Qualifying for a Driving License in Australia:
The information provided in the following article applies to any one who plans to stay in Australia for quite a long time and needs to drive around. The information provided is only related to Class C driving licenses. For other licenses such as taxi, bus, heavy vechile, etc, please check the respective RTA websites.
Can I use my country's driving license?
Ok! For the impatient one, I will answer the most frequently asked question stated in bold. Yes you can use your country's driving licence in Australia.
The information provided in the following article applies to any one who plans to stay in Australia for quite a long time and needs to drive around. The information provided is only related to Class C driving licenses. For other licenses such as taxi, bus, heavy vechile, etc, please check the respective RTA websites.
Can I use my country's driving license?
Ok! For the impatient one, I will answer the most frequently asked question stated in bold. Yes you can use your country's driving licence in Australia.
If you hold a current overseas Driver's Licence of a particular class you may drive a vehicle of an equivalent class in Australia if:
- you also hold a current international driving permit
- your foreign licence is written in English or is accompanied by an English translation of the details on the licence. Translation services are provided by different state government agencies e.g. www.translate.sa.gov.au. www.crc.nsw.gov.au/interpreting/index.htm
- you are not disqualified from driving in Australia.
You are required to carry your license (and English translation if applicable) at all times when driving. You must produce the license and your temporary visa to Police on request.
If you are an international student in Australia, you can use your country's driving license for as long as you have the status of an international student. But, as the following article explains, it is in one's own interests to acquire an Australian driving license.
Why Should I get an Australian Driving License?
If you are an international student in Australia, you can use your country's driving license for as long as you have the status of an international student. But, as the following article explains, it is in one's own interests to acquire an Australian driving license.
Why Should I get an Australian Driving License?
- It serves as your primary identification document. Every where you go, you will be asked for your driving license e.g. credit cards, police checks, etc.
- Most jobs involving driving require you to have a class C, also known as full driving license. Without a class C license, the insurance companies charge extra for covering you in case of an accident or emergency. Therefore, it is best to have a class C driving license.
- Many other benefits which I cannot think of now.
How to get a class C Australian license
If you are coming from overseas, make sure you bring your home country's driving license. Your home country's driving license must be at least 3 years old at the date of application for your Australian driving license. If your home country's driving license is less then 3 years, you will not be awarded a full unrestricted driving license. Rather, you would be given a provisional license. Provisional licenses have their own restrictions like not driving over a specific speed limit etc.
Once you have your home country's driving license, just walk up to any RTA close by, and present your self at the counter. Depending upon which country you are from, you might not have to give any tests to convert your country's driving license into a full Australian driving license. You can check that list on the RTA's website.
If you are coming from the sub-continent, you will need to pass two exams before you convert your home country's full driving license into a class C Australian driving license.
The first exam is a computer based test comprising of forty MCQs related to basic concepts of driving and have familiarity with the different traffic signs used in Australia. The complete pool of MCQs can be downloaded from the RTAs website. This test costs around $40 AUD.
The second test is a practical test in which an instructor accompanies you on a short drive and tries to assess your driving skills. It is advisable to get some pre-test coaching from a qualified driving instructor who can teach you how to pass the exam. Most candidates cannot clear the practical driving test because of their lack of knowledge regarding basic driving concepts. This test costs around $43 AUD. There is a long queue for tests so waiting periods can be very long. Make sure you book your test early.
If you have any questions, let me know, and I will try to answer them for you.
Junaid
Migration Agent Registration Number: 0964018
Once you have your home country's driving license, just walk up to any RTA close by, and present your self at the counter. Depending upon which country you are from, you might not have to give any tests to convert your country's driving license into a full Australian driving license. You can check that list on the RTA's website.
If you are coming from the sub-continent, you will need to pass two exams before you convert your home country's full driving license into a class C Australian driving license.
The first exam is a computer based test comprising of forty MCQs related to basic concepts of driving and have familiarity with the different traffic signs used in Australia. The complete pool of MCQs can be downloaded from the RTAs website. This test costs around $40 AUD.
The second test is a practical test in which an instructor accompanies you on a short drive and tries to assess your driving skills. It is advisable to get some pre-test coaching from a qualified driving instructor who can teach you how to pass the exam. Most candidates cannot clear the practical driving test because of their lack of knowledge regarding basic driving concepts. This test costs around $43 AUD. There is a long queue for tests so waiting periods can be very long. Make sure you book your test early.
