Drivers License Requirements in Australia
Just what driving licence is required for you to be able to legally hire a car and drive around in Australia?
Valid Licence: First and foremost, naturally, you must hold a valid driver’s license.
Full Licence: All the major companies require that you have a full license to rent a car. Learner’s permits, provisional and/or probationary licenses are not accepted.
Duration held: Some car hire companies may impose a minimum duration for which you must have held your current licence e.g. Avis and Hertz expect a one-year minimum.
Licence Language: Any valid drivers license in English is accepted. This means if your licence is issued in e.g. UK, USA, New Zealand, etc. you’re set. For licenses in other languages, you should have an approved English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) to accompany your current driver’s license.
Extra Notes for Specific Countries
United Kingdom: If you hold one of those new photo driving licences, you’ll have to bring along your paper licence too.
China: A China Notarial Certificate is accepted as an alternative to the International Driving Permit as long as you have your original Chinese licence with you too.
The International Driving Permit (IDP)
For anyone whose drivers license is not in English, you’re required to have an accompanying approved English translation. The IDP is one way to get that – it is in effect a legal translation of your current valid driver’s licence that remains valid for 12 months. It resembles a passport-sized booklet with translations into 9 international languages. It does NOT constitute a licence on its own and rather must be carried around together with your actual valid drivers licence. The IDP is recognized by a large list of countries (over 150), including Australia.
Be careful when applying for your IDP online. There are many versions of sites claiming to offer IDPs for a whole range of prices (up to the hundreds!) yet many of these sites aren’t officially government sanctioned. To avoid being scammed, go to the sites of government-approved and well-established automobile associations within your country. As an indication of the price to expect, in the UK it currently costs about £8, USA US$15, Germany €16, and in Australia A$25-30.
In Practice
These are the official rules you should abide by to ensure you have no problems renting and driving. It is, however, not uncommon for car hire company employees to close an eye if you try to rent with a country licence they are familiar with even though it’s not in English. Your success will depend on your luck whether the person serving you is feeling flexible or in a good mood. But remember that even if you do manage to hire your car, if you get stopped by the Police, you may be fined for not carrying the appropriate documents. In summary, it’s better to be properly prepared!
You have stated that one can drive for only 3 months and from then on need an IDP
But I was told that you can drive for 12 months if your driving license is in English
Carl: Yes, you’re absolutely right! In fact, as long as you’re only a temporary visitor and your foreign licence is current and in English (or accompanied by an approved English translation), you’re good to drive in Australia for ANY duration. The limitation we originally cited is for people who have obtained a permanent visa to stay in Australia. Thanks for pointing this out!
I shall be age 79 when i drive in the Perh region. With a clean license.
Are there any age limits in hiring a car ?
Thanks in anticipation.
Richard King
Richard: I believe you will be fine to rent. There isn’t usually a specific age limit but some car rental companies recommend bringing along a medical certificate so there’s no risk of them turning you down. This means you’re good at 79 but I suggest you check with them if they need the medical. Have a great time!
I am an Aussie, 24 years old but lived in the UK since I was 16 so I only have a UK license and never had a license in Aus. Don’t have a British passport. I am going to visit my grandparents in Sydney for a month, will I be able to rent a car and what documents do I need to show the car hire people?
Herman: You’re fine. The British driver’s license is valid for renting in Australia. If your license is the new photo one, just bring along the paper license too as some companies want to see that. That’s really all you’ll need besides your credit card for the payment
Hi,
I am visiting Sydney in the middle of June. I wanted to know if i can hire a car as i have a valid indian driving license .
It will be of geat help if you can provide some regarding this.
Thanks
Sandeep
Sandeep: Yes, a valid Indian driving licence is accepted for hiring and driving in Australia (as long as all details are written in English which I believe they are). So no worries and have a great trip to Sydney!
I learned from Australia website and it mentioned for the internal traveller who want to drive in Australia (Victoria), it accepts the home country drive license with English translation, but only accept the translation from following resources:
“VicRoads only accepts translations completed by:
– a NAATI accredited (any level) translator, or
- an official translation from the country of origin, or
- appropriate consulate in Australia.?”
do you have any appropriate consulate in Australia link? I was told that some of my friends in China bring the translation in China with certification but was treated as illeagal (for car purchasing).
Hi,
I will be visiting Queensland in the end of July. I wanted to know if I can hire a car as I have a valid Indonesian driving license. If not what is your suggestion for me to travel within Queensland (to Lismore to be exact) with reasonable price.
It will be appreciated if you can provide some guidance on this. Thanks.
