Apply for a driver's license

If you are a permanent resident visa holder and have a current driver's licence from another country, in English or with an official translation from an acceptable source, you are allowed to drive for your first 3 months after arrival.

After that, if you want to drive, you will need to have the appropriate Australian driver's licence. This will usually require you to pass a knowledge test, a practical driving test, and an eyesight test. In Australia, driver's licences are issued by state and territory governments.

If you do not hold a licence from another country you will need to pass a Driver Knowledge Test to get a learner's permit.

All licence applicants need to:

• If they hold an overseas licence, present this to the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) (with an official translation which can be acquired from either the Community Relations Commission or Department of Immigration and Citizenship)
• Provide proof of identity to satisfy RTA requirements
• Provide proof of NSW residential address
• Pass a Driver Knowledge Test (unless exempt)
• Pass a practical driving or riding test (unless exempt)
• Pass an eyesight test
• Pay the required fees (unless exempt)

Recognised countries

Holders of a car or rider licence from one of the following countries are exempt from the knowledge test and practical driving test when applying for a NSW licence of the same class:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Isle of Man (licences issued since 1 April 1999)
• Italy
• Japan
• Malta (licences issued since 2 January 2004)
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Portugal
• Singapore
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Proof of identity and requirements are explained in the brochure How to prove who you are to the RTA which can be collected from any RTA registry office.

For more information or to find out about driving if you are a temporary visa holder, visit the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) website www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/index.html or call the RTA Call Service Centre on 13 2213.