Driving in Australia as an International Student

Can I drive in Australia with a foreign license?

Note that if you’re driving in Australia with an international driver’s license that is not in English, you’ll need a translation certified by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

If your driver’s license doesn’t have a photo, you should carry your passport with you when you drive.

What if I don’t have a driving license?

If you want to drive in Australia and don’t have a license from your home country, you will need to pass a driving test to get an Australian license.

Each state in Australia has its own Department of Transportation (DOT) that is responsible for issuing driving licenses. You will usually need to take an online assessment in order to obtain a learner’s license, before booking a Practical Driving Assessment once you are confident in your driving abilities. You can find more information about the process of applying for a driving license on the website of your state’s DOT:

• Victoria: Vic Roads
• Queensland: Department of Transport and Main Roads
• Tasmania: Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources
• New South Wales: Roads and Maritime Resources
• Western Australia: Department of Transport
• South Australia: Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
• Northern Territory: Department of Transport
• Australian Capital Territory: Road Transport Authority:

Tips for driving in Australia as an international student

Here are a few things to bear in mind if you’re considering driving while studying abroad in Australia:

• Consider the cost: The costs of running a private car can add up fast, so make sure you’ve factored these into your budget. You should take into account the costs of fuel, insurance, parking, and maintenance. These can easily total more than AUD$100 per week in many parts of Australia.
• Remember the rules of the road: Make sure you’re familiar with the laws for drivers in Australia and how they differ from those in your home country. For example, Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road, rather than on the right as in the USA and many other countries. The blood alcohol limit for drivers is also lower than in the US and the UK, at 0.05%.
• Don’t rely on your phone for directions: Outside of the main cities mobile phone coverage can be patchy, so it’s best to travel with a map. If you’re hiring a car then most companies will also let you rent a sat nav.
• Check route for tolls: You can pay for road tolls with an electronic tag or pass (these can be hired at the same time as your card). The website or phone number will be displayed at the gates so if you need to, you can pay online up to three days after you use the road.
• Mind out for wildlife: You’re likely to come across Australia’s diverse wildlife while driving in it’s vast outback. Keep a close eye out for signs warning of koalas or kangaroos in the area, and stick to the speed limit to avoid accidents!
• Make sure your car is roadworthy: Some areas of the Australian outback can be particularly unforgiving for drivers, with scorching temperatures and tough terrain. Make sure your car is up to the job before venturing too far into the wilderness. It’s also worth having a spare container of fuel with you in case you find yourself in a remote area without a petrol station (or ‘servo’).