Converting your overseas licence to an Australian driving licence: A practical guide for Latinos

Australia is a huge country, and many new residents arrive with the intention of purchasing a car immediately for work or personal purposes. Others discover numerous job opportunities that require driving to various locations, which makes getting your drivers licence sorted a priority!

You may have wondered if you're allowed to drive legally in Australia with your current country's licence, and what steps you need to take to obtain an Australian licence. Well search no further!

This article will provide you with the exact information you need to drive in Australia with your current licence or to validate it.

Let’s dive in!

Why Should I Convert My Licence?

In most cases, your overseas licence is valid for 3-6 months after arrival if you are on a temporary visa, though some states offer unlimited periods on this visa. Its shorter if you are a Permanent Resident..

After this period, you need to convert your licence to continue driving legally on Australian roads. Obviously, your overseas licence needs to be valid for this whole period as well!

If you're caught driving with an overseas licence after the temporary period is over, you may face a fine (though in real terms, this is tough to enforce if you are stopped). More critically, if you're involved in an accident after the temporary period is over your insurance may not cover you, potentially leaving you with significant financial and legal liabilities.

Here's a list of temporary licence validity periods by state:

• Victoria: 6 months

• New South Wales: 6 months for temporary visa holders, 3 months for Australian permanent residents/citizens

• Western Australia: No limit for temporary visa holders, 3 months for Australian permanent residents/citizens

• Queensland: No limit for temporary visa holders, 3 months for Australian permanent residents/citizens

• South Australia: No limit for temporary visa holders, 3 months for Australian permanent residents/citizens

• Tasmania: No limit for temporary visa holders, must convert within 6 months for Australian permanent residents/citizens

• Northern Territory: Can only drive with a formal international driving permit (different to an overseas licence), or with a Northern Territory government-issued translation of your overseas licence. After 3 months in the state, you must obtain an NT licence.

• Australian Capital Territory: Can only drive if carrying BOTH an official translation of overseas licence AND an international driving permit. Once resident of ACT, 3 months to obtain an ACT licence.

Buying, Registering, and Insuring a Vehicle

While it's technically possible to buy, register, and insure a car in Australia with an overseas licence, it can make the process more challenging. The registration process typically requires proof of residency (which often means transferring your licence), though this varies by state. 

Additionally, insurance policies are generally more difficult to obtain and come with higher premiums for drivers without a local licence. Remember, some form of car insurance is mandatory to drive on Australian roads.

Any other reasons?

An Australian licence is a valuable form of identity verification at places like the post office or for formal documentation -  it’s the default ID used in most places throughout the country, similar to your cedula in Colombia.

This will prove useful not just in places you need ID, but also for applying to things like credit cards and other financial services in future.

When shouldn't I convert?

If you're only planning a temporary stay, such as on a short-term study visa, it's likely best to continue using your own licence unless you are on a longer term temporary visa and are living in a state that insists on you converting.

Also, if you are unsure whether you are planning to stay in Australia long-term then it might be best to wait for a few months before going through the process.

Which Countries' Licences Are Accepted?

Good news! Anyone with a valid driver's licence from their home country is permitted to drive in Australia on a temporary basis. 

Additionally, individuals with a valid 'full' licence from their home country are eligible to convert it to an Australian licence.

The Process for Converting Your Licence

All Latin American countries are considered 'Non-Recognised Countries' for Australian licence transfer purposes. This means that when you're ready to convert, you'll need to pass both the theory and practical driving tests.

The specific process is governed by individual states, so it's essential to check the requirements for your particular location. We dive into some more detail on a state by state basis below. 

All relevant forms must be completed in English, so prepare well in advance and consider seeking assistance if your English skills aren't strong. You will often need an official translation of your overseas documents for the process, which you hopefully got sorted after reading our guide on things to do before you leave South America!

For the driving test, you will also need to take the test in English to prove you can operate safely and read the signs on Aussie roads. We have some tips on preparing for your driving test for you to read through before booking in.

Note that if you take the test in an automatic transmission vehicle, your licence will only permit you to drive this type of vehicle. Passing the test in a manual transmission vehicle allows you to drive both manual and automatic vehicles.

Please note: The information provided here is for car licences. For motorcycle or heavy vehicle licences, please consult the state authorities directly. Also be aware that all information is subject to change. We do our best to stay on top of any changes, but it's advisable to verify details on the official state websites (linked below), and feel free to inform us of any inaccuracies you may find.

State by state conversion details

This section we go through the state-by-state details for converting. Feel free to skip to the part you need!

