Driving Licence in NSW
Jan 10th 2010, 8:31 am
#1
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Driving Licence in NSW
Heres a quick question. I am in Sydney on a three year 457 visa do I need to get an Australian drivers licence?
Jan 10th 2010, 8:41 am
#2
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Re: Driving Licence in NSW
Permanent Resident
A Permanent Resident is normally allowed to drive for 3 months before needing an Australian Licence, after that period they would be classed as driving without a valid licence.
Visitors
A person on a Temporary or Visitors Visa is allowed to drive a private vehicle on a valid CURRENT driving licence from their own country, for as long as they have a valid visitors visa.
These visiting motorists are required to carry their licence (and English translation if applicable) at all times while driving and produce it to Police on request.
Production of their temporary visas may also be required as evidence of their temporary residential status.
A Permanent Resident is normally allowed to drive for 3 months before needing an Australian Licence, after that period they would be classed as driving without a valid licence.
Visitors
A person on a Temporary or Visitors Visa is allowed to drive a private vehicle on a valid CURRENT driving licence from their own country, for as long as they have a valid visitors visa.
These visiting motorists are required to carry their licence (and English translation if applicable) at all times while driving and produce it to Police on request.
Production of their temporary visas may also be required as evidence of their temporary residential status.
Jan 10th 2010, 8:50 am
#3
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Re: Driving Licence in NSW
Great, thanks. I have just had to pay a $140 speeding fine and the form says I have to get 2 demerit points! I will give the rta a call in morning to sort that bit out!
Jan 10th 2010, 9:03 am
#4
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Re: Driving Licence in NSW
If you reach 12 points, your ability to drive, even on a UK licence, can be terminated.
Jan 10th 2010, 9:55 am
#5
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Re: Driving Licence in NSW
If you drive a company car etc, their insurance may need you to have an Oz licence. Mine did, even though for now I am 457.
Jan 10th 2010, 10:08 am
#6
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Re: Driving Licence in NSW
From 18 April 2008, all new NSW licence applicants identified as temporary overseas visitors will be subject to the following licensing rules:
As a temporary overseas visitor, you will only be eligible to apply for a NSW licence once you have been in Australia for a continuous period of at least six months immediately prior to licence application.
As a temporary overseas visitor, you will only be eligible to apply for a NSW licence once you have been in Australia for a continuous period of at least six months immediately prior to licence application.
Jan 11th 2010, 2:54 am
#7
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Jan 11th 2010, 2:56 am
#8
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Re: Driving Licence in NSW
As same as you, 457 Visa, no license required but I have a RTA Reference Number which means I can get Toll Pass etc and also holds my history if I go Perm. No hassle, just take required documents down to nearest RTA, however, also take down with you a printout of what the RTA requires in its website as there can be 'interpretation' issues with counter attendants!! GRRRRRR!!!!
Jan 11th 2010, 2:57 am
#9
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Re: Driving Licence in NSW
Yep!!! Tis true!! My RTA Reference Number has my Demerit points against it.
Jan 11th 2010, 7:51 pm
#10
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Jan 11th 2010, 11:09 pm
#12
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Jan 12th 2010, 12:37 am
#14
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Jan 12th 2010, 6:46 am
#15
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Re: Driving Licence in NSW
I paid the fine yesterday on line and then called the rta today to see what i had to do to take the demerit points. The bloke said that as I didnt have an Australian licence there was nothing to worry about and they wouldnt apply the points! My lucky day! The initial notice was against the initial hire car we had which was registered to my address in the UK so I think he must have thought we didn't live here! 