sunshine23

Hi,

We are hoping to move to the Gold Coast in Qld in the new year. Are our english driving licences valid or do we need to take tests again. My husband drives for a living and has his Class 2 licence. Any advise welcome.

Sunshine23

going4it

It is my understanding that you have 3 months to upgrade your licenses, until then you can drive on them. I also think that he will need to do the same of the Class 2 license.

Shoot me if I'm wrong.

cresta57

Your right, if you hold a class 2 you will need to actually take a practical test to get the equivalent licence here. It sucks but that's how it is

sunshine23

Do we need to take a test for our normal licences or can we just swap them.

Sunshine23

Phoenixuk2oz

If you currently hold a full UK driving licence then you need only take a theory test here in Aus

You have [officially] 3 months in which to do this.

JAJ

That rule applies to regular driving licences (ie, car and I believe motorcycle).
A practical test may be required for HGV licences.

Waiting more than 3 months to get an Australian licence falls into the 'not smart' category as it can cause insurance and legal problems and they might turn around and make you take a test then when you do look to get a licence.

Plus, a driving licence is a great piece of ID for use locally.

Some states (eg NSW) will let you keep your UK licence, sometimes invalidated for use in Australia. Others will take it away - best to take a copy beforehand.

Jeremy

cresta57

You just need to take a theory test for a normal car licence. Depending upon which state your going to you can practice online or order the appropriate book. Rules vary slightly state to state so you need the correct one.
Dependant upon when you passed your U.K test you may have the right to drive up to an 8 tonne vehicle towing a trailer [C1E]. You will NOT be able to hold the equivalent licence here in Australia without taking both a theory and a practical test.
The original poster's husband is a professional driver, driving a class 2 HGV he will need to take both. Not sure about the need for a medical as per U.K.
The theory test here [QLD] is approx $75 for a 5 yr licence [if you pass the test] each test is approx $20 if you fail. There are only 6 different test papers, an Aussie mate has sat 5 of them & failed, I passed second time 3 days after we arrived. Deb passed first time 2 months later, they really are easy test papers, you just need to learn the book. You can't take the test again the same day.

Trevglas

The Queensland licence is an amazingly scabby bit of documentation, basically a laminated card that looks more like a Blockbusters video card than a driving licence, still, it does the trick!

The info you need is on the Queensland Government website.

sunshine23

Thanks for all the replies. I actually gave up my Australian Drivers Licence for my English one. Never mind I was only young.

Sunshine23

wargod

Am i right in thinking that the theory test is a multiple guess type thing?

PommieLeague

Im on a temp Pros marriage visa and I belive ive got 12months then i need to do the WA theory test, not 3 months as I dont have my perm visa yet.

Jacko1

I would double check I think you will find that if you are in Australia more than three months you need to take the test

PJ

JAJ

In most states if you are a temporary resident you don't have to get an Australian licence. But WA might be different - so check.

Jeremy

JAJ

Queensland may be able to recover your details and issue you with a new licence based on the fact you're a former QLD licence holder who has held an overseas licence meanwhile.

See what it says on their website about situations like this. It might mean you don't need to do a theory test.

Jeremy

Jaykay

Sunshine

I alos gave up my Oz licence when I got my English Driving Licence. Didn't realise that I could have asked DVLA to send it back to me!!

Anyway when I came back to Oz after 10 years, I went down to Vic Roads with all my personal information. They then checked their system and luckily I was still on it, so didn't need to do any tests, they just issued me with a new licence (after I'd paid them the dosh of course!!).

Regards