Do I Need An International Driver’s License in Australia?

Lily Kerley

February 5th, 2024

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4 minute read

Am I required to carry an international driving license in Australia?

You do not need an international driver's license in most Australian states to drive. However, you must carry your valid overseas license with either an official translation if your license isn’t in English OR an international driving permit. It’s pretty easy to get an official translation, so this is usually the simplest option and provides you with all of the documentation necessary to drive down under!

Please note that using your license from home (with a translation if necessary) is only a valid means if you are on a temporary visa (such as a working holiday or tourist visa). Generally, after 3 months in Australia, you are required to apply for an Australian driver's permit.

Roads in Australia are policed by the relevant state government, so requirements may change according to where you drive. Always check with the relevant state government Department of Roads & Transport website (found at the bottom of this guide), but as a rule of thumb, you will be fine to drive with a valid license (and translation if necessary) OR an international driver's permit.

What is an official license translation?

An official English translation is any translation done by a NAATI (National Accreditation Authority For Translators and Interpreters) or AUSIT (Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators) accredited body. These can be found online or in person while you're in Australia.

How to get an international driving permit in Australia

Some states require you to have an international driving permit in certain circumstances. For example, if your license isn’t in English and you plan on driving in the Northern Territory, you are required to hold an international driving permit. 

You can apply for an international driving permit, which is an official translation accepted in over 150 countries, at home or in Australia. If you’re applying in Australia, apply through your relevant state Roads & Transit Department or through the Australian Automobile Association.

It’s important to note that you must carry your international driving permit WITH your valid overseas license at all times in Australia.

Do I need to carry my license with me in Australia?

To drive in Australia as a visitor, you must always carry a hard copy of your license. Electronic licenses are not accepted.

Can I drive in Australia if I don’t have a license?

If you don’t have a valid, unsuspended license in your home country, you cannot drive in Australia. Only licensed drivers are permitted to operate a vehicle in Australia.

For example, if you once had your driver’s license, but your home country permit has expired, you would need to receive a renewed license before driving in Australia. 

Similarly, you are only permitted to operate vehicles for which you are licensed back home. For instance, if you are not licensed to drive motorcycles in Germany, you are not allowed to drive motorcycles in Australia either.

How old do you have to be to drive in Australia?

To receive an international driving permit, you must be 18 years of age. 

Australian drivers can get their learner permit at 16 years old, and may apply for their P1 provisional license after a year of holding their learner permit and completing 100 hours with a licensed driver over 25 in the car. The kids in Australia call these provisional permits their “red P’s” (P1 provisional) and “green P’s” (P2 provisional) which you will see displayed on the front and back of their cars.

Can I drive in Australia if I am on a learner permit?

You must comply with all requirements of your at-home license even when you are in Australia. For example, if you require supervision from a licensed driver on your current permit back home, the same applies to driving in Australia. Similarly, if any curfews, 0 alcohol requirements or speed limits apply to you with your current home license, these must be adhered to in Australia.

Can I drive a campervan in Australia with my normal license?

Yes, a standard vehicle license covers any of the campervans that we offer to backpackers. Any Jucy, Spaceship and even bigger vans like Sprinters, are not classified as heavy vehicles and therefore do not require a special license.

When must I apply for an Australian license?

Generally across the states in Australia, if you are residing here for more than 3 months, you will be required to transfer your overseas license into a local Australian one with your relevant state road department. However, these rules do differ. For instance, in Victoria, you are permitted to use your overseas license for 6 months rather than three.

Where to find information for driving in Australian states

We recommend reading up on the requirements and laws of each state in Australia before you get behind the wheel! 

• Queensland
• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Tasmania
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Northern Territory

Are you ready to plug in the tunes, hit the road and discover the East Coast? Let us help you get sorted with the best experiences, accommodation and transport! 

Live chat with a local expert to plan your ultimate Aussie road trip today… it’s all blue skies, sandy beaches and sunshine down under!