Converting your overseas drivers licence in Victoria

Government website: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/new-to-victoria 

Steps:

1. Book and pass the Road rules knowledge test ($21) - online or in person

   1. Register here

2. Prepare for an appointment

   1. Prepare overseas license, with an official translation

   2. Print and fill paper form (here)

   3. Bring proof of identity (link to how to prove your identity article)

3. Book and attend an appointment at a vicroads office to have your license verified (cost $20.40)

4. Complete the hazard perception test (online or in vicroads office)

5. Book and pass your driving practical test

6. Get your license!

Converting your overseas drivers licence in NSW

Government website:

• If you are on a temporary visa: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-nsw-licence-as-a-temporary-overseas-visitor 

• If you are a Permanent Resident or Citizen: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/transfer-an-overseas-driver-licence 

Steps to follow:

1. Prepare documents and things to bring

   1. Download, print and complete this PDF form 

   2. Overseas licence & translation (note: NSW requires the licence to be translated by their service ONLY. More info here)

   3. Proof of identity

   4. Money to pay (fees here)

2. Visit a service centre (this is recommended, so that your documents and translations can be checked before booking a test)

3. Book & pass the driving test

4. Get your licence!

Converting your overseas drivers licence in Western Australia

Government website: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/transfer-licence-from-non-recognised-country.asp 

Steps to follow:

1. Learn the theory material - free pdfs on the link above

2. Prepare documents and things to bring

   1. Download, print and complete this PDF form

   2. Overseas licence & translations

   3. Proof of Identity

3. Visit a DOT service & testing centre

   1. Validate your documents

   2. Pay the fee

   3. Pass an eyesight test

4. Pass the theory tests

5. Pass the driving test (You can only book this after you have passed the theory test. You can book it in person, but you may not be able to do the test on the same day as the theory test due to wait times!)

6. Get your licence!

Converting your overseas drivers licence in Queensland

Government website: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/transfer#non-recognised 

1. Prepare your documents

   1. Download, print and complete this PDF

   2. Your overseas licence & translation

   3. Proof of ID

   4. Proof of residence in Queensland

2. Study the theory, and Complete the PrepL test (info)

3. Visit a licence issuing centre (find one)

   1. Have your documents validated

   2. Book your driving test

4. Pass the tests

5. Get your licence!

Converting your overseas drivers licence in South Australia

Government website: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/licences/overseas-licence-transfer 

Steps

1. Complete the steps here to make sure you are eligible (select ‘Other’ for the country)

2. Prepare your documents

   1. Download, print and complete this PDF

   2. Proof of ID

   3. Overseas licence and a certified translation

3. Book and complete the theory test

4. Book & complete the Hazard perception test

5. Book and complete the driving test, and get your ‘Certificate of Competency’

6. Visit a Service SA centre to

   1. Show your documents and certificate

   2. Pay the fees

7. Get your licence!

Converting your overseas drivers licence in Tasmania

Government website: https://www.service.tas.gov.au/services/transport/driver-and-rider-licences/convert-an-overseas-driver-licence 

Steps:

1. Prepare documents

   1. Completed PDF

   2. Overseas licence and official translation

   3. Proof of identity

2. Visit a Service Tasmania location to have documents validated and make bookings

3. Pass knowledge test of the Tasmanian road rules

4. Pass a Hazard perception test

5. Pass a driving test

6. Get your licence

Converting your overseas drivers licence in Northern Territory

Government website: https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/new-nt-residents-and-visitors/transfer-your-overseas-licence

Converting your overseas drivers licence in ACT

Government website: https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/driving-transport-and-parking/licences/drivers-with-licences-from-overseas

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is easiest to get the licence converted?

Most of the states have a similar process for the license conversion. The only two that are 'worse' are NSW (due to needing to use their specific document translators), and NT.

Can I drive a manual car in Australia if I've only got a license for an automatic at home?

You can only drive a manual on Australian roads if you pass the driving test in a car with a manual gearbox.

Can I drive past the temporary license period while I'm waiting for a test appointment?

Sometimes there can be long waiting times for a test, especially in the cities. During COVID this was particularly bad.

In these cases, sometimes the state authority may issue you a document that allows you to drive legally while you wait for the test, but be sure to check with them individually.

How can I speed up the process?

The testing centres in the cities are often the busiest, so being willing to travel to a more regional testing centre can help get an appointment sooner. This can also result in an easier test (we cover this and other helpful tips in our article about passing the driving test)

What happens if I fail the test?

Whilst this might be annoying, its not the end of the world! You are able to rebook and retake the test as many times as you need.

It might be worth booking a lesson with a local driving instructor in the meantime though, to try and polish up your skills. before reattempting.