Can you drive in Australia on your current driver’s licence? Do you need to convert to an Australian one? And buying a car… what you should know.
You can drive on your NZ license for up to 3 months in Australia. Then you must transfer your New Zealand driver’s licence to an Australian licence to drive legally. Find out how below, state by state…
When you first get to Australia, you will probably need to utilise Australia’s fine public transport when you are looking for a car. Uber is available in Australia. You can easily rent a car when you first get there and pick it up from the airport, which makes exploring your new city easier.
In this post you will find helpful information on:
Process of transferring your overseas licence to an Australian licence
Each state has their own process for transferring your overseas driver’s licence to an Australian driver’s licence.
Please find below the links to transfer your NZ driver’s licence to an Australian one (state by state):
Documentation needed to transfer your driver’s licence
You will need to get the below organised before you book with the relevant Australian road agency.
Proof of identity: you will need two documents – one document must show your full name, and the day, month and year of your birth, e.g. current passport or birth certificate. The other must show at least your family name and your first given name in full, e.g. Medicare card, bank statement, telephone, gas, electricity or water bill up to 12 months old, and current Australian student ID. Documents must be original. Copies and certified copies are not acceptable. One of your proof of identity documents should show your signature.
Proof of Australia address: you can use your bank statement (open an Australian bank account), utility bill as long as it has your name on it or any government letter.
Here is an example of the full list of ID documents accepted. This list is for Queensland; please check your state’s list before submitting your application: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/identity.
Book an appointment with the appropriate road authority
Individuals wanting to transfer an overseas licence should make direct contact with the relevant Australian road agency:
Costs of transferring your licence
It costs between $30 and $133, depending on the state or territory you are in. I cannot give you an exact cost because it depends on your current driver’s licence type and age. See the above links to find out the process and costs state by state.
State-by-state rules for transferring your overseas licence to an Australian licence
If you stay in Australia for more than 3 months, you will need to apply for an Australian driver’s licence.
Each state in Australia has slightly different rules towards international drivers and slightly different road rules, so it is very important to check with the licencing agency in the particular state that you are planning on visiting. See the list below:
If you are a driver or motorcyclist who has moved to NSW – from another Australian State or Territory, or if you have migrated from another country – you will need to make arrangements to get an NSW driver or rider licence.
You can use your existing licence for up to three months, after which you must have a NSW licence to drive a vehicle or ride a motorcycle.
If you are a licence holder from New Zealand (regardless if you are a permanent or temporary resident), you must obtain a NSW driver’s licence within three months of residing in NSW or you must stop driving.
- Check which licence you are eligible for
- Complete a Licence Application form.
- Check you have the right proof of identity.
- Check that your overseas licence shows the first issue date. If it doesn’t show this date, contact the NZ authority that issued your licence. You can get an official letter from them confirming your licence details.
- Find your nearest service centre. Bring your NZ licence, application form and proof of identity with you.
- You will also need to pay the relevant licence fee.
- When you visit the service centre, you’ll need to pass an eyesight test and have your photo taken.
Your new licence will be posted to you. You will be provided with a temporary paper licence to drive or ride with until your new card arrives.
What happens to your New Zealand licence? Your NZ licence will be photocopied and returned to you. Once you have a NSW licence, it becomes the licence of authority for you to drive or ride on NSW roads. As you can only hold one licence at a time in Australia by law, the details of your NZ licence will be recorded in our system. Your NZ licence is no longer recognised, and you have no authority while you hold an NSW licence.
For more information on moving your New Zealand licence to NSW and how to apply, visit https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/visiting-moving/move-nz-licence.html.
If you are a driver or motorcyclist who has moved to Victoria from another Australian State or Territory or from another country, you will need to make arrangements with VicRoads to get a Victorian licence.
For up to three months after arriving, you can drive in Victoria if you have a current interstate or New Zealand (NZ) licence/learner permit, even if you are under 18 years of age. After three months, you must change your licence to a Victorian driver’s licence.
If your time in Victoria is interrupted, whereby you return interstate or to NZ and take up residency for a period of time, the three-month period begins afresh from the date you take up residency again in Victoria.
You must be 18 years of age to apply for a licence in Victoria. No age exemptions apply.
If your interstate or New Zealand learner permit or licence is (suspended, disqualified or cancelled) as a result of a driving offence, demerit points, medical reasons or due to unpaid fines, you will not be able to obtain a Victorian equivalent until your ban is over.
