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?
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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
| State | Road Authority | Rules for Temporary Visa Holders |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | VicRoads | If you have entered Victoria on a temporary visa:
A learner permit from overseas cannot be used to drive in Victoria. |
| New South Wales | RMS (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:
|
| Queensland | Queensland Government | You will need to apply for a Queensland driver licence if you:
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 are just visiting Australia, you can drive the same type of vehicle as your current licence allows.You will need one of these:
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 Transport | If 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:
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
| State | Road Authority | Rules for Permanent Visa Holders |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | VicRoads | If 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:
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 Wales | RMS (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:
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:
|
| Western Australia | Department of Transport | If 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.