Introduction
If you’re a temporary overseas visitor, you can drive on your existing overseas licence for up to 6 months. If you wish to continue to drive after 6 months, you'll need to apply for a NSW licence.
This applies to anyone who takes up residence in NSW on or after 1 July 2023.
You'll need to successfully complete the knowledge test and driving test for the relevant class of licence, unless:
- you've held an Australian driver licence that expired within the last 5 years
- you hold a current New Zealand licence (not a learner or paper licence)
- your current driver licence (not a learner), or one that expired within the last 5 years, was issued by a recognised overseas licensing authority.
Your licence will show the letter Q on the front of the card and ‘Evidence of permanent residency status not provided’ will be printed on the back of the card.
Notes:
- If you’re a temporary overseas visitor who arrived in NSW before 1 July 2023, you don't need to get a NSW licence. You can:
- drive on your overseas licence indefinitely, provided you meet specific conditions, or
- apply for a NSW licence, if you wish.
- If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or hold a New Zealand driver licence, you can drive in NSW on an overseas licence for 3 months. Within this 3-month period, you’ll need to transfer your overseas licence to continue to drive in NSW.
- If you hold a valid licence from an Australian state or territory, you can drive in NSW on your interstate licence for 3 months. Within this 3-month period, you’ll need to transfer your interstate licence to continue to drive in NSW.
What you need
- the PDF form – 'Licence Application'
- your proof of identity
- your overseas licence – if your licence is:
- not in English, a Transport for NSW-approved translation
- not available, an authorisation letter (in English) from the issuing country
- your payment.
If applicable:
- a knowledge test
- a driving test
- your contact lenses or glasses
- a 'fitness to drive' medical.
Acceptable translations
Transport for NSW only accepts English translations of overseas documents from:
- Multicultural NSW
- Department of Home Affairs
- Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea – for driver licences issued in the Republic of Korea
- Taipei Economic and Cultural Office – for driver licences issued in the Republic of China (Taiwan).
You must provide the original translated document or a copy certified by a Justice of the Peace.
If you are unable to provide a translation of your driver licence, you must get an authorisation letter from the relevant:
- embassy, consulate or diplomatic office in Australia, or
- government department in the country your licence was issued.
How to apply
- Select the 'Download PDF form' button.
- Complete the form.
- Gather all your documentation and any additional items (if applicable).
- Visit a Service NSW Centre and submit your application or book your driver or rider licence test.
More information
Your visiting driving privileges will be withdrawn if you don't meet specific conditions.
Note: If you're a temporary overseas visitor who arrived in NSW before 1 July 2023, you can drive the vehicles covered by your overseas licence in NSW indefinitely, as long as you:
- remain a temporary overseas visitor
- have a current overseas licence
- do not accrue 13 demerit points
- are not convicted of a serious driving offence
- have not been disqualified from driving in NSW or anywhere else
- have not had your licence suspended or cancelled, or your visiting driving privileges withdrawn
- carry your overseas licence with you (if your licence is not written in English, you must also carry an English translation, or an International Driving Permit)
- can prove your genuine visitor status to NSW Police, if required.