Converting your licence from New Zealand
To continue driving in Victoria after three months, you’ll need to convert your overseas licence to a Victorian one:
You’ll get a receipt as proof of your licence that you can use to drive until you receive your driver’s licence card. This receipt is valid for 3 months, or until the day that you receive your driver’s licence card in the mail.
When driving on a road in Queensland under your valid foreign driver’s licence, you must:
- only drive the class of motor vehicle authorised on that licence
- comply with the conditions (if any) of your licence
- show your licence to a police officer when asked to do so.
If your licence is in a language other than English, you should have a recognised English translation of the licence.
You must not drive in Queensland on your foreign driver’s licence if:
- you have been disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence by an order of an Australian court
- your authority to drive on the licence has been suspended or withdrawn.
To apply for a Queensland driver’s licence for the same class as your foreign driver’s licence, you will need to:
- complete the Driver Licence Application/Renewal form (F3000)
- show your foreign driver’s licence and a recognised English translation (if required)
- show your supporting evidence of identity, including Queensland residency documents
- declare that you are medically fit to drive the class of motor vehicle
Note: If you have a medical condition that is likely to affect your ability to drive or ride safely adversely, you are required to show a medical certificate from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive or ride safely. - pay the licence fee.
You may also be required to:
- pass an eyesight test
- pay the road rules test fee and pass the test
- pay the practical driving test fee and pass the test.
For more information, please visit the Getting a Queensland licence (for overseas licence holders) page.
If you are visiting from overseas or you’ve recently moved here permanently, make sure that you are driving legally and safely.
If you are issued a permanent visa and become a resident of South Australia, you must obtain a South Australian driver’s licence within three months, and you may be required to surrender your overseas driver’s licence. Your overseas licence is invalid once you are issued a South Australian learner’s permit or driver’s licence.
Applying for a South Australian driver’s licence
You may be eligible for the equivalent class of licence as your foreign licence. Your full or provisional New Zealand licence can be transferred to an equivalent South Australian driver’s licence.
For multi-combination vehicles (road train or B-double), you’ll need to supply a letter from an employer in New Zealand stating that you have driven vehicles of this type.
You must transfer your licence within 3 months of becoming a South Australian resident.
To apply for your licence, you will need to present the following to a Service SA customer service centre and pay the licence fee:
You will receive a temporary driver’s licence, and your photo licence will be posted to you.
If you are just visiting Western Australia (WA) you can drive on your current overseas licence. However, if your licence expires whilst you are here or if you plan to live in WA, you will need to apply for a WA driver’s licence. To find out more go to Transfer your overseas licence.
To apply for a Western Australian driver’s licence, you must attend a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or regional Agent personally.
If your overseas driver’s licence has been issued in New Zealand and you are unable to produce your New Zealand driver’s licence document, a ‘Certificate of Particulars’ or a letter verifying your licence details will be accepted. The Department of Transport will contact the New Zealand Traffic Authority on your behalf to confirm your driver’s licence details before it can be accepted.
Please ensure you take the following documentation with you:
If you are a new permanent resident of Tasmania (fixed address) from another Australian State or Territory, or from another country you will need to make arrangements with DIER to get a Tasmanian licence.
If you hold a New Zealand driver’s licence, you can transfer to a Tasmanian driver’s licence without having to sit for a written or practical driving assessment.
You must produce a current New Zealand driver’s licence (which doesn’t need to be surrendered, only sighted) and pay the driver’s licence fee.
You need to provide the following in person at Service Tasmania shops or designated police stations:
- your existing Australian licence (or New Zealand) and evidence of current residential address
- OR
- Full Evidence of Identity
- completed application form (Service Tasmania will provide this)
- provide a medical certificate if applicable
- pay a fee (if applicable)
- have your photograph taken and provide your signature.
You must change over your driver’s licence and vehicle registration within three (3) months of residing in the Northern Territory.
To Transfer your overseas licence, you will need to :
- provide a valid and current overseas driver’s licence
- provide an international driving permit (issued in the country of origin) or;
- an official translation of the overseas licence into English by an Authorised Translator or
- an original letter from the licensing authority in the country of origin or the relevant consul or diplomatic corps confirming the licence details and status or
- an original letter from the licensing authority in the country of origin or the relevant consul or diplomatic corps confirming the licence details and status.
