The rules and regulations for driving on Australian roads.
Overseas drivers are permitted to drive on their international licence.
From 1 March 2025, all drivers in NSW on a temporary visa who arrived before 1/7/2023, using an overseas licence and staying here for more than six months must have converted to a NSW drivers licence.
The NSW Government has announced a new policy to improve the safety of visitors driving on NSW roads.
This change aligns with rules for temporary visa holders who take up residence in NSW on or after 1 July 2023 to convert their overseas licence to a NSW licence if they have resided in the state for six months and wish to continue to drive.Scroll down for more information about the various licence types and related regulations.Anyone caught driving after the 6 months is deemed to be unlicensed and that a fine of $603 will apply for a first offence and a fine of $924 will apply for a second or subsequent offence. A maximum penalty of $2200 (20 penalty units) may be imposed by a court.
Driving in NSW on an overseas licence
If you hold an overseas drivers licence, you are allowed to drive the vehicles covered by your overseas licence in NSW indefinitely, as long as:
- You remain a temporary overseas visitor for no more than 6 months
- Your overseas drivers licence remains current
- You have not been disqualified from driving in NSW or anywhere else
- You have not had your licence suspended or cancelled, or your visiting driving privileges withdrawn
- You must carry your overseas driver or rider licence. If your licence is not written in English, you must also carry an English translation, or an International Driving Permit.
Note: You don’t have to get a NSW licence if you comply with these conditions, and can prove your genuine visitor status to NSW Police, if required. You can choose to apply for a NSW licence if you wish (see below).
The NSW Road Users Handbook
It is recommended you read the Road Users handbook to familiarise yourself with the the current road rules in NSW:
- Download the Road Users Handbook in English (PDF) »
- Download the Road Users handbook in other languages »
Please note: this information has been sourced from the Roads and Maritime Services website and is believed to be up to date. We suggest you contact us direct or visit the RMS website for information specific to your situation.
Applying for a NSW Drivers Licence as a temporary overseas visitor
If you’re a temporary overseas visitor (i.e. not an Australian citizen and not a permanent resident of Australia) then you can choose to apply for a NSW licence.
In this instance, your licence will show the letter Q in the conditions area on the front of the card. The accompanying text ‘Evidence of permanent residency status not provided’ will be printed on the back of the card.
This does not apply if you’ve previously been issued a NSW licence, you’re transferring a licence from another Australian state or territory, to a NSW equivalent or you’re a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand licence holder. In this case you’re exempt from the Q condition, however you must obtain a NSW licence within three months of living in NSW, regardless of whether you’re a temporary or permanent resident, or stop driving. See Moving to NSW for more information.
More information about applying for a NSW licence as a temporary overseas visitor »
Please note: this information has been sourced from the Roads and Maritime Services website and is believed to be up to date. We suggest you contact us direct or visit the RMS website for information specific to your situation.
Becoming an Australian citizen or permanent resident
If you’re a permanent resident of Australia under the Commonwealth Migration Act 1958, you can drive on a current overseas licence for a maximum of three months from the date you arrive in Australia. To keep driving, you need to obtain (not just apply for) a NSW licence within this three month period.
If you become an Australian citizen or permanent resident while you hold a temporary overseas visitor licence, you can have the Q condition removed (see above). You will need to attend a motor registry or service centre in person and provide proof of your permanent residency status. If your licence has not expired, you can apply for a replacement licence and will be required to pay a replacement fee. The replacement licence will have the same expiry date as the licence with the Q condition.
Alternatively, you may choose to wait until your licence expires, and then renew it without the Q condition. If you provide proof of your permanent residency status, you can renew for one, three or five years. You may be eligible for a ten year licence if you are aged 21 to 44 years.
Visit the Roads and Maritime website for more information »
New Zealand drivers licence holders
If you hold a New Zealand licence, you must get a NSW licence within three months of living in NSW, regardless of whether you are a temporary or permanent resident, or you must stop driving.
Visit the Roads and Maritime website for more information »
Please note: this information has been sourced from the Roads and Maritime Services website and is believed to be up to date. We suggest you contact us direct or visit the RMS website for information specific to your situation.
Australian Driving Lessons for Overseas Drivers
Northern Beaches, Upper North Shore, Lower North Shore Sydney.
Licence 2 Drive is a Northern Beaches driving school that teaches people to drive throughout the Northern Beaches, Upper North Shore and Lower North Shore.
We offer single driving lessons and learn to drive packages aimed at accommodating all budgets and student requirements. Buy driving lessons »
Our driving test preparation includes a two-hour driving lesson, where we give you all the tips and advice required by the RMS requirements to pass your driving test at local Services NSW Centres (RTA) at Warriewood, Chatswood and Brookvale.