Rocky: Yes, your Indonesian licence will work just fine as long as it is a full licence i.e. not a Probationary one, and you’ve held it for at least a year. If the licence itself is not written in English, it might be good to have an officially translated version of it or to get an International Driver’s License. Most of the time, they will accept it even if it’s not in English but it really depends on the mood of the person serving you. If in doubt, call up your car hire company of choice to clarify their exact requirements.
i have Indian driving licence and i have Australia permanent resident visa so how long use India driving licence in Perth Australia
Dinesh: You’ll be able to drive with your overseas licence until you’ve resided in WA for 3 months. After that, you’ll need a WA driver’s licence.
Hi, I am planning on visiting Australia in January-February. I plan on driving from Sydney to Cairns with my friend and at the time we will both be 19 years old. It is possible to rent a car in Australia at that age?
Rikke: Sadly, under 21′s have it very hard. There is a sparse group of independent companies that will do so but given that you also want a one-way rental from Sydney-Cairns, it makes things even more difficult. You may like to contact Cairns Unlimited who claim they can find cars for under 21′s although you make need to rethink your driving route.
Alternatively, Gold Coast Car Hire will rent to you and even permit one-way hires. However, this may potentially mean you need to start your journey out of Gold Coast. It may not be your original idea, but hey, we always say a trip is better than no trip at all
Bear in mind additional charges for underage drivers and one-way fees may make your trip a pretty costly one.
To go in a completely different direction, if you are expecting to travel for a good length of time, you may want to even consider buying an old beat up car, getting some basic insurance and selling it off once you’re done.
Are South African issued drivers licenses recognised by car hire companies in Australia?
Shaun: Yes, as I believe South African licences are written in English, they’ll be fine.
Hi,
I have an Indian driving license issued in 2004. Can I use this license in NSW. I have been in Sydney for more than 11 months and would stay for longer period. Which license do I need to apply for if this is not valid any more ? Do I get any exemption.
Please let me know.
Thank you
My huby and I are coming to Australia for a holiday next year. We are looking at hiring a car but only have the old type paper UK Driving Licence, do we need to get a photo type one in order to hire a car, or will the paper one and passport be acceptable?
Adi: As long as you are a temporary visitor (that includes tourists, work/study visa holders, short-term business visitors), you can continue to use your Indian licence. It is only when you become an Australian citizen or permanent resident that you’ll then need to apply for a NSW licence, no exemptions. See this NSW Guide for International Drivers PDF (1.3Mb) for more details.
Carolyn: Yup, your UK paper licences will be fine as long as you have a valid photo ID to accompany it, such as your passport. Welcome in advance to Australia and we know you’ll both have an amazing trip!
Hi,
Thank you for your valuable feedback.
With regards to your reply, I would like to clarify that I do hold a Spouse Visa Subclass 309. Next year i.e Nov 2012 I would be eligible for Permanent Visa. So as of today do I come under temporary visa category ? Can I use my international Licence till Nov 2012 or till I get a PR because practically speaking this visa doesn’t have a expiry date as such but is converted to PR after 2 yrs from the date of grant.
And in case I fall under the temporary category when I get a PR do I need to apply for a learner license or am I eligible to apply for NSW unrestricted license ?
Awaiting your valuable response,
Regards.
Thanks for the advice, really appreciated!!!
Adi: Yes, your Spouse Visa is technically still a temporary visa until it becomes converted to permanent after 2 years (that’s in Nov 2012). So you may continue to use your overseas licence until then. Once you become a PR, you can continue to use your overseas licence for up to 3 more months, after which you’ll need to get a NSW licence.
As you hold an Indian licence which is not in the list of recognised countries, you will need to sit for the both the knowledge test and the driving test. If you pass the tests and you’ve held your Indian licence for more than 3 years, you’ll be issued an unrestricted NSW licence. If you fail the driving test however, you will no longer be allowed to drive and will have to apply for a learner’s licence so you may retake your test.
Hi,
I am a 27yo Australian resident with my green P licence that i recently got back after being suspended for 2 years. Am i still able to hire a car in Sydney?
Danny: Yes, it is possible to rent with a provisional licence but your options will be limited. The major companies like Avis, Europcar, Hertz, etc. all require full licences. You will have to look to the likes of RedSpot or East Coast Car Rentals who will rent to you. However, bear in mind there will be additional costs involved such as a Licence Surcharge or the fact they’ll require you to take out a more expensive comprehensive insurance cover.