If you have any questions, let me know, and I will try to answer them for you.
Junaid
Migration Agent Registration Number: 0964018
41 comments:
Hello Junaid,
Great work you're doin here. I had a few questions regarding the same. I am planning to attend a masters course pretty soon in OZ,
Now i was wondering what would be a better Optio? I do not have a driving licence but i can apply for one and get a learners licence, 6 months after which i will get my permanent one, but unfortunately i dont think i will be sticking around in the country for that long to get an actual permanent licence.
Even though i have been driving for about 4 yrs and pretty perfectly without a licence but am sure the aussies wont approve of my driving skills as i've got no proof. you know how things are here in the sub continent. sub cheezo ka bandovast hota hai. ise humare yaha urdu mein jugaarh kehte hain, lol
anyways and the other option is that i dont bother applying for a learners now, and directly land in Oz and apply for a licence there.
Which do you think is a better idea for me?
p.s - if the learners licence is an harfan maula licence , meaning for all vehicals ( which am not too sure it will be ) but if it is then will serve any extra purpose?
*****I do not have a driving licence but i can apply for one and get a learners licence, 6 months after which i will get my permanent one, but unfortunately i dont think i will be sticking around in the country for that long to get an actual permanent licence.*******
You still need a full, three years, unrestricted license from your country to be able to attain a full class C unrestricted driving license for motor cars in Australia.
*****Even though i have been driving for about 4 yrs and pretty perfectly without a licence but am sure the aussies wont approve of my driving skills as i've got no proof.********
Thats right. You need to provide a valid proof of your driving skills
*****anyways and the other option is that i dont bother applying for a learners now, and directly land in Oz and apply for a licence there.*****
Then you will only get a learners license which requires that you are accompanied by a person who has a full class C unrestricted motor car driving license in Australia.
*****Which do you think is a better idea for me?******
What ever suits you most. Having a unrestricted driving license or having a learners license and having the restriction that you be accompanied by a Class C driving license holder at all times.
*******p.s - if the learners licence is an harfan maula licence , meaning for all vehicals ( which am not too sure it will be ) but if it is then will serve any extra purpose?*******
Then you will get a leaner harfan maula license over here too. Provided the Australian gov recognises such a thing.
Kind Regards
Junaid
Hi Junaid,
Firstly, a note of gratitude to you for all the advice that you have put up on your blog; it’s practical, to the point and helps sort out a lot of things. I can imagine the hardship you must have gone through, and to be gracious and unselfish enough to be making things easy for others after having gone through all that…hats off to you, dude.
I am taking the same pathway as you did. I am taking up a course at Griffith (Masters in Information Technology) and am then hoping to get my PR subsequently. This course however is only one year long, but if I take the advanced course, with honours, it becomes another half a year. However the course, with honours, is worth 120CP. I know about the 2-year rule that has been introduced now (which you have put up on the blog as well), but does it mean exactly 24 months of study or is there an equivalent in CPs?
I have tons of questions, but I won’t burden you with all of them at once. Hoping you will be able to give me some advice on this first. By the way, is it possible for you to write in to me at v.maity@gmail.com, or is there an e-mail address where I can get in touch with you?
Waiting to hear from you,
Vikram
@Vik
****************
but does it mean exactly 24 months of study or is there an equivalent in CPs?
******************
The duration of the course is mentioned on the letter of offer or ECoE.
Credit points only come into play to determine full time or part time load.
For example you might be only studying one subject in a semester but that subject is worth 24 credit points. So technically you are studying full time.
The duration of the course is mentioned on the ECoE and you must study at least 92 weeks. But when you study additional subjects it will come up to 102 weeks.
Hope this helps.
Kind Regards
Junaid
Hey Junaid,
Thanks for such a prompt reply. So, what you are saying is that - to qualify for PR, I need at least 92 weeks of study, in a post-grad course?
Waiting to hear from you.
Vikram
@Vikram
**********************
Hey Junaid,
Thanks for such a prompt reply. So, what you are saying is that - to qualify for PR, I need at least 92 weeks of study, in a post-grad course?
Waiting to hear from you.
Vikram
**********************
Yes the duration of your course as mentioned on the CRICOS website,
http://cricos.dest.gov.au/
must be at least 92 weeks OR more for you in order to be eligible for applying for PR.
