do you have to sit a test or just change from a british license to an ozzie one

pls settle an argument between me and my father in law

cheers Davy

ps In Perth

I think it varies on each state, but as far as I know Victoria is just an eye test and swap over......

Hi Davy, there is a thread I started about this topic about 10 pages in with loads of good websites about tests etc and online theory trail tests. Worth finding the old thread. Basically all you have is 3 months from when you arrive you have to take a theory test and if you pass it you get your OZ licence, simple as that!! The online theory test is really good to help you learn

Pete.

Hi Davy,

Here is a link with all the information you need. I've also quoted some of the text below. So from what I understand you don't need to take the theory test if you have a British License.

http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/licensing/mylicence/1363.asp

"Once you have presented your documentation you are required to:

Undergo a computerised theory test on Western Australia's road rules and safe driving practices. The test comprises of 30 multiple-choice questions of which you must get 24 correct to pass. You can download a copy of the Drive Safe book containing the rules of the road or obtain a copy from a licensing centre
Undergo an eyesight test
Undergo a practical driving assessment (if required)

After you have passed all three assessments and paid your application fee of $ 41.80 together with the standard $ 33.80 (1 year) or $ 107.30 (5 year) licence fee you will then be issued with a WA drivers licence.


A full list of application fees including pensioner concessions is available.


Countries exempt from taking the computerised theory test
Holders of drivers licences from the following recognised countries are exempt from taking the computerised theory test on the road rules. Applicants who hold motorcycle class equivalents are also exempt form the motorcycle theory test.

Austria, France, Luxembourg, Spain,Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden
Canada, Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland, Croatia, Ireland, Norway, United Kingdom, Denmark, Italy, Portugal, United States of America
Finland, Japan, Singapore

I was talking about driving licenses to a police friend the other day and he said you need to get your oz licence within 3 months otherwise you can be fined. This is depsite the fact that the book and website tell you that you don't need to get it till you are a PR. Oh this is in Queensland by the way.
We did a 30 question theory test. Just need to know your road signs and who has right of way so learn em good! And good luck!

I contacted the Dept of Transport and they said that if you are a temp resident (ie not a citizen or PR) then it's legal to drive on a UK licence, and that, as many others have said - you only need to get a Queensland licence if/when you are a PR.

NSW is just a straight swap, so no tests!

WA just requires you to get an OZ licence, there is not test of any kind for UK licence holders.

S.Australia just take in your UK license and they give you a new Aussie one..

Corker

30 questions in QLD. You need to get 9/10 on rights of way and 18/20 in the general section. Passed first time

You only need it if PR. You can't get it in Vic until you have a permanent address, so we didn't get one when we were travelling - nobody seems to have any problem with that.

Insurers require you to pay more if you're on a UK license, though. Found that out today - off to change over at the weekend!

ok but what about my full bike licence?

According to my police officer friend thats not correct and the transport dept are giving out the wrong info! Apparently the police can still fine you for not having an Ozzie driving licence! Anyway its easy to just do the test and if you fail one day you can go the next. Its only just over $16 to do it too.

I've been trying to find out about licenses as well, I'm a dual citizen and my fiance is trying to emigrate to Oz. Whilst I'm in Uk I have a year to drive on Oz license but insurance etc costs a fortune and its near impossible to get a car. But I don't want to lose my Oz license as aparently they post it back to OZ.

When you return to OZ aparently they holepunch your UK license. I've read some people apply for a spare UK license so they end up with 2?
Have many people done this? Is this an option.

My parents migrated to Oz 30 years ago, and before all this hoo-ha of handing it in because they have both a british and oz liscense. When I spoke to the DVLA (i think) and mentioned it the lady was NO NO NO you can't have TWO!

Who knows!

I heard that too but mine's still intact.