Overseas Drivers Licence

So you have just arrived in Melbourne and want to drive in Melbourne? The requirement to change your overseas driver licence to a Victorian driver licence is dependent on your visa status:

Temporary Visa

If you are in Melbourne on a temporary visa then you can drive on your overseas driver licence for as long as it is current. However, it is essential that your overseas licence is in English or accompanied by an English translation or International Driving Permit. An International Driving Permit is acceptable as a translation of a driver licence.

Permanent Visa

• If the visa was issued before you entered Australia, then you can drive for 6 months from the date of entry.

• If the visa was issued to you whilst in Australia, then you can drive for 6 months from the date of issue.

To continue driving after the completion of this 6 month period you MUST acquire a Victorian driver license. If your licence is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an English translation.Only translations completed by any of the following is accepted by VicRoads:

• NAATI accredited (any level) translator, or

• Official translation from the country of origin, or

• Appropriate consulate in Australia.

To acquire a Victorian full driver licence

Eligibility

• Evidence that you have held an overseas driver licence for at least 3 years from your 18th birthday. Any period of suspension or disqualification will be excluded when calculating this 3 year period.

• Your overseas driver licence should be current. If not, it should not be expired by more than 5 years.

To acquire a Victorian probationary driver licence

Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years of age.

• If you have held an overseas driver licence for less than three years, an appropriate probationary period (P1 or P2) will apply, depending on your age and the amount of time your overseas driver licence has been held. Any period of suspension or disqualification will be excluded when calculating this 3 year period.

To acquire a Victorian Learner Permit

Eligibility

• You must be at least 16 years of age to obtain a Victorian learner permit for a 4-wheeler.

• You must be at least 18 years of age obtain a Victorian learner permit for a motorcycle.

Exemptions

VicRoads recognises the drivers licence from the following countries.If you hold a driver licence from any of these countries, then you are not required to undertake any tests provided your overseas licence is current or not expired by more than five years. However, you still need to make an appointment to changeover your licence if you are from a recognised country.The drivers licenses of the following countries are recognized:

Austria, Belgium, Isle of Man, Netherlands (Holland), Sweden, Finland, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Canada , Germany, Japan, Portugal, UK, Croatia, Greece, Luxembourg, Singapore, USA, Denmark, Ireland, Malta, Spain, Guernsey, Jersey.