Kind Regards
Junaid
Junaid grate job u are the best I cl;arard all my doubts. Thanks a lot
I have Learning...What Should I do now ? Should I get the Fake Backdated Dri License ?? Please Help Junaid Bhai...
Jeff
@Jaffar
I would advise you not to do anything illegal.
Kind Regards
Junaid
Hello Junaid!
Good Day,I would like to ask a question from you regarding driving bikes(honda CBR for example) and my status here in sydney is dependent to my wife being an international student studying masters degree. My concern is I want to drive a bike, am I allowed to drive a bike using my driver's license from my country philippines? My license is a Full license and its all written in English. Will be waiting for your response.
Kind regards,
Ken
@Ken
My opinion is that as long as you are on a temporary visa ( e.g. student visa or visit visa) you can drive based on what your home countries license allows you to do.
However, it would be best to confirm with RTA of your state.
Kind Regards
Junaid
@Junaid
Thank you for the earliest response. Yes it would be best that I should confirm this to RTA.
Regards,
Ken
Hi,
I have one question. If I have no overseas driving licence from my home country, if it is possible to get driving licence here in Vic, Australia?
I will come here as an international student. If it is possible to get a learners licence here first & then convert it to probational driving licence?
Please give me information. I don't have enough time in my country to get the driving licence.
@Abdullah
Hi,
I have one question. If I have no overseas driving licence from my home country, if it is possible to get driving licence here in Vic, Australia?
Yes it is possible. You will have to first get a learner license, then wait for 6 months and then get a provisional license 1 and then after another yr you will get provisional license 2 and then in third year, you will get the full license.
So, in your case, to get a full license it will take you around 3 to 4 yrs.
I will come here as an international student. If it is possible to get a learners licence here first & then convert it to probational driving licence?
Yes. see my answer above.
Please give me information. I don't have enough time in my country to get the driving licence.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Kind Regards
Junaid
[i]If you hold a current overseas Driver's Licence of a particular class you may drive a vehicle of an equivalent class in Australia if:
you also hold a current international driving permit[i]
but as far as i know, there is no need of an international driving license, if I hold my home country's driving license..correct me if m wrong.
2ndly what is the actual purpose n benefit of an international driving license besides local driving license, as it's too costly here in Pakistan to get an international driving license..
Hi,
Thanks Junaid. One quick question, if it is possible to drive with probational 1 license?
Hi,
Thanks Junaid. One quick question if it is possible to drive with probational 1 license?
@Abdullah
but as far as i know, there is no need of an international driving license, if I hold my home country's driving license..correct me if m wrong.
Correct. You can use your home country's driving license. Provided it is a full license. Not a learner or a provisional.
2ndly what is the actual purpose n benefit of an international driving license besides local driving license, as it's too costly here in Pakistan to get an international driving license..
From Australian point of view, there is no need for an international driver license as a VALID pakistani license works in Australia.
But it is better to get an Australian drivers license.
@Abdullah
Thanks Junaid. One quick question if it is possible to drive with probational 1 license?
Yes it is possible to drive on provisional license but it has speed restrictions and for most driver delivery jobs you need a full license.
Hi Junaid,
My friend has an unrestricted Indonesian license, he is under 25, is an international student and is on a study temporary visa.
Q1. Is he allowed to drive in Australia without an English translation of the license?
Q2. Will he be able to apply for a class C license being under the age of 25?
Regards,
Tom
@Tom
Q1. Is he allowed to drive in Australia without an English translation of the license?
He can drive but he would need to translate his Indonesian license into English and carry both the license and the translation plus his passport ( photocopy would be ok)
Q2. Will he be able to apply for a class C license being under the age of 25?
Yes, he can directly apply for a class c license provided he passes the tests
Hello Junaid,
Thanks for your information provide in here.You are a great Man.I'm from Sri Lanka.I'm looking forward to enter Griffith university QIBT in this October.I want to know something.One is, here I have my Sri lankan driving license only valid for motorbikes but it's in English.Now I have no time to obtain a new driving license valid for light vehicles here in Sri Lanka.It takes 3 months to proceed.So please tell me how to obtain it in Australia.And my other problem is how should I find a part time Job in Australia after my arrival.One more question,When could I able to obtain my PR?My course duration is 3years and 8 months (including certificate iv,Diploma & IT degree).Also my Uncle is a PR in VIC.I would be much oblige if your please consider about my matter and give me a quick reply.
Thank You!
