suzysu

Hi,

ive been in sydney now for a month and was wondering how long u have to do your driving test here?
i've got a full uk licence, so do u have to do the full driving test? and how do i go around doing it?

Thanks,

Su

C&V

Hi

We arrived in Sydney a couple of months ago and have been informed our UK licence is valid for 3 months in Australia. We have to take the Knowledge Test only and not the full driving test. Go to any Motor Registry - go to RTA for details - www.rta.nsw.gov.au.

C&V

suzysu

does it make any difference as im on a partner visa and not a pr visa?

Kentish Man

ALL holders of permanent resident visas have to exchange licences within three months of arrival. If your visa is of 'temporary resident' status then you can use your UK licence for as long as your visa is valid.

mlbonner

It should be done within 3 months of having your PR issued.

Coogee Rocks

Ok say I get my 2 year de facto visa am i temp or perm?!.. and do I have to take a written test ?! - dont like the idea of that!

mlbonner

Thats a temp visa. You're not perm until the next stage (two years later). If you have a full UK licence then you'll just need to do the theory (multi-choice) within 3 months

SydneyStace

Hi Suzysu,
I'm on a spouse visa in Sydney and it doesn't matter what visa you are on.
As the others have said, you have 3 months to drive on your UK license and then you either have to take the test or not drive. I took mine after about 3 weeks (just in case I failed and I could still drive). I actually failed my first one (Yes, I'm admitting it) due to the difference in Aussie road rules. Hop on the rta website and do different tests to get practise. Although it looks easy doing it at home, I found it a lot more "testing" when I sat in the rta office and did it. I think it was the pressure of not liking failure. Glad I did it though as I feel more confident on roads now.
Good luck with the test....let us know how you went!
Stacey

mlbonner

Hi Stacey, don't know if that is true. The website is a bit ambiguous, but if you (suzysu) look at the bottom of it, where it says Visitors it states you only need a NSW licence if you have PR.

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/...l_drivers.html

Cheers


[edit] Just realised, the website isn't ambiguous at all as at the top of the page it says "Permanent visa holders and New Zealand citizens". I'll put that oversight down to being blonde (don't have any other excuse) So, the above still applies, you only need your NSW licence after PR is granted.

Hels

mlbonner...after reading that website, I would agree....especially after reading that bottom paragraph.


Visitors

If you do not intend to stay in NSW and do not hold a permanent visa, you will be regarded as a visiting driver. If you hold a current overseas driver licence you are not required to get a NSW licence even if your stay is longer than three months. If the licence is not written in English, an International Driving Permit, or an English translation must also be carried with the licence when driving

SydneyStace

Sorry if I mis-informed, I was told by the RTA that I only had 3 months to drive on my UK license and then had to swap it over as I am intending to stay in NSW. I'm being told by different people (i.e. ATO, RTA, Medicare) that sometimes I'm practically permanent, and then I'm temporary...jeez, where do I stand!?!
Anyhoooo, got my NSW license, so no worries mate

Thanks for your advise guys!

suzysu

Stace,

Seems that u are right as i emailed the RTA and this is part of the reply i had.

People from another country who come into New South Wales and intend
or decide to take up residence must hold a NSW driver's licence of
the appropriate class if they drive a vehicle. They are permitted to
drive in this State for a maximum period of three months after
becoming residents using their current overseas licences or
international driving permits issued overseas provided they are not
disqualified or their licences cancelled. They must actually obtain
(rather than simply apply for) a NSW licence within this 3 month
period if they wish to continue to drive.

To obtain a New South Wales driver's licence, holders of overseas
driver's licences, including learners licences, must:

*Â Â have a NSW residential address
*Â Â prove your identity
*Â Â complete a written application form
*Â Â satisfy minimum age requirements
*Â Â pass an eyesight test
*Â Â pass a knowledge test for each class of licence required
*Â Â pass a driving test in a vehicle relevant to the licence class
requested (not required if you hold a current licence issued from on
of the following Countries Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. or the United States.)
*Â Â have your photograph taken
*Â Â pay the required fees.


looks like i had better be revising for a test!!! arhhhhhhhh

how long have u been in sydney and are you enjoying it here?

Su

mlbonner

I know what you mean, there's a subtle difference between temp & perm residence! I've found the same thing

SydneyStace

Hi Suzysu,
Yeah revise as much as you can, cos when you get in that RTA office, it all changes! I think the first time I went in, I left my brain at home and failed it! D'oh!
Let me know how you go!
I've been in Sydney since July and yes, I'm loving it! Luckily I'd been here enough times before emmigrating to know that this is the place for me!!
So you came out with your partner too! How are you finding it?
Good luck with your test!
Stace

SydneyStace

What visa are you on mlbonner? I haven't come across many people on the 309 (from memory) spouse visa. Can anyone share experiences on the 2nd part process?
Ta,
Stace