- pass an eyesight test
- provide completed form – application for an NT driver/rider licence PDF (292.2 KB)
- provide evidence of Identity and Residency.
If you are not from a recognised country, you will also need to pass a theory and practical (driving test).
An Interstate / New Zealand public vehicle licence can be mutually recognised in the ACT under the Mutual Recognition (Australian Capital Territory) Act 1992 and the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997.
The mutual recognition legislation allows a person to transfer their interstate / New Zealand public vehicle licence to the ACT without completing certain requirements for an ACT Public Vehicle Driver Licence.
A person who applies for an ACT Public Vehicle Licence under mutual recognition must meet the eligibility requirements and provide certain documents in support of their application.
Applications for mutual recognition of an interstate / New Zealand public vehicle licence must be made in person at a Canberra Connect Shopfront.
An applicant for mutual recognition of a public vehicle licence must present the following documents on application to transfer an interstate / New Zealand public vehicle licence to the ACT:
- Completed Application Form.
- Evidence of resident status.
- A statement of licence details showing the issue date of the interstate / New Zealand Licence.
- A current interstate / New Zealand public vehicle driver’s licence or public vehicle authority card.
- A current interstate / New Zealand driver’s licence.
For more information on an ACT driver’s licence and how to apply visit: international drivers.
Will you need a driving licence medical test?
On top of the above, you will need a medical examination from a GP when applying for your Australian driver’s licence if you are:
- Applying for or renewing a heavy vehicle class licence.
- Applying for or renewing endorsements for passenger, recovery services, driving instruction or testing.
- Drivers aged 75 or over.
- Anyone with a medical condition that could affect their ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Anyone who has been requested to supply a medical certificate for a driver’s licence application by the NZTA.
Buying a car in Australia
Buying a car in Australia can be confusing, as rules and costs vary from state to state. You need to factor in all the ‘hidden’ costs and taxes that the various state governments impose.
A few key points worth noting are:
- In Australia, you pay stamp duty to the state government when you buy a car (How much depends on which state you are in and what type of car you are buying)
- New cars are subject to 10% GST (Some 2nd hand cars may also be subject to GST)
- Stamp duty is charged on the full price of the car, INCLUDING GST
- Rules vary from state to state regarding roadworthy certificates (the equivalent of an MOT for those from the UK).
- Fuel prices, although significantly cheaper than in the UK & Europe, are, like everywhere else, climbing steeply.
- Luxury Car Tax applies on new cars over $57,009
- Car Registration is an annual road tax that varies from state to state.
The process of buying a car is the same as in NZ:
Car Shipping
Is it worth taking your car with you to Australia?
Very specific documentation is required to ship your car to Australia. Without it, your car will not be allowed entry and will be stuck at the port. There are also length of ownership and tax payable issues.
Find out if it is worth shipping your car
Before deciding to ship your car to Australia, there are two things you should do:
Demerit Points
Regardless of where you live in Australia, all fully licensed drivers have approximately 12 demerit points they can ‘earn’ on their licence before needing to hang up the keys and take the bus. All other licences have less (apart from a professional licence). Point limits vary from state to state.
Demerit points can be added if you are caught speeding, using your mobile phone while driving, or any number of other driving offences.
In general, points stay on your licence for three years from the date of the offence.
What are demerit points?
Australian demerit points are a system used to monitor and penalize drivers who commit traffic offences. Each offence is assigned a certain number of points, and if a driver accumulates too many points within a certain period of time, their license may be suspended or revoked.
The number of points assigned to each offence varies depending on its severity. For example, speeding may result in 1-6 demerit points, while driving under the influence of alcohol may result in 10 demerit points.
It’s important to note that demerit points are specific to each state or territory in Australia, so the rules and regulations may differ slightly depending on where you are.
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Still got unanswered questions?
If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below, and I’ll research the answer for you.
Can I help you find something else?
If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go!
Andrew
May 27, 2024 at 10:06 pmKia ora,
Apologies if this question has been asked before – I am checking to see if there are any conditions of a transfer from a NZ full license to a NSW full license. In particular (and apologies if these aren’t relevant) I am wanting to know whether an individual over the age of 25 who has had a NZ full drivers license for less than 12 months is able to get a full NSW drivers license when converted?
