How To Convert An Overseas Licence To A NSW Licence
On this page
Step 1: Confirm which type of licence you have
Step 2: I know my licence type…which test do I have to do?
Step 3: What you need to be aware of for the driving test
Step 4: How do I make sure I pass my driving test?
Permanent Australian residents or permanent visa holders
What is the process to get my licence?
Exemptions from the driving test
The easiest overseas licence conversion guide you’ll find on the internet:
Step 1. Confirm which type of licence you have:
Unrecognised or Recognised Foreign Licensing Authority B licence (under 25)
Test required
Step 2. I know my licence type… which test do I have to do?
You’ll need to do the Driver’s Knowledge Test (DKT) AND a Driving test to progress onto a full or provisional licence.
Step 3. If you now know you need to take a driving test – you need to be aware of the following:
If you’re over 25 – if you fail your test, you’ll then get a Learners licence, and once you pass the driving test you’ll go to the provisional licensing scheme (P1 and P2 licences)
If you’re under 25, the type of licence you’ll get depends on where your licence is from as well as how many months experience you have (best to contact Service NSW to find out about your specific licence if it’s not described here)
Step 4. How do I make sure I pass my driving test? So I don’t have to pay to retake the test or miss out on getting a full licence rather than provisional!
This is the easiest step – book a lesson with us!
Our driving instructors are experts in driving and the driving test. We have helped thousands of overseas licensed students to pass their test first attempt. We’ll help guide you throughout this tricky process and give you tips about driving on Australian roads.
If you’re still confused just give us a call on 02 8748 4500 – we’re happy to help!
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Permanent Australian residents or permanent visa holders:
If you have a full driver’s licence from overseas, you’re able to drive with this licence for your first three months as a resident or permanent visa holder – after this you won’t be able to drive until you get your licence converted. You can also convert your licence during these three months if you’re keen to get your NSW licence as soon as possible.
What is the process to get my licence?
You will need to:
Bring your overseas licence
Provide proof of your identity
Provide proof of Australian permanent residency
Complete the Licence application form
Pass an eyesight test
Pass a knowledge test unless you are exempt
Pass a driving test unless you are exempt
Pay the relevant licence fee
Once this is completed, you will then be able to obtain a full NSW Licence. You will not be able to hold more than one licence in Australia so your overseas licence will not be valid in NSW.
If you fail a driving test, your visiting driving privileges will be withdrawn. If you still want to continue to drive, you must get a learner’s licence. You can only re attempt the test after 1 week.
If you plan to stay in NSW for longer than three months but do not hold a permanent Australian residency, you can apply for a Temporary Overseas Visitor Licence.
Tests Required
If your licence is not from a recognised licensing authority, or you're under 25 and hold an Authority B type licence
You will need to pass the relevant knowledge or driving test in order to get your NSW drivers licence.
If you're over 25 and pass first go, you will then get a full unrestricted licence. If you fail your first test
Then you then will get your Learners licence, once you've passed the test will progress through the provisional licensing scheme.
If you're under 25, when you convert to a NSW licence
You are given a corresponding provisional licensing depending on how many months/years of driving experience you have. Additionally, the type of assessment you'll do is dependent on your driving experience and what the equivalent licence would be in NSW.
If you fail your practical driving test
No matter what age or authority type your licence is, if you fail your practical driving test you will then go onto a NSW Learners licence until you pass the driving test.
Book a lesson with a professional driver trainer so you can pass the test first go!
Exemptions from the driving test:
If your licence meets these requirements you then don’t have to do any computer or driving test in order to convert your licence – just go to your local RMS and get it converted on the spot!
Any drivers licence (not learner permit) from a Recognised Foreign Licensing Authority A
You’re over the age of 25 and your licence is from Recognised Foreign Licensing Authority B
Student Visa, International Visitor, or Temporary Resident
You do not need to get a NSW drivers licence if you follow these conditions:
You have a current overseas licence that is in English or you have an authorised English translation
You remain a visitor
You have not been suspended or disqualified from driving in NSW or anywhere else
You have not had your licence suspended, cancelled or had your visitor driving privileges withdrawn
Carry your passport with you while driving to prove your visa
List of Recognised Countries
Austria
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Canada (any State)
Croatia
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Guernsey
Ireland
Isle of Man (licences issued since 1 April 1991)
Italy
Japan
Jersey
Luxembourg
Malta (licences issued or renewed since 2 January 2004)
Netherlands
New Zealand, (except for paper licences)
Norway
Portugal
Singapore
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States of America (any State).
Bulgaria
Republic of Cyprus
Czech Republic
Estonia
Hong Kong (Important: Hong Kong licence holders must have held a Hong Kong licence for a minimum period of 12 months)
Hungary
Latvia
Lithuania
Poland
Romania
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea (Republic of Korea)
Taiwan
Any countries not listed in Recognised Foreign Licensing Authority A, B or not within the specified dates of validity.