Temporary Visa Holders

If you do not intend to stay in NSW and do not hold a permanent visa, you will be regarded as a visiting driver. If you hold a current overseas driver licence you are not required to get a NSW licence even if your stay is longer than three months. If the licence is not written in English, an International Driving Permit, or an English translation must also be carried with the licence when driving.

If you do not have resident/immigrant status, and are visiting Queensland on a visa, there is no requirement for you to change over your licence.

As a visitor to WA you can drive on your overseas licence for up to 12 months from your arrival or until the licence expires (whichever comes first). If you intend staying longer than 12 months or your overseas licence expires within that time, you should apply for a WA licence.

If you are in Victoria on a temporary visa, you can drive on your overseas licence (provided it is a current, valid licence) for an indefinite period provided your overseas licence is in English (or you have an English translation), or you have an International Driving Permit.

Students, tourists and persons who are working in South Australia on current temporary visas are permitted to drive on their foreign licences, only while the foreign licence is current. Temporary visas usually do not exceed 4 years. If the foreign licence expires, they are required to obtain a South Australian driver's licence.

Persons holding a temporary visa, ie student/working/holiday visas, do not need to obtain a Tasmanian Licence for the duration of their visa provided their foreign driver licence remains current.


Visiting motorists are required to carry their licence (and English translation if applicable) at all times while driving and produce it to Police on request. Production of their temporary visas may also be required as evidence of their temporary residential status.