The information on NSW travel forms an online is somewhat confusing. The license application form in NSW states “if you have held your driver or motorcycle rider licence for less than 3 years, you will receive a NSW provisional P1 or P2 licence. (Motorcycle rider P2 exemptions may apply)” and other sites suggest that having license under 3 years converts differently; and yet other sites suggest if you are over the age of 25 and have a full license it is immediately convertible.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
JJ Smith
June 4, 2024 at 3:07 pmHi Andrew,
Thanks for your comment.
I’ve actually just answered another visitors question on converting their NZ licence to an NSW licence so have all the info at hand.
You can convert to a NSW licence without passing tests, as long as the licence is current or expired within the last 5 years.
Here is all the information you need for moving your New Zealand licence to NSW: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/visiting-or-moving-to-nsw/moving-your-interstate-or-nz-licence/new-zealand-drivers-and-riders.
If you hold a NZ car (class C) or motorcycle (class R) photo licence, you won’t need to pass knowledge and driving tests to get a NSW licence as long as:
– the licence is current or expired within the last 5 years, and
– you are not a learner driver.
If you meet these criteria, your NZ licence will be converted in line with the NSW licensing scheme.
On the above link you can find all the information you need to prepare your application and visit a service centre.
Hope the above helps.
Andrew
June 6, 2024 at 10:47 amYou are absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for this, really really appreciate it!
Cheers,
Andrew
K
April 8, 2024 at 12:02 amHi,
Advice on vicroads medical review process needed for converting your NZ licence if you have a permanent mild disability please. One of the questions on the medical review form is “how long have you known the applicant” which would be 5 mins since they’d have never seen me before. It also asks for a licence number so is my NZ licence number OK? Should I get a letter from my gp in NZ saying I’m fine to drive, or my specialist? It’s all very confusing as the form isn’t set up for NZ citizens moving to Australia.
Thanks
JJ Smith
April 11, 2024 at 1:03 pmHi K,
Unfortunately I’ve got no experience with your situation.
I recommend you contact Vic Roads direct: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/contact-us.
Sorry I couldn’t help.
Lee B
March 15, 2024 at 5:36 pmHi! I’m in a bit of a pickle. I am 24 years old. I am moving to Gold Coast in April 6th for a full-time job. This job requires me to drive around houses and provide a healthcare service. However, I am only on my NZ learners licence (for at least 5 years now). I will be sitting my restricted test on the April 2nd, just before I leave NZ. I was just wondering if this means i need to take a learners test in QLD again? OR assuming that I pass my restricted test – can this mean it’s possible to be given a P1 license? It’s very confusing. Many thanks.
JJ Smith
March 20, 2024 at 2:05 pmHi Lee,
Thank you for your comment.
I know it can be confusing. I haven’t come across this question before and I’m finding it hard to find an accurate answer on the Queensland government website: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/transfer. But I finally got to the bottom of it…
You can convert your New Zealand restricted licence to an equivalent Australian licence. This will likely be a P1 licence. You will be able to use your NZ restricted licence as a P1 for three months after you arrive in Australia. Without your NZ restricted licence you would need a qualified supervising driver or driving instructor to drive with you.
In the transfer process, you will probably have to pass a road rules test and a driving test before you will be issued with a Queensland probationary license (P1).
Here is more info on a P1 licence: https://www.mylicence.sa.gov.au/my-car-licence/p1-provisional-licence.
So you could wait and sit the road rules test and driving test in Australia if you are able to get booked in and don’t need to drive immediately.
Hope that helps.
Lee
March 20, 2024 at 4:38 pmHi JJ,
Thank you so much for this!
Hoping I pass my restricted for sure!
I am going to apply to commonwealth bank today (exactly 18 days before i leave).
Did you have any other list before i start work, in order of things i need to get done once i arrive ? Eg. TFN, license, superannuation etc?
p.s. your website has helped me a lot to navigate my move. I thank you so much!
JJ Smith
March 25, 2024 at 10:50 amHi,
Yes I have outlined different things/services you need to arrange in my moving to Australia process post (https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/moving-to-australia-process/) for both before you leave and after you arrive, e.g. XE account, Medicare and TFN.
It’s really important to have the paperwork you might need ready, especially the 100 points of identification: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/documentation-needed-when-moving-to-australia/.
