How to transfer Overseas International Driving license in to Australian License

Are you migrated or planned to migrate to Australia? Then one of the most critical requirement would be to get an Australian license. Normally in Australia wherever you go, whatever you want to do, first they ask for Australian driving license. It is act as a proof of identity for migrants instead of birth certificate / national identity card.

If you want to apply for any job, Rent a house, apply for Medicare / insurance etc… it will be the number one proof and without license you won’t be able to survive in the country.

As migrants we have a concern that how we transfer our overseas license and what is the correct way to proceed.

The purpose is this article is to share my personal experience introducing step by step procedure to prevent future hassle of finding descriptive information.

Step 1

Check if your current overseas driver’s license is from a recognized country.

Recognized countries are countries that are assessed as meeting the minimum requirements of the National Australian Standard. If you hold a driver’s license from a recognized country,

• You are exempt from taking the computerized theory test on the road rule
• You may be exempt from the requirement to undertake a Practical Driving Assessment.

Recognized countries

Experienced driver recognized country

If your driver license was issued by an experienced driver recognized country and you are 25 years of age or older,

• You will be exempt from the theory and practical assessments (car and motorcycle only), provided your overseas driver license has not expired by more than 12 months. 

If you hold a driver's license from an experienced driver recognized country and you are under 25 years of age, 

• You will be required to undertake and pass the theory and practical driving tests.

Driver from a non-recognized driver country

Non-recognized countries are countries that are assessed as not meeting the minimum requirements of the National Australian Standard.

Applicants from these countries must undertake and pass both the Practical Driving Assessment and the theory tests.

Non-recognized license holders

If you have held a permanent visa for 3 months or more whilst residing in Australia, or your overseas driver's license has expired or been disqualified, you cannot drive on your overseas license.

Step 2 

 Find out what tests you will need to undertake

Road rules theory tests

This computerized test consists of 30 multiple choice questions on the road rules and safe driving practice and is conducted at the Driver and Vehicle Services Center or regional agent when you apply for your licence.

You will need to get 24 or more answers correct in order to pass. You should prepare for the test by studying below materials.

Drive Safe handbook
online road rules theory test quiz
http://aussie-driver.com/

Motorcycle theory tests

This test consists of 35 multiple-choice questions that relate to general road rules and motorcycles. You will need to get 28 or more answers correct in order to pass.

To help you prepare for the test we encourage you to read the relevant sections of the Ride Safe handbook and try the motorcycle-specific quizzes.

Heavy vehicle theory tests

All applicants who wish to apply for authorization to drive an Medium Rigid (MR class) vehicle or above will need to pass the heavy vehicle theory test.

The test consists of 10 questions of which you have to get 8 or more correct to pass.

To help you prepare for the test we have provided the theory questions below and encourage you to read the relevant sections of the Drive Safe handbook.

Practical Driving Assessments

• Get a learner's permit 
• To learn to drive 
• Pass the Practical Driving Assessment 
• Gain experience 
• Complete Hazard Perception Test 
• Get a provisional licence ('P' plates)

Step 3

Prepare proof of identity, verification of documents

Proof of identity

You must supply a number of documents as proof of your identity.

• Current Overseas driving license 
• A proof document of your name and current residential address. Ex: A letter from your Australian bank or bank statement. 
• Passport 
• A document which shows your name and signature. Ex: Debit or credit card / medicare card

Non-English driver's licences

If your licence is not in English you must bring an official translation of your original driver's licence document, along with your overseas driver's licence. 

You must ensure that:

• A certified copy of your overseas driver's licence is attached to the translation. 
• The translation is certified as being a true and correct translation of your original driver's licence document.

Step 4

Transfer application fees

Depending on the test you are facing, fixed amount will be taken as test fees and it can be changed time to time.

To sit for road rule theory test: $23.00

Step 5

Submit the application in person and Undertake required tests

Applications for a new driver's licence must be submitted in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services center or regional agent.

Please ensure you take the following documentation with you:

• Current overseas driver's licence.
• Proof of identity.
• Proof of your residential address.
• One document that shows your signature.
• Application fee.

Things to note:

• For road rule theory test you will be given 30 questions with no time limit. To pass the test you must have only 1 wrong answer for first 10 questions and from question 11 to 30, there can be only 2 wrong answers.
• If you are unable to pass the written test, you have to come up with 
• New license transferring application form 
• Test fees 
• All proof documents and face to the test again.
• Until you pass the exams (written + Practical) you will be able to use your overseas driving license.
• If you have passed the written exam you get chance to do practical exam. Once its done successfully You will get Australian License. 

Important: It is recommended to get practical advice from Australian driving agent before facing to practical exam.

For more information.
http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/transferring-your-overseas-licence.asp

Cheers 😊

Jennifer Lops