Applying for Drivers License
 

Hi Folks,

I would like to know how easy is it to get a drivers license(car) in Australia after becoming resident. I have some of my queries listed below.

1) Is there seperate rules for each state for getting a license or is it if a take a license in one particular state is that valid for other states as well.

2) I have my driver license from another country which is four years since it has been issued so can I directly go to take up some p1 or p2 licenses or is it like I need to start again from R -> P1 -> P2 -> Original Australian License.

3) Should we have an own car before we go for the drivers test

Kindly let me know on these

Re: Applying for Drivers License
 

All the States are different, so do you know where you are heading?

Re: Applying for Drivers License
 

And what country issued your licence? How old are you? Is it a full driver's licence that you have currently?

Re: Applying for Drivers License
 

Dunno where you're applying but I just walked into an RTA office in Sydney with my Irish driver license, filled out a form and Bob's your mother's brother!

I only had my full Irish license for a year and a half so had to get a P2 license which I'll hold for a year and a half more, then do a test to get my full license

Re: Applying for Drivers License
 

I am at NSW, previously I hold a full license from India which was issued to me four years ago. I am 26 years at present.

Re: Applying for Drivers License
 

Most of us just walk in, hand over our licence, and get an Australian one with no tests to do. :thumbup:

Re: Applying for Drivers License
 

Yep, I've found this in NSW, WA and ACT, I assume the other states are the same.

Re: Applying for Drivers License
 

Folks but is your license state specific i.e. is it possible to drive in Victoria with a NSW license. Is there some kind of license which allows me to drive anywhere in the country or is it compulsary that if I move to a new state I need to start off alltogether applying for a new license again.

Re: Applying for Drivers License
 

If you have a license for one state you can drive anywhere in Oz. If you move permanently to new state then you swap your old state license for a one in the new state. No re-testing should be necessary.

Re: Applying for Drivers License
 

They are now, although that was not the case a few years ago.

Re: Applying for Drivers License
 

Hi Krishna,

Bad news: in NSW, only licences from some countries can be exchanged for NSW licences. India is not one of those countries so much of the above is not relevant for you: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/...countries.html

If you are not a "temporary overseas visitor", you must obtain an NSW licence to drive legally: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/...swlicence.html

If you get an NSW licence and decide to move to Victoria, for instance, you will be entitled to exchange the NSW licence for a Victorian licence: http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/...rsLicences.htm Similar provisions apply in all other Australian states and territories.

Re: Applying for Drivers License
 

Thank you Lapin_windstar and others for your responses :)

Re: Applying for Drivers License
 

Only if you've had your recognised overseas full license for over three years...
that's the case in NSW anyway unfortunately..

Re: Applying for Drivers License
 

That's nuts. What's the point of recognising overseas (UK) licenses at all then? :confused:

Ah! P plates I see.