Do you have a KiwiSaver account? You do not need to do anything in regards to Australian super, but you should have a read of my KiwiSaver for your home deposit post (https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/kiwisaver-for-your-home-deposit/) as it also includes info about transferring your KiwiSaver to Australia to save on fees and taxes:
– If you’re about to become a non-resident of New Zealand for tax purposes (‘officially’ moved to Australia!) or are already living in Australia, you will be taxed at a rate of 28% on the investment earnings in your KiwiSaver each year.
I think that’s it, but I’m here if you need any further advice.
Thanks,
JJ Smith
Chandni
August 23, 2023 at 6:16 pmHi
As you know a car is a basic necessity and we want to buy a car as soon as we move to Australia, can you please tell us anything about the car loans. Everywhere we called are asking for the 3 months bank statements for Australian bank. Is there any way around that. We are moving to Brisbane.
JJ Smith
August 24, 2023 at 12:26 pmHi Chandni,
Thank you for your comment.
Having the right documentation/paperwork is a major problem when first arriving in Australia.
The good news is that some lenders are willing to offer a car loan to temporary residents in Australia. Lenders view this type of loan as a high-risk one, so the key is knowing which lenders to approach and what their lending criteria is.
Do you have job contracts? Savings? Anyone that can loan you the money for 3 months?
Have you set up a bank account with CommBank? They might be able to help: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/open-an-australian-bank-account/.
Here are two other finance companies to try:
– https://veracityfinancial.com.au/services/migrant-finance/
– https://www.finder.com.au/car-loans-for-temporary-residents
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
Anon
June 30, 2023 at 6:33 pmHi there I have a young friend 19 who has just moved to brisbane she holds a nz learners license and coming to the end of the 3 months she wants to purchase a 2nd hand car to get to work but has no australian I.d or mail stating her residential address what can she do as far as licensing and getting a car in her name?
JJ Smith
July 17, 2023 at 1:42 pmHi Anon,
Here is the full list of ID documents accepted: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/identity.
As she doesn’t have a Queensland-issued ID, she can go with either 1 category A document + 2 category B documents, or 2 category A documents + 1 category B document, e.g. NZ passport, embossed debit or credit card and her Medicare card.
All documents must be originals—photocopies and certified copies are not acceptable. At least 1 of your Category A or Category B documents must show your signature.
If her evidence of identity documents does not show her current home address in Queensland she will need to prove that she lives in Queensland, e.g. bank statement (with corresponding debit or credit card) or Australian Tax Office (ATO) assessment/tax file number confirmation notice.
Hope the above helps.
Hinemoa
October 27, 2022 at 1:19 pmHi there,
I’m living in New Zealand, I’m 26 years and I am about to sit my learner’s test. I will be moving to Australia at the beginning of 2023. If I pass the learners test, will I be able to sit the restricted test once I arrive? Or should I just wait until I arrive in Australia to begin the process of obtaining my full license?
JJ Smith
November 1, 2022 at 12:43 pmHi Hinemoa,
Thank you for your comment.
You can start the process in New Zealand and complete it while you’re living there.
The rules and processes are different in each state. You can find out how to transfer your driver’s licence in the various states and territories here:
– NSW – http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/newtonsw/international_drivers.html
– Victoria – https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/new-to-victoria/convert-your-overseas-licence
– Queensland – https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/transfer/index.html
– South Australia – http://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/drivers-and-licences/drivers-licence/drivers-licence-transfer
– Western Australia – http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/transferring-your-overseas-licence.asp
– Tasmania – http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing/newtotas/interstate
– ACT – https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/1581
– Northern Territory – https://nt.gov.au/driving/licences/transfer-your-interstate-or-overseas-licence
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
Ben
October 17, 2022 at 10:31 amHi
Do you know if I can drive and transfer an NZ Restricted licence in Australia?
Thanks,
Ben
JJ Smith
October 17, 2022 at 5:19 pmHi Ben,
Thanks for your comment.
Yes, you can drive on your NZ restricted licence for 3 months in Australia.
The licence you will get in Australia depends on your age and how long you’ve held your restricted for.
– If you’ve held your Restricted for less than 12 months, you’ll usually be given a P1 licence.
– If you’ve held your Restricted licence for more than 12 months but less than 3 years, you’ll usually be transferred to a P2 licence.
– If you are over 21 years and have held your Restricted for more than 3 years, you’ll usually be transferred to a Full driver’s licence.
You should call the relevant roads authority in the state you are moving to for specific advice to your situation.