Can you drive in Australia on your current drivers licence? Do you need to convert to an Australian one? And buying a car… what you should know.
In Australia, you can drive on your NZ license for up to 3 months. Then you will need to transfer your New Zealand driver’s licence to an Australian licence in order to drive legally. Read more below…
When you first get to Australia you will probably need to utlise Australia’s fine public transport while you are looking for a car, or rent a car when you first get there to make exploring your new city easier.
You can find out more information on Australia’s public transport by following this link: https://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/transport-and-regional/public-transport-services.
Steps to getting converting to an Australian 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, 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.
Book an appointment with the appropriate roads authority
Individuals seeking conversion of an overseas licence should make direct contact with the relevant Australian road agency.
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
Costs of transferring your licence
It costs between $30 and $133, but the cost depends on the state or territory you are in.
State by state rules for transferring your overseas licence to an Australian licence
So you are staying in Australia for more than 3 months, then you will need to apply for an Australian drivers licence.
Each state in Australia have slightly different rules towards international drivers and slightly different road rules, 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 a NSW driver or rider licence.
You can use your existing licence for up to three months, after which you must have a NSW licence in order 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 licence within three months of residing in NSW or you must stop driving.
For more information on a NSW drivers licence and how to apply visit: international drivers or international riders.
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 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.
For more information on a Victoria drivers licence and how to apply visit: international drivers.
When driving on a road in Queensland under your valid foreign driver 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 carry a recognised English translation of the licence.
You must not drive in Queensland on your foreign driver licence if:
- you have been disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver 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 licence for the same class as your foreign driver licence, you will need to:
- complete the Driver Licence Application/Renewal form (F3000)
- show your foreign driver 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 adversely affect your ability to drive or ride safely, 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 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 drivers licence within three months and you may be required to surrender your overseas driver’s licence. Once you are issued with a South Australian learner’s permit or driver’s licence, your overseas licence is invalid.
Applying for a South Australian driver’s licence
You may be eligible for the equivalent class of licenceas your foreign licence. Minimum age requirements apply.
Go to any Service SA customer service centre and present the following documents:
- your current driver’s licence – if this is not written in English you must bring an approved English translation or your international driving permit
- evidence of identity – proof of your identity, signature, age and address
- payment for your written test, if required
- your medical certificate, if required
- concession card, if entitled.
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 will need to personally attend a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or regional Agent.
Please ensure you take the following documentation with you:
- current overseas drivers licence;
- proof of identity – examples of accepted documents are provided in the “Proof of identity requirements for your initial (WA) Drivers Licence” document found below;
- proof of your WA residential address;
- one document that shows your signature; and
- the application fee (refer to schedule of fees below).
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 licence you can transfer to a Tasmanian driver licence without having to sit a written or practical driving assessment.
You must produce a current New Zealand drivers licence (which doesn’t need to be surrendered only sighted) and pay the driver 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 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 licence
- provide an international driving permit (issued in 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 L1- Application for a Northern Territory Driver/Rider Licence.
- 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).
Other conditions may apply, for further Information refer to Information Bulletins:
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 licence or public vehicle authority card.
- A current interstate / New Zealand driver licence.
For more information on a ACT drivers licence and how to apply visit: international drivers.
Buying a Car in Australia
Buying a car in Australia can be a confusing task, as rules and costs vary from state to state. When buying a vehicle you need to factor in all the ‘hidden’ costs & taxes that the various state governments throw in.
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 about roadworthy certificates (the equivalent of an MOT, for those from the UK).
- Fuel prices, although significantly cheaper than 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
Car Shipping (Automobiles)
Is it worth taking your car with you to Australia?
There is very specific documentation required to ship your car to Australia. Without it your car will not be allowed entry and would be stuck at the port. There are also length of ownership and tax payable issues.
Find out if it is worth shipping your car
You will need to do two things:
Further Information
If there is anything else you would like to know about driving or buying a car in Australia, please ask me a question using the below comment system and I will do my best to find the information you need.
John clegg
July 6, 2020 at 3:30 amCan I purchase a car in Queensland over the Internet , before I arrive from New Zealand?
JJ Smith
October 14, 2020 at 11:08 pmHi John,
Thank you for your comment and sorry for the delay in replying.
I don’t see why not, if that’s what you want to do. Personally I wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it, but there’s no law against it. Australia does have Uber and great public transport if you did wait until you get there. Or if you know someone who lives close to where you are moving, get them to help.
As you would have read make sure you know the final price including taxes before you finalize an agreement and get a per-purchase inspection, so they can’t deliver you a car that differs from the one your brought.
Here are some useful links for you:
– https://www.carsales.com.au/
– https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-cars-vans-utes/c18320
– https://www.autoguru.com.au/inspections/pre-purchase-inspection
Of course, there is no point in buying a car until the borders are open.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move, when you can move.
Julie
May 25, 2020 at 2:15 amHi
We would like to look for employment in Australia but lots say need Australia license,
and jobs within Rail industry say need different certificates however in NZ don’t need these.
Would love assistance.
Thanks
Julie
JJ Smith
May 25, 2020 at 2:16 amHi Julie,
Thanks for your comment.
I haven’t looked into employment in the rail industry before and it does look like there is training involved. I can’t give you any recommendations without more information about the job you want and experience you have.
