If you have moved to NSW with a driver's licence from another country, you can usually drive on it for a limited time. After that, you need a NSW licence. The rules depend on your visa status, and they changed again in early 2026, so it is worth checking the details before you visit Service NSW.
This guide summarises the official NSW Government information at the time of writing (October 2026).
Who needs to convert, and by when
Australian citizens and permanent residents
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can drive in NSW on a current overseas licence for up to three months from the date you arrive in Australia. After that, you need a NSW licence to keep driving. If your situation is different (for example, you were granted permanent residency while already living here), check the Service NSW transfer page or ask Service NSW how the rule applies to you.
Temporary visa holders
If you hold a temporary visa and arrived in NSW on or after 1 July 2023, you can drive on your overseas licence for up to six months. If you will live in NSW longer than that and want to keep driving, you need to apply for a NSW licence within that six months. Temporary visitors who arrived before 1 July 2023 had until 1 March 2025 to get a NSW licence.
A NSW licence issued to a temporary visitor shows a "Q" condition. Once you hold a NSW licence, you can no longer drive on your overseas licence in NSW.
Fines apply for driving on an overseas licence after your time is up, so do not leave it to the last week.
Do you need a translation?
While you are still driving on your overseas licence, NSW says that if the licence is not in English you must also carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit.
Converting to a NSW licence is different. Service NSW currently lists only these translation providers as accepted for an overseas licence:
- Multicultural NSW (you can request this at a Service NSW centre)
- the Department of Home Affairs
- the Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea, for licences issued in Korea
- the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, for licences issued in Taiwan
This means a translation from a private NAATI certified translator may not be accepted for the licence conversion itself, and an International Driving Permit is not on the list either. Bring the original translation, as Service NSW says photocopies are not accepted. At the time of writing, Multicultural NSW lists a driver licence translation at $80 for its 7 business day service or $105 for express.
Which tests apply
Whether you need a knowledge test and a driving test depends on where your licence was issued.
Recognised countries
If your car or rider licence comes from a recognised country or jurisdiction, you can usually get a NSW car (C) or rider (R) licence without the knowledge and driving tests. The licence must be current or have expired within the last five years. The recognised list includes, among others:
- the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, the Netherlands and other European countries on the list
- Canada and the United States (any state)
- Japan, Singapore and New Zealand
Some countries on the list have conditions, such as a minimum licence issue date. Check the full knowledge and driving test exemptions page for your country.
Other countries
Previously, experienced drivers aged 25 or over from a second group of countries (sometimes called "List B") could skip the tests. From 1 February 2026, that arrangement ended. Drivers from those countries, whatever their age, now need to pass both the knowledge test and the driving test before getting a NSW licence.
The exemptions do not cover heavy vehicle licences. You may also need an eyesight test, and drivers aged 75 and over have extra medical requirements.
What to bring to Service NSW
Based on the Service NSW pages, you will generally need:
- a completed Licence Application form
- proof of identity
- your original overseas licence (or an authorisation letter from the issuing authority if you do not have it)
- an accepted English translation, if your licence is not in English
- a licence validation letter, if one applies to you
- proof of Australian permanent residency, if you are a permanent resident
- glasses or contact lenses if you wear them for driving
- payment for the licence and any tests
Licence and test fees change each financial year, so check the current driver and rider licence fees before you go.
Tips to avoid a second trip
- Order your licence translation early, as standard turnaround can take over a week.
- Book your knowledge or driving test as soon as you know you need one.
- Make sure the name on your licence, passport and visa match, or bring evidence of any name change.
Where Espoken fits in
Espoken can provide NAATI certified translations of driver's licences for other uses where a NAATI translation is accepted. For the NSW licence conversion itself, use one of the providers Service NSW lists above. If you are unsure which translation you need, check with Service NSW first.
General information only, current at the time of writing. Always check the official source for your situation.