kellz

I have a full British licence. How long can I drive in Australia, if at all, using it before I have to get an Australian one. Will I have to do another driving test?

moneypenny20

If you're coming on a Temp Visa then you don't have to change. If you're coming on a Permanent Visa then you have three months to convert and there's no test. Depending on the State or Territory you go to, you may need an eye test.

paddyo

Depends on the Visa type and State.
In NSW if on Perm then you will need to get an Oz DL within 3 months, if you are on a Temp then you don't need one BUT you do need to get a RTA Reference number (just in case you happen to break the speed limit one day!!).
Most States are similar but I think in some if on long term Temp Visa (like 457) you may still need to get an Oz license, but only sure about the NSW rules.

kellz

I will be living in Queensland and will probably be on a temp visa as coming over on partner visa. Thanks for the info. Wasn't sure and neither was my husband. Will make sure I always wear my glasses, I find seeing the road helpful

peggy76

Also depending how long you have been driving. If you have been driving for less that 3 yrs on full uk licence you may have to have P plates this is the case in NSW. P plates give you some restrictions about how, when, and what you can drive.

hotfuss

Same with holding any international licence for less than 3 years. I have those bloody P plates and have to take another test in January to get a full licence. And I thought I was finished with driving tests!!

peggy76

Same here ! but its this month for me

lapin_windstar

Partner visa can be temp or perm. If you had the right to perm, I assume you'd be going for that.
http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/fami...as-partner.htm

hotfuss

Best of luck - I hope it goes well! I haven't looked into it yet but I've heard its a touch screen hazard perception test.. I'm not looking forward to it!

moneypenny20

You don't go for Permanent, you apply for Temporary and DIAC decide whether you're entitled to Permanent or not.

DeadVim

If you are coming to QLD then I find closing my eyes while driving helps ...

JAJ

You apply for both (temporary and permanent) and if you're entitled to the permanent visa then DIAC have to give it to you.

LouiseR

I had my licence (UK) less than 2 years and swapped for a full open licence in QLD.

Dreamy

Yes - the OH did that too.

When we moved to NSW he went to swap his licence over.

Apparently, he had too many numbers on his Qld licence so the lady had to ring up. Apparently (again) they 'knew all about him' and Qld had him in their system for 'notification'.. basically it has meant that he's got to go on green Ps until December (the 3rd anniversary of getting his UK licence) when he'll do the hazard perception test (so the lady on the phone said - as far as I can tell from their online site, he'll need to do a theory test too, but who knows)

He ain't impressed. He doesn't drive much as it goes but I'm not sure what the consequences would have been if he'd been pulled over by the police?

So, madam - how many digits are in your driver licence number? They might know all about you too :-P

(there is a plus to this, for him, anyway, as it means he gets out of all supervisory driving with the teenagers...)

LouiseR

I've got 8 digits on my licence number, is that right? I have spoken to the police who saw my licence, not pulled over (long story!) and they didn't say anything.

Maybe I slipped through the net?!