Are you planning to visit New South Wales (NSW) and wondering if you can use your overseas licence NSW? In this article, we will explore the regulations and requirements for driving with an overseas licence NSW.
Are you a temporary visitor or a permanent resident who wants to know more about an overseas licence? If that is the case, we can provide information for everything you need to know about driving with an overseas licence NSW.
Rules on Overseas Licence NSW
For Temporary Visitors:
If you are a tourist or a temporary visitor in NSW, here are some key points to keep in mind:
1. If you are a temporary overseas visitor, such as a tourist, someone on a working visa, or visiting friends or relatives, you can drive in NSW on your current overseas driver’s licence for a maximum of six months.
2. Your overseas licence must be valid and current, and if it is not in English, you must carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit.
3. You must not have received a suspension or disqualification to drive in NSW or elsewhere.
4. You must always carry your overseas licence with you. It must be in an English translation or International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English. The driving association or embassy of recognised countries grants this.
5. After the six-month period, you will need to apply for a NSW licence to continue driving legally.
6. To apply for a NSW licence, you will need to complete the licence application form, pass an eyesight test, pass a driver knowledge test (unless exempt), pass a NSW driver licence test (unless exempt), and pay the applicable licence fee.
7. If you’re an interstate or New Zealand driver licence holder, you can use your licence for three months only. If you need to stay longer in NSW, you must apply for a NSW licence to continue driving on NSW roads.
Temporary Overseas Visitor Licence
If you’re a temporary overseas visitor and plan to stay in NSW for more than six months, you must obtain a temporary NSW driver’s licence within that time frame in order to keep driving.
A temporary visitor’s licence is equivalent to a NSW driver’s or rider’s licence, however the conditions of the licence will start with the letter Q. The back part of the licence will also say, “Evidence of permanent residency status not provided.”
How to Apply?
- Firstly, fill up the licence Application Form.
- Secondly, submit the following documents:
- your overseas licence or an authorisation letter (issued in your country)
- proof of identity
- passed eyesight test (unless exempted)
- passed knowledge test if applicable (unless exempted)
- passed driving and/or riding test (unless exempted)
- payment.
To know more about the application process and other relevant information, check this out. You do not need to get a NSW drivers licence if you follow these conditions:
- You have a current overseas licence or rider licence that is in English or you have an authorised English translation
- You remain a visitor
- You have not been suspended or disqualified from driving in NSW or anywhere else
- You have not had your licence suspended, cancelled or had your visitor driving privileges withdrawn
- You carry your passport with you while driving
For Permanent Residents:
There is a different policy for the use of an overseas licence if you’re a permanent resident of Australia:
- If you are a permanent resident of Australia, you can drive in NSW on an overseas licence for a maximum of three months.
- Within this three-month period, you must visit a service centre and transfer your overseas licence to a NSW driver’s licence.
- To transfer your overseas licence, you will need to provide proof of identity, your overseas licence, an English translation if it is in a foreign language, proof of Australian permanent residency, and payment
- Yyou may need to pass a driver knowledge or driving test. However, the validity of your overseas licence for this purpose depends on the country that issued it.
- For drivers aged 75 years or older, additional requirements may apply.
Transferring an Overseas Licence NSW
You are permitted to drive in NSW for three months with an overseas licence. This is if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or if you have a New Zealand driver’s licence. But the law requires you to transfer your overseas licence after three months.
To do so, you must visit a Service NSW Center during this three-month window, nevertheless, to convert your foreign licence to a NSW driver licence. You must prepare and submit the following to Service NSW:
- Licence application form
- Proof of identity
- Your overseas licence
- Proof of Australian permanent residency
- Payment
2023 Updates on the Rules for Overseas Licence NSW
Two changes to the Road Transport (Drivers Licensing) Regulation 2017 were introduced which took effect on 1 July 2023:
- The 6-month residency rule. The first modification is a 6-month residency requirement. This requirement states that temporary visa holders who plan to stay in NSW continuously for 6 months or longer must convert to an NSW licence within 6 months if they want to keep driving. Under the change, defined licence holders will have their visiting driving privileges permanently withdrawn after six months.
- Driving privileges withdrawal. The second adjustment is the withdrawal of driving privileges. This is a new policy that will begin for all NSW residents who are currently using an international driver licence.
With this modification, Transport for NSW will indefinitely revoke overseas licence holders visiting driver privileges if they:
- accumulate 13 demerit points
- are found guilty of a serious driving offence (as defined by section 224 of the Road Transport Act 2013),
- are suspended or banned from operating a motor vehicle in Australia or abroad
- are found guilty of a driving-related drug or alcohol offence.
Government Crackdown on Foreign Drivers
Recently, the NSW government has enacted stricter regulations for foreign drivers who disobey NSW traffic laws while operating with foreign or overseas licences. This operation intends to make sure that all motorists, no matter where they are from, follow the law and contribute to maintaining safety on roads in NSW.
Therefore, if you are driving in NSW with an international licence, become informed about the local traffic laws and drive safely.
Seeking the Advice of a Traffic Offence Lawyer About Your NSW Driver Licence
Driving with an overseas licence in NSW is allowed for a limited period, depending on your residency status. Temporary visitors can drive for three months, while permanent residents have the same timeframe before needing to transfer their licence.
To ensure a safe and legal driving experience, you should comply with the regulations and requirements set by the NSW government. If you have committed a traffic offence, you should seek the advice of a traffic offence lawyer to assist you with your case.
JB Solicitors can give local and overseas drivers quality legal services. Contact us today for more information.
