Obtaining an Australian driving licence will eventually become a necessity for everyone, and it was no different for us when we arrived in Australia. Although Australia consists of six independent states and two territories, the recognition of foreign driving licences has recently been unified. Since we live in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, our experience is mainly related to obtaining and converting a local driving license.

The basic requirement for obtaining or converting a driving licence (at least in New South Wales) is that you must have been living continuously in Australia for at least 6 months. An exception applies if you are coming to Australia on a permanent residency permit, in which case you have only 3 months from your arrival to obtain an Australian driver’s license.

In New South Wales (and likely in other states and territories as well), the following steps are required for the conversion of a driving licence: first, you need to have a valid driving license, as well as an international driving permit issued in your home country. After that, you need to visit the nearest RTA office with these documents, your passport, and a document proving your Australian address (such as a bank account contract or any utility bill in your name that includes your Australian address). You will receive your Australian driving licence on the spot. 

If you are on a temporary visa (such as a student visa), you must renew your driving licence annually, and the fee is 70 AUD. However, if you arrive in New South Wales with permanent residency, you can obtain a driving licence for 3 or even 5 years, with fees of 124 AUD and 166 AUD, respectively.

It is important to note that Australian authorities unconditionally recognize a foreign driving licence if the holder is over 25 years old and has held the licence for at least 5 years.