Tourists and overseas visitors

If you’re a tourist or temporary overseas visitor, you can drive using your overseas licence as long as you:

• remain a temporary overseas visitor
• have a current overseas licence
• have not been disqualified from driving anywhere
• have not had your licence suspended or cancelled
• carry your overseas driver or rider licence with you.

If your licence is not written in English, you must also carry an English translation, or an International Driving Permit. This is issued by the motoring association or embassy of the country that you are licensed to drive in.

You don’t have to get a New South Wales licence if you meet these conditions and can prove your visitor status to authorities, if asked.

Interstate and New Zealand licence holders

You can drive with your existing licence for up to 3 months, as long as you:

• have a current licence interstate or NZ licence
• have not been disqualified from driving anywhere
• have not had your licence suspended or cancelled
• carry your driver or rider licence with you
• you can prove your genuine visitor status to authorities, if asked. 

Australian citizens and permanent residents ~ Citizens with overseas licences

If you’re an Australian citizen who lives overseas and has a current overseas licence, you’re permitted to drive as a temporary overseas visitor. There is no need to apply to get a New South Wales licence or renew a New South Wales  licence.

Permanent residents

If you’re a permanent resident of Australia you can drive or ride on New South Wales roads using a current overseas licence. You’re allowed to do this for up 3 months from the date you arrive in Australia.

If you plan to continue driving on New South Wales roads, you must get a New South Wales licence within this 3 month period.

Vehicles you can drive Car licence holders

Overseas and interstate visitors can drive vehicles covered by a NSW class C driver licence:

• 4.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass or less, and
• seating up to 12 adults including the driver.