proof? Someone else can sign a residence declaration on the form instead.
- A NAATI-accredited translation, if it is not in English Or a translation from the licence country’s consulate in Australia.
What you do
Recognised country
- Most drivers with a current full licence exchange it directly, no tests
- A knowledge test may still apply if your licence expired more than 5 years ago
Experienced Driver Recognition country, aged 25+
- These countries meet some, not all, of Australia’s testing standards
- At 25 or over, your age and driving experience substitute for the tests
- Under 25 with this same licence? Both the theory and the practical test are required
Any other country
- Pass the driving theory test
- Pass the practical driving test
- Your class is then set by your age and years of driving experience, as if you had started in Australia
You must convert within 6 months of starting to live in Victoria — the clock starts the day you first begin living there, even if you leave and come back. Staying under 6 months? You can drive on your valid overseas licence, with a translation if needed.
How long
What arrives
What you need
- Your original overseas licence Photocopies and certified copies are not accepted — bring the original.
- Original evidence of identity Including proof that you live in Queensland.
- A NAATI-approved translation, if it is not in English From an accredited National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters translator.
What you do
New Zealand or a recognised country
- Held (or held within the last 5 years) a licence equivalent to class C, RE or R
- No road rules test and no practical driving test needed
- Recognised countries include the UK, USA, Canada, Singapore, Japan and others — check the current list before you go
Non-recognised country
- Pass the road rules test first (written, or the PrepL online course)
- Then book and pass the practical driving test — your overseas licence is valid to drive on until then
- Fail the driving test and your authority to drive on the overseas licence is withdrawn immediately
The 3-month deadline is counted from when you became a citizen or were granted a resident visa while already living in Queensland — not from the day you arrived. Drivers 75 and over also need a medical certificate.
How long
What arrives
Driving on an overseas licence after the window your state allows has closed is a driving offence, and it can also void your car insurance if you are in a crash while unlicensed. If you are not sure your dates are still current, check with your state authority before you drive — not after.