@Gevindu
Hello Junaid,
I want to know something.One is, here I have my Sri lankan driving license only valid for motorbikes but it's in English.Now I have no time to obtain a new driving license valid for light vehicles here in Sri Lanka.It takes 3 months to proceed.So please tell me how to obtain it in Australia
Unfortunately, for a vehicle you will have to first get a Learners license and then get a Provisional license and then a full license. This whole process will take you around 3 yrs.
You can get a full license for a motor bike though.
And my other problem is how should I find a part time Job in Australia after my arrival.
Please read the following link
http://study-n-australia.blogspot.com.au/2007/10/living-expense-working-part-time-in.html
One more question,When could I able to obtain my PR?My course duration is 3years and 8 months (including certificate iv,Diploma & IT degree).
After completing your degree, you will get a 2 or 4 yr work visa. During these 2 or 4 yrs, you will need to gain work experience in your own field and based on that you will be able to apply for PR.
You cannot apply for PR straight after your studies.
Read the following to gain an understanding
http://study-n-australia.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/expression-of-interest-eoi.html
Also my Uncle is a PR in VIC.I would be much oblige if your please consider about my matter and give me a quick reply.
Thank You!
If your uncle lives in regional Victoria then he can sponsor you. Check our this visa.
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/475/
Hello, I have a question.
I am an international student and turning 18 next year. Currently I don't have a driver's licence in Australia and my country. I can get my L's right now. Next year, I can get my full licence in my country. I know I have to hold L's for 12 months and I wonder what happens if I get my full licence while I am holding my L's. Do I still have to wait 12 months to get my P's or can I get my P's after passing the practical test?
I tried to find the answer but could not find any information.
Thank you for taking time to read my comment :)
@anonymous
Hello, I have a question.
I am an international student and turning 18 next year. Currently I don't have a driver's licence in Australia and my country. I can get my L's right now. Next year, I can get my full licence in my country. I know I have to hold L's for 12 months and I wonder what happens if I get my full licence while I am holding my L's. Do I still have to wait 12 months to get my P's or can I get my P's after passing the practical test?
I tried to find the answer but could not find any information.
Thank you for taking time to read my comment :) ,
Once you go onto a L plates in Australia AND at the time of your application for L you did not provide proof of evidence that you hold a full driving license in your home country, then you cannot get a full license in Australia without first getting Ps.
So, either first get a full license in your home country, wait for three yrs, and then apply in Australia
OR
Better get a Learner and then get P and then get C.
Kind Regards
Junaid
Hi junaid..
I m a international student in nsw. I ve my driving licence from my country. As I did not ve time to make international licence, I just made english translation from the department of transportation from my own country. .
I just wanna ask you if its possible to drive carryin the licence n translation or do I ve to translate my licence here in Australia from other governmental offices?
Thanx Mz
@Meeraaz
It is best to get your drivers license translated by NAATI and carry that translation plus the original.
http://www.naati.com.au/
Kind Regards
Junaid
Hi Junaid!
I have no license from my home country and would like to get my license in WA, Australia. Is it possible to apply for the tests and such under a student visa?
Also, how long would it take to complete everything and get a full license? Thanks!
@^^
If you do not have a driver's license from your home country then I am afraid you will have to start from a Learner license but check the rules of the WA state. You can check that on their motoring authority website.
Kind Regards
Junaid
Hi Junaid,
My name is Ali and I am from Rawalpindi(Pakistan).I had moved to sydney last year june.(June 2014).I have a valid Rawalpindi local liecense and international as well.Now i would like to get the Nsw driving liecense.So could you please guide me what documents should I oresent in front of RTA officer to show them my Pakistani liecense is legal.I mean to say what documents RTA wants for their satisfaction?
@Ali
Check the following link.
It gives you details of what you need to do to get a FULL CLASS C driver's license in NSW.
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/moving-to-nsw.html#Internationaldriversandriders
AOA i have Islamabad International driving license(LTV). I can use it in Australia for my car or delivery jobs purpose?
@Adeel
Yes you can drive cars using your international license.
You cannot drive trucks, bikes, or any other non-standard vehicles on your international license.
It will be good to get a local class C driving license as well
Kind Regards
Junaid
Hi junaid,
Brother i have a driving licence and that to 4-5 years old of my country and even i have the international driving licence.so will i be able to drive the car and cabs in NSW or not.....
and one more thing bro i'm going to be in australia inshallah by the month of july i have appelied for the masters that is for 2 years but i have only 12 subjets(3 subjects/sem) so will i be eligible to apply for PR and PSW in the future ......<>
<<< hope didn't disturbed u..>>>
@Yousuf,
Brother i have a driving licence and that to 4-5 years old of my country and even i have the international driving licence.so will i be able to drive the car and cabs in NSW or not.....
