STEP 4Recommended

Driver licence transfer

When you can drive on your overseas licence in Victoria, when you must convert it, and which countries need to sit tests.

Can I drive on my overseas licence?

Yes, if it is valid and current and you have been in Victoria for less than 6 months. If the licence is not in English, carry a NAATI translation or an International Driving Permit with it.
If you live in Victoria for 6 months or more, you must convert to a Victorian licence. Permanent residents are treated the same: convert within 6 months of becoming a resident.
Once you hold a Victorian licence, it is an offence to keep driving on the overseas one.

Recognised or not: it decides whether you sit tests

VicRoads follows a national list. Licences from "recognised" countries (Japan, the UK, most of Europe, the USA, Canada and others) convert without tests, usually just an eyesight check. Licences from "non-recognised" countries need tests.

South Korea, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong are currently listed as non-recognised. Rules for Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong changed on 1 May 2025: even drivers 25 and over now sit the Learner Permit knowledge test, the Hazard Perception Test and the Drive Test.
Use the VicRoads online tool with your exact country and licence type. The answer depends on your age and how long you have held the licence.
If you are under 21, or have held your licence for less than 3 years, you get a probationary (P-plate) licence with its own conditions.

What to bring to the appointment

Your original overseas licence (not a photocopy) and, if it is not in English, a NAATI translation. Some consulates also translate.
Evidence of identity (passport plus a second document such as a bank card or Medicare card) and proof that you live in Victoria (lease, bank statement or utility bill with your address).
The completed licence application form and the fee. Book online; walk-ins are not guaranteed.
You get a temporary paper licence on the day; the card comes by post.

Before your first drive

Australia drives on the left. Speed cameras are everywhere and fines arrive by post with demerit points.
Melbourne has hook turns in the CBD and strict rules around trams: stop behind a tram when its doors are open.
If you buy a car, register it with VicRoads in your name and keep the compulsory TAC injury cover that comes with registration.

Can I drive on my overseas licence?

Yes, if it is valid and current and you have been in Victoria for less than 6 months. If the licence is not in English, carry a NAATI translation or an International Driving Permit with it.

If you live in Victoria for 6 months or more, you must convert to a Victorian licence. Permanent residents are treated the same: convert within 6 months of becoming a resident.

Once you hold a Victorian licence, it is an offence to keep driving on the overseas one.

Recognised or not: it decides whether you sit tests

South Korea, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong are currently listed as non-recognised. Rules for Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong changed on 1 May 2025: even drivers 25 and over now sit the Learner Permit knowledge test, the Hazard Perception Test and the Drive Test.

Use the VicRoads online tool with your exact country and licence type. The answer depends on your age and how long you have held the licence.

If you are under 21, or have held your licence for less than 3 years, you get a probationary (P-plate) licence with its own conditions.

What to bring to the appointment

Your original overseas licence (not a photocopy) and, if it is not in English, a NAATI translation. Some consulates also translate.

Evidence of identity (passport plus a second document such as a bank card or Medicare card) and proof that you live in Victoria (lease, bank statement or utility bill with your address).

The completed licence application form and the fee. Book online; walk-ins are not guaranteed.

You get a temporary paper licence on the day; the card comes by post.

Before your first drive

Australia drives on the left. Speed cameras are everywhere and fines arrive by post with demerit points.

Melbourne has hook turns in the CBD and strict rules around trams: stop behind a tram when its doors are open.

If you buy a car, register it with VicRoads in your name and keep the compulsory TAC injury cover that comes with registration.