Driving a motor vehicle in NSW

Are you planning on driving a car while you're attending Charles Sturt University? If you are an international visitor, and you have a valid international driver's licence, you are permitted to drive a car in New South Wales (subject to conditions).

Note that it is illegal to drive without being properly licensed. Before attempting to drive on any road in Australia make sure that you have a proper license and you know the road rules.

The below summary of information should be read in conjunction with the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) website. In particular, see the RTA's Guide for International Drivers

Are you a temporary overseas visitor?

The RTA defines a temporary overseas visitor as a person who is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident. These include:

• tourists
• business people
• people visiting friends or relatives
• People studying or working temporarily (e.g. working visa holders) in NSW

Does a temporary overseas visitor require a NSW licence?

If you are a temporary overseas visiting driver, and you hold a current overseas driver licence you do not have to get a NSW driver licence. You can drive on your current overseas licence as long as:

• You remain a visitor.
• Your overseas licence remains current.
• You have not been disqualified from driving in NSW or elsewhere.
• You have not had your licence suspended or cancelled or your visiting driver privileges withdrawn.
• Your licence must be written in English or, if the licence is not in English, you must either carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit.

As a temporary overseas visiting driver, you must carry your licence with you when driving and be able to prove genuine visitor status to NSW Police, if required.

Visas, letters from employers or educational institutions, and statements from consulates or diplomatic offices may be used to establish visitor status.

Can I drive in NSW with an overseas learner's licence?

A temporary overseas driver who holds a current overseas learner licence can continue to drive in NSW. They must comply with all NSW road rules (e.g. display L plates, and be accompanied by an unrestricted licence holder) and any relevant restrictions endorsed on their overseas licence.

How do I apply for a NSW driver's licence?

International drivers visiting NSW must have been in Australia for a continuous period of six months before applying for a NSW driver licence.

To obtain a NSW driver's licence, holders of overseas driver's licences, including learner licences, must:

• have a NSW residential address
• prove their identity
• complete a written application form
• satisfy minimum age requirements
• pass an eyesight test
• pass a knowledge test for each class of licence required
• pass a driving test in a vehicle relevant to the licence class requested
• have their photograph taken pay the required fees.

Note: You may be exempt from the driving and knowledge tests if you hold a current licence issued from one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. or the United States). See the RTA Website for details.

What if I fail the driving test?

If you fail the driving test, all visiting driver privileges will be withdrawn. You must then get a NSW learner's licence that will allow you to drive or ride (drivers must be supervised by a licensed driver) and then go for another driving or riding test.

What type of driver's licence will be issued to me when I pass my driving test?

If you have held your overseas licence for less than one year, you will only be eligible for a NSW provisional licence. See the Road Users' Handbook for descriptions of the different licence types. The overseas licence must be surrendered before a NSW licence can be issued. The surrendered licence will be invalidated and returned. If you apply for a NSW licence, you must present your overseas licence.

If your overseas driver's or rider's licence (including a learner's licence), is not written in English, you must provide either:

• your overseas driver's or rider's licence and an official translation from either the Ethnic Affairs Commission of NSW or the Translating and Interpreting Service of the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs
• a letter from the licensing authority in the issuing country or the relevant consulate or diplomatic office (based on advice from the licence issuing authority) confirming your licence details and status.

What if I don't have an overseas driver licence?

If you are a temporary overseas visitor and you do not hold an overseas driver licence, you may apply for a NSW learner licence without being in Australia continuously for six months. Your learner licence will only be valid for 12 months. For more information on how to get a NSW learner licence see Getting a licence.

What if I get permanent residency status while in Australia?

People from another country who come into NSW and intend to or decide to take up residence must hold a NSW driver's licence of the appropriate class if they drive a vehicle. They are permitted to drive in NSW for a maximum period of three months after becoming residents using their current overseas licences or international driving permits issued overseas provided they are not disqualified or have their licences cancelled. They must actually obtain (rather than simply apply for) a NSW licence within this three month period if they wish to continue to drive.