You will be able to drive a private car BUT not a cab. You will also not be able to drive trucks or any other heavy vehicles.
and one more thing bro i'm going to be in australia inshallah by the month of july i have appelied for the masters that is for 2 years but i have only 12 subjets(3 subjects/sem) so will i be eligible to apply for PR and PSW in the future ......
You can be eligible to apply for PR if
You fulfill the criteria for applying for PR i.e.
You study in Australia for 2 yrs.
Your study is related to a profession that is on SOL.
You are able to get a positive skill assessment in the profession you plan to nominate for applying for PR.
You have the required score in English language examination.
You score the pass marks in the points TEST.
Please also remember that you will first need to apply for EOI and if accepted you will be invited to apply for PR.
So simply studying for 2 yrs will not give you any guarantees or PR.
Kind Regards
Junaid
Warm greetings Mr. Junaid,
I would like to know if I am eligible to drive at Sydney with an Overseas License aged 2 years and 10 months. Please note that I am an international student, my license has English language translation beside Bengali and I haven't brought the International Driving Permit. Is the International Driving permit absolutely mandatory? Since my license already consists of dual language but do I still require it? Do I have to notify the RTA that I am willing to drive at Sydney if I am eligible to drive with my current overseas driving license without getting an Australian Driver's license.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
In order to be eligible for Australian Driver's license I require:
Overseas license with with 3 years of driving experience.
Pass knowledge test.
Pass practical test.
Is there anything else that I require?
Hoping for your quick response.
Best regards,
Rakin
@Rakin
I would like to know if I am eligible to drive at Sydney with an Overseas License aged 2 years and 10 months.
Yes, if you are on a student visa or any temporary visa then yes you can drive using your home country's driving licenses. The home country driving license must be a full driving license.
Please note that I am an international student, my license has English language translation beside Bengali and I haven't brought the International Driving Permit. Is the International Driving permit absolutely mandatory?
No. International license is not required. A full license of your home country will suffice.
Since my license already consists of dual language but do I still require it?
You need to have a full license of your home country. It will be accepted as it has English on it.
Do I have to notify the RTA that I am willing to drive at Sydney if I am eligible to drive with my current overseas driving license without getting an Australian Driver's license.
No. You do not need to notify RTA.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
In order to be eligible for Australian Driver's license I require:
Overseas license with with 3 years of driving experience.
Pass knowledge test.
Pass practical test.
Is there anything else that I require?
Thats all that is required. You may need to provide more paper work like stamped from embassy consulate etc. Check the rules of RTA for each country.
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/
Kind Regards
Junaid
Hello junaid
We are in sydney on a temporary job visa. My husband is using Pakistani driving license. Few days back he gave a written test of driving here to have Australian license too. He has cleared the written test and is just given an id no. and no Learner license so can he still drive till he gives the practical test too? As he still has his pakistani license they only took his photo id.
Thanks
Regards,
Shazeen
@Anonymous
It is best to check with RTA if your are in NSW (or the authority if you are in a different state) and they can best confirm.
But to my knowledge, your Pakistani license is still valid until you fail your state's driver's license test. But different state's have different laws to please check with RTA if you are in NSW and road authority of your state if you are in a different state.
Kind Regards
J
Hello,
I am from the Philippines and I will be taking up my MBA in Brisbane. Our driver's licence here is valid for 3 years and the license card gets replaced after it is renewed (so no proof of driving for more than 3 years). No problem with translation as it is in English. My restrictions are for motorcycles and light vehicles but I will only be driving a motorcycle over there. Will I be able to drive a motorcycle with my current licence (it is still valid until June of 2018 as I have just renewed it)?
Should I still get any form of licence once I am there?
Regards,
Carlos
https://www.blogger.com/comment.do
======================
@Carlos
Yes you can drive a similar vehicle/bike in Australia as allowed by your Philippines driver's license as long as you have a valid visa.
The best thing is to get an Australian driver's license. Because with your Philippines driver's license you will have to carry your passport as the police may require your passport to identify you. But with an Australian driver's license you will not have to carry your passport around
Kind Regards
Junaid
Post a Comment