I do recommend you look further into the certificates required because they may only be short online courses like the building industry requires e.g. ‘white card’ introductory safety training course (30 min max online).
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move, when you can move.
Julie
May 27, 2020 at 10:09 pmHi
Husband has been a track maintainer worker since 13 July 2018 for Kiwirail which is the governments owned rail company in NZ, and doesn’t have qualification, I’m not sure how we go about getting certain cards for Australia.
What are blue and white cards for working in this industry.
Thanks
Julie
JJ Smith
June 3, 2020 at 10:10 pmHi Julie,
Sorry for the delay in replying.
A White Card is evidence that you have completed a General Construction Induction course. It was previously known as the Blue Card. This course is mandatory for anyone who works, or wants to work, in the rail/construction industry.
Please find below links to more info:
– How to get a job in the Rail Industry – https://otrsolutions.com.au/join-rail-industry/.
– Rail industry workers card information – https://trainingahead.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/M-RIWC-Brochure-Individuals.pdf.
Hope the above helps.
Gurpreet Singh
October 24, 2019 at 2:31 amHi
I held a New Zealand full class 5 licence and I’m moving to Australia next month.do I need to resit in the theory and practical test? Or can I convert be simply converted?
Thanks
JJ Smith
October 28, 2019 at 10:45 pmHi Gurpreet,
Thank you for your comment.
From what I can find if you have a class 5 licence you can convert it to the Australian equivalent with only a 10 Question theory test, as there are few road rules in Australia we do not have here in NZ.
How to do this depends on what state you are moving to. Here you can find the organisations responsible for driver licensing functions in Australia: https://austroads.com.au/drivers-and-vehicles/registration-and-licensing/australian-driver-licensing.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
Roimata Hansen
July 8, 2019 at 11:50 pmHi JJ,
Can a NZ Full license be used for a year in Australia, Adelaide before converting over to Australian one
A Private car License is what I hold with a very good Driving History.
JJ Smith
July 22, 2019 at 1:28 amHi Roimata,
Thank you for your comment. Sorry for the delay in replying.
You can use your use your NZ Drivers licence for the first three months in Australia. After that you must get your South Australian driver’s licence.
How to transfer your NZ licence to an Australian licence
Take these documents to any Service SA customer service centre:
– completed application form – MR205 (153.8 KB PDF)
– your current driver’s licence
– evidence of identity – proof of your identity, signature, age and address
– medical certificate, if required
– concession card, if entitled.
Good luck with your move.
Keven
June 25, 2019 at 2:43 amI know you have probably been asked so many times but for classes 1-6 all full with an F endorsement. How do I switch to Oz licenses and can I drive commercial on mine
JJ Smith
June 25, 2019 at 2:44 amHi Keven,
Thanks for your email.
It’s actually not an easy question to find the answers to and I’m guessing you are referring to a Heavy vehicle driver licence (https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/transfer):
If you are applying for a Queensland heavy vehicle driver licence (class LR, MR, HR, HC or MC, and you hold, or have held within the last 5 years an equivalent heavy vehicle licence issued in New Zealand, you will need to pass the written road rules test for heavy vehicles.
You will not have to take the practical driving test.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
Jaya
April 20, 2019 at 5:26 amHi there, I have NZ driver licence and thinking of moving to Oz. Do I need to re-sit the practical test etc or can it be simply converted? Thanks
JJ Smith
April 29, 2019 at 11:52 pmHi Jaya,
Thank you for your comment.
Which state are you moving to? Each state has there own set of rules.
In most cases you just convert your NZ drivers licence to an Australian licence. However, you may need to sit the test under some circumstances.
Good luck with your move.
Whit
October 16, 2018 at 9:43 amHello,
I realise this post was written a few years ago but I’ve just recently moved to Australia and have a question about buying a car. How do kiwis go about getting finance for a car? Is it a difficult process or relatively easy if you can prove proof of employment etc? Would really be appreciated if you have any suggestions.
Thanks!
JJ Smith
October 16, 2018 at 8:29 pmGood morning Whit,
Thank you for your comment.
I will forward your enquiry through to my contact at Commonwealth and let you know what they say.
However, I’d imagine it would work pretty similar to NZ. If you can service the loan, you should be able to get one.
Thanks,
Johanna
JJ Smith
October 16, 2018 at 11:48 pmHi Whit,
Of course there are person circumstances that vary and are taken into account, but as I said, like in NZ if you can service the loan you are able to get one!
If you are on an SCV or a permanent resident and are working in Australia you can apply for a loan.
Your bank will access your income as per usual and find out if you can borrow for the car loan.
Please note, one of the thing I’ve always loved about Commonwealth is the extremely high level of customer service they have. They have been able to help me quickly and easily. Apply for your Commonwealth account now: https://www.commbank.com.au/personal/can/moving-to-australia/setting-up-your-banking.html?agentid=MAP127&ocid=mfs-MAP127.
Have a lovely day.
Thanks,
JJ Smith
Dillen Hans
August 1, 2015 at 3:04 amHello wondered if you can help…can I ship my car from South Africa over to here in Australia. Please help… thanks a lot.
JJ Smith
August 3, 2015 at 7:44 amHi Dillen,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Please email Nikita at Ausmove, she can help arrange shipping your vehicle to Australia from South Africa (move@ausmove.co.nz).
Good luck with your move.