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