Converting drivers license
 

Apologies if this has been answered before but have been getting conflicting advice.

OH needs to drive and has a full Irish Drivers' Licence - does he need to do another test when we get to Oz? Or does it depend on how long you have a full license?
Thanks
Irish Gal

Re: Converting drivers license
 

It depends what state you are going to I think, We in SA and just filled in a form paid them money and got a licence. It changes all the time. some people have to do written ,sometimes have to do full test check with the state you are moving to

Re: Converting drivers license
 

We are in Wa and just had to go to licencing office, fill out a form, have eye test (basic letters on back wall test) and pay the fee. They then sent our new WA licence through the post. Think Irish licence is the same as an English one.
:blink: Good luck.

Re: Converting drivers license
 

In Victoria we did the following:

Made a booking - nearest for you will be in camberwell
Filled in form - details of old license, current address etc
Quick eye test (ie read from chart behind counter).
Paid money
Had digital photo:) taken

Some license to require another practical but I would expect the Irish to be the same as the british - no test.

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home

For all information on driving on public roads in victoria see above

Re: Converting drivers license
 

Cheers for that.:thumbsup:
Irish Gal x

Re: Converting drivers license
 

Anyone know about NSW, think it's just a written test but not too sure, can anyone advise??:D

Re: Converting drivers license
 

It's a straight swap for a UK licence in all states. :)

NSW Link http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/...countries.html

Re: Converting drivers license
 

You need to take along two forms of id one of which must have your home address on it (in Australia). This means usually a passport and a utilities bill (they are quite picky about this).

You can pick up the new license there and then.

Re: Converting drivers license
 

A few years ago ('99? 2000?) when I wanted to do this QLD required a full re-test to get a local licence from a UK one.

However, around that time I was moved (against my will) to work in Darwin for a few months and NT licences were available for nothing more than a flash of paperwork. Then when I returned to QLD the transfer from NT-QLD licence was simple!:rofl:

No idea whether this is still the case...

Re: Converting drivers license
 

But please note (in WA anyway) HGV licenses are NOT transferable. You have to redo a test

Re: Converting drivers license
 

In NSW, unless you are PR, you can use your own license indefinately as you are classed as a visitor.

Re: Converting drivers license
 

This is from the website linked earlier.

"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.

As of 14 October 2005, visiting car licence holders may drive vehicles of a kind covered by NSW class C licences (up to 4.5 tonnes GVM and seating up to 12 adults, including the driver."

Re: Converting drivers license
 

Geelong Gent has answered your question but I would advise you (even if your visa is not a PR one) to swap your licence. you don't lose your home countries licence and the Australian licence is given much more credence as a form of ID than a foreign one.

Re: Converting drivers license
 

One thing that I found out yesterday is if your UK/Irish license is less than three years old they put you on P plates. Which is disappointing as OH only passed his full test last Saturday and I have mine in June!!!!

Re: Converting drivers license
 

Correct. But for lots of things they want a photo ID with your address on it - therefore having an Oz driving license is pretty convenient.