Driving while visiting Oz question(s).
Apr 19th 2005, 10:13 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1
Driving while visiting Oz question(s).
I am planning to visit some family in NSW under the 1 year working holiday visa. I know that I can drive for this time using my UK driving licence, as I would still be classed as a visitor, but I have been made aware of the fact that I will be asked for ID alot more in Australia.
Now, my licence is the old paper style one, so no good as ID in most circumstances. I dont want to have to carry my passport everywhere with me, and I dont want to swap my paper UK one, for a photo UK one (for several reasons, one been that the paper does'nt need to be renewed every few years).
Can I use my UK license to be issued with a NSW photo type one? The RTA says that permanent residents can/should, and that visitors dont HAVE to. But what I want to know is, CAN I, if I want to?
Sorry if its a bit longwinded, but I wanted my situation to be clear
Now, my licence is the old paper style one, so no good as ID in most circumstances. I dont want to have to carry my passport everywhere with me, and I dont want to swap my paper UK one, for a photo UK one (for several reasons, one been that the paper does'nt need to be renewed every few years).
Can I use my UK license to be issued with a NSW photo type one? The RTA says that permanent residents can/should, and that visitors dont HAVE to. But what I want to know is, CAN I, if I want to?
Sorry if its a bit longwinded, but I wanted my situation to be clear
Apr 19th 2005, 10:49 pm
#2
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Cairns FNQ, a bit of paradise on earth:-)
Posts: 1,104
Re: Driving while visiting Oz question(s).
Firstly - WELCOME! Your 1st post eh?
You will find this site invaluable for information - someone will help if the can.
We arrived on a Temp. Visa 5 months ago which is obviously different than a 1 year working holiday visa.
Because we have had to open accounts, get medical and dental cover, college course, open a Blockbuster account etc etc, we have had to produce our passports every time! Driving licence photo ID has never been enough. Even for the simple task of opening a DVD hire account with Blockbuster, we had to produce passports, photo ID driving licence, plus proof of current address, ie utility bills etc.
So, it depends on what you plan to do in the year you are in Australia. If its literally just going to be a 'working holiday' I should imagine your passport would be enough. If you need the ID for 'proof of age' reasons, ie entering nightclubs etc (they are very strict over here, well in Cairns they are) then a Photo Driving Licence is the ideal option.
Hope this helps a little - our situation is different from yours, so might not.
if it goes off the 1st page - BUMP it up!
Cheers
You will find this site invaluable for information - someone will help if the can.
We arrived on a Temp. Visa 5 months ago which is obviously different than a 1 year working holiday visa.
Because we have had to open accounts, get medical and dental cover, college course, open a Blockbuster account etc etc, we have had to produce our passports every time! Driving licence photo ID has never been enough. Even for the simple task of opening a DVD hire account with Blockbuster, we had to produce passports, photo ID driving licence, plus proof of current address, ie utility bills etc.
So, it depends on what you plan to do in the year you are in Australia. If its literally just going to be a 'working holiday' I should imagine your passport would be enough. If you need the ID for 'proof of age' reasons, ie entering nightclubs etc (they are very strict over here, well in Cairns they are) then a Photo Driving Licence is the ideal option.
Hope this helps a little - our situation is different from yours, so might not.
if it goes off the 1st page - BUMP it up!
Cheers
Apr 19th 2005, 11:21 pm
#3
part-time Visa Angel!
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: half marathon runner!
Posts: 4,458
Re: Driving while visiting Oz question(s).
Hi - you can get a proof of age photo ID card from the RTA, no need for a driving licence, you wouldn't be able to get one without proof of residence anyway.
Apr 20th 2005, 12:01 pm
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2004
Location: Ples bilong mi
Posts: 523
Re: Driving while visiting Oz question(s).
Originally Posted by Northumbrian
I am planning to visit some family in NSW under the 1 year working holiday visa. I know that I can drive for this time using my UK driving licence, as I would still be classed as a visitor, but I have been made aware of the fact that I will be asked for ID alot more in Australia.
Now, my licence is the old paper style one, so no good as ID in most circumstances. I dont want to have to carry my passport everywhere with me, and I dont want to swap my paper UK one, for a photo UK one (for several reasons, one been that the paper does'nt need to be renewed every few years).
Can I use my UK license to be issued with a NSW photo type one? The RTA says that permanent residents can/should, and that visitors dont HAVE to. But what I want to know is, CAN I, if I want to?
Sorry if its a bit longwinded, but I wanted my situation to be clear
Now, my licence is the old paper style one, so no good as ID in most circumstances. I dont want to have to carry my passport everywhere with me, and I dont want to swap my paper UK one, for a photo UK one (for several reasons, one been that the paper does'nt need to be renewed every few years).
Can I use my UK license to be issued with a NSW photo type one? The RTA says that permanent residents can/should, and that visitors dont HAVE to. But what I want to know is, CAN I, if I want to?
Sorry if its a bit longwinded, but I wanted my situation to be clear
