Need a driver’s licence translation?

Are you travelling to or currently in Australia and have a foreign-language driver’s licence that you need translated into English? We translate licences from all languages into English – 100% NAATI certified, for use for official purposes.
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Need a NAATI certified driver’s licence translation in Australia?

OPAL Translation provides a high quality and fully NAATI certified driver’s licence translation service with prices starting at just $69.00.

We have put together some information for those who are looking for information about driver licence regulations and the requirements for translation into English.

Please see the information below for some helpful information regarding requirements for each state. Please note that the information can change at any time so you should always check the relevant authorities website for any changes.

Driver Licence Rules for Temporary Visa Holders

StateRoad AuthorityRules for Temporary Visa Holders
VictoriaVicRoadsIf you have entered Victoria on a temporary visa:

  • you are not required to get a Victorian driver licence and/or learner permit
  • you may drive using your current overseas driver licence for the length of your stay
  • your driver licence must be written in English or accompanied by an English translation or international driving permit.
  • Translation of foreign documents or your driver licence can be completed by a NAATI accredited translator

A learner permit from overseas cannot be used to drive in Victoria.

New South WalesRMS
(formerly RTA)
If you hold an overseas licence, you are allowed to drive the vehicles covered by your overseas licence in NSW indefinitely, as long as:

  • You remain a temporary overseas visitor
  • Your overseas licence remains current You have not been disqualified from driving in NSW or anywhere else
  • You have not had your licence suspended or cancelled, or your visiting driving privileges withdrawn
  • You carry your overseas driver or rider licence.
  • If your licence is not written in English, you must also carry an English translation, or an International Driving Permit.
Queensland Queensland Government You will need to apply for a Queensland driver licence if you:

  • are not an Australian citizen, but before you took up residence in Queensland you were given a resident (permanent) visa and you have now been residing in Queensland for 3 months
  • are not an Australian citizen, but after you took up residence in Queensland you were given a resident visa and you have now been residing in Queensland for 3 months since getting the visa.

If you are transferring from a foreign licence —you will require a recognised English translation (if needed) from a translator

South Australia South Australian GovernmentIf you are just visiting Australia, you can drive the same type of vehicle as your current licence allows.You will need one of these:

  • a licence issued in another country that is written in English
  • a licence with an English translation if necessary or an international driver’s licence.

You must carry your licence documents at all times when driving and produce these and your passport to police on request.

You must not be disqualified from driving in any country.

If your overseas licence expires while you are in Australia, you must get an Australian licence.

Overseas licence holders must get an international drivers permit  (IDP) in the country where your original licence was issued, the permit verifies in several languages that you have a valid driver licence.

You may need an IDP to rent a car. An IDP is valid for 12 months and must be accompanied by the licence issued in your home country.

Western Australia Department of TransportIf you are a visitor to Western Australia (WA), you may drive only those vehicles that you are authorised to drive on your overseas licence, for as long as it remains valid in the country of issue.If your overseas licence ceases to be valid, you must apply for a WA licence if you wish to continue driving (see procedure below).Visiting drivers include:

  • Overseas Defence Force personnel and their families.
  • People with working holiday visas.
  • People working temporarily in WA.
  • Students studying in WA.
  • People on business trips.
  • Tourists.

If your overseas licence is not in English, you must carry an international driving permit or an approved English translation of your licence with you when you drive.

Driver Licence Rules for Permanent Visa Holders

StateRoad AuthorityRules for Permanent Visa Holders
VictoriaVicRoadsIf you have entered Victoria on a permanent visa issued under the Migration Act 1958 you may drive on your overseas driver licence, providing it is written in English or accompanied by an English translation or international driving permit for:

  • 6 months from the date you first entered Australia if the permanent visa was issued before you entered Australia, or
  • 6 months from the date when the permanent visa was issued to you if the permanent visa was issued to you while in Australia.Translation of foreign documents or your driver licence can be completed by: a NAATI accredited (any level) translator

Translation of foreign documents or your driver licence can be completed by a NAATI accredited translator.

If you want to continue driving in Victoria after this time you must get a Victorian driver licence. If your overseas driver licence has expired, you will still be able to take the drive test as you are exempt from holding a learner permit for the test.

New South WalesRMS
(formerly RTA)
If you’re a permanent Australian resident, or hold a permanent visa under the Commonwealth Migration Act 1958, and you intend to stay in NSW, you are not considered to be a visitor. As such, you are allowed to drive in NSW on a current overseas licence for a maximum of three months. After that, you will need to apply for a NSW licence to continue driving or riding.If you do not hold permanent Australian residency, but will be in NSW for more than 3 months, you can be issued with a Temporary Overseas Visitor licence.If your overseas licence or confirmation letter is not written in English, you must provide an official translation. Translations are only acceptable if they are from: The Community Relations Commission of NSW
Queensland Queensland Government You will need to apply for a Queensland driver licence if you:

  • are not an Australian citizen, but before you took up residence in Queensland you were given a resident (permanent) visa and you have now been residing in Queensland for 3 months
  • are not an Australian citizen, but after you took up residence in Queensland you were given a resident visa and you have now been residing in Queensland for 3 months since getting the visa.

If you are transferring from a foreign licence —you will require a recognised English translation (if needed) from a translator

South Australia South Australian Government If you get a permanent visa and become a resident, you must get your South Australian driver’s licence within three months. Once you are issued with a South Australian learner’s permit or driver’s licence, your overseas licence is invalid and you may be required to surrender it.ou may be eligible for the equivalent class of licence as your foreign licence. Minimum age requirements apply.Go to any Service SA customer service centre and present the following documents:

  • your current driver’s licence – with an approved English translation or your international driving permit
  • evidence of identity – proof of your identity, signature, age and address
  • payment for your written test, if required
  • your medical certificate, if required
  • concession card, if entitled.

 

Western Australia Department of TransportIf you hold a permanent resident visa and are living in Western Australia, you can drive with your current overseas licence for up to 3 months.During this time, you will need to apply for a WA driver’s licence.

Driver’s Licence Facts & Trivia

  • Before, Egyptian citizens only had to drive forward for six meters then another six meters in reverse.
  • The last country in Europe to introduce driving tests was Belgium. Before 1977, anyone could simply purchase and hold a licence without undergoing a driving test.
  • Countries around the world often accept driver’s licences as de facto proof of identity.
  • Driver’s licences in Japan has 3 colours on the expiration date. These are green, blue and gold. Gold is the Superior Driver’s licence given to ‘superior drivers’ who have at least five years of no driving violations.
  • The driver’s licence number in Venezuela is the same as the number in a citizen’s ID.

So what are you waiting for? Get a driver’s licence translation today and contact us via the Live Chat below.