Am I eligible to drive in Melbourne?? I’m 20 years old and was holding probaction driving license in Malaysia. And I did apply the IDP(letter of translation) for temporary driving in Melbourne… And I’m about finish the period of probaction in January 2012… Anyone can help me about this?? Because I have to plan about my trip to Melbourne…
Hiya,
Can you rent a car if you only hold an automatic drivers license in the UK, I am travelling to Australia next June and wouldn’t mind renting a car whilst I am there.
Thanks
Vivian: Yes, as you are entering the country as a visitor and you hold a valid overseas driving licence, you are allowed to drive anywhere in Australia. Just carry both your licence and the IDP with you. Cheers and have a great trip!
Luke: Hiya there! Yup that’s perfectly fine – just don’t rent a manual!
I hold a driver’s licencse which is not in English and I’m already in Australia. Any chance I can get an IDP/accepted translation in Sydney so I can rent a car?
Thanks!
Hi
We are from the UK and are currently on an overland trip to Australia, due to arrive next month. We have only brought the credit card type part of our driving licences with us, will we be able to rent a car without the paper part?
Thank you
Lin
Lin: In theory, car rental companies specify they want the paper part but in practice, it really is up to the employee behind the counter to make the call. Perhaps you can call the company you’re renting from to double check with them and see if they give the green light. You may just have to take a chance. Many people have rented cars with a foreign non-translated licences with no problems although in theory, they’re supposed to present a legitimate translation of it. But you never know what day the man/lady serving you has had! Cheers
Does anyone know of a car rental company in Melbourne CBD which does in fact rent to provisional license (P2) holders?
Thanks
I am an indian student in melbourne, I have a permanent indian driving license in engish. Can I use it to drive a manual tansmission car?
thanks
Hi,I ll be traveling across australia and hold a valid indian driving licence(in english), i read that the same is valid to rent a car, is it also valid to drive a non rental car, say my brother’s car, ?
Hi,
I’m going to be on a student visa to Perth Australia.
I hold a Indian Licence which is in English and also have an IDP so is it ok for me to drive or do I need to get an WA License after a certain period of time?
Thanks!!
Zaee
Hi Zaee. Yes, you’re fine to drive with your Indian Licence since it’s in English. As long as you remain on a Student Visa and don’t become a Permanent Resident or Citizen, you can continue to do so.
Romit: Yes, it is the same. You may use your Indian driving licence. The only thing you might want to double check is your brother’s car insurance policy to make sure that it covers third parties i.e. you, to drive his car.
I am moving to Perth from the Caribbean on a 457 Visa – How long am I allowed to use my IDP?
Kenrick: As long as you remain on your 457 Visa and your IDP remains valid, you can use it to drive around in Perth. It’s only if you apply for Permanent Residency that you will have 3 months to transfer your licence to a WA licence.
hi, came to Australia on a 12month working visa, didnt get a license back in the UK, could i obtain an Australian provisional license which means i could drive around ? ta
Simeon: Yes, you can, but you’ll have to take all the necessary tests – that includes a knowledge test, a practical driving test, and an eyesight test. See http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/settle-in-australia/to-do-first/apply-drivers.htm for more information.
Hi I will be going to Broome end of march for one week, myself and my boyfriend are both on green P’s (I will be 19 and 8 months and my boyfriend 20 and 1 month) we both have a clear driving history and were wondering if you know of any company that would lease us out a car or scooter for the week?
Thanks..
Hey there, ive moved here on a years visit (working holiday) from the UK and have a full English Licence, from what ive read here, i should be fine to drive in this country. The only issue is that i have brought my Photo ID licence, but not the paper licence that accompanies it, because intially i never intended to drive here so at the time it didnt seem necessary. Is the paper licence absolutely necessary too, or will i be ok with just the photocard?
I’m 26 and going over to sydney NSW to study and just got my driving licence recently less than a year. I’m thinking of renting a car for a few days to assist with my settling down but most car rental companies have a one year minimum driving licence ownership. Are there any rental companies without this requirement? Or is there any way to convince the rental companies that I’m a reliable driver etc?
Olivia: Ooh. Unfortunately, you’re in a difficult situation. There are only a few companies that will rent to P’s but coupled with the fact that both of you are also under 21, I’m afraid I’m not aware of anyone that will rent to you guys. Sorry I can’t be of more help but good luck with your search – if you find a company, we’d be grateful if you could share it with us!
John Paul: Well, in theory the major companies state they want the paper licence too but in practice, I would say that it’s just as likely they’ll close one eye. It depends on the person behind the counter and how strict he/she is. I’d suggest you contact the rental company and get some assurance from them. It’s worth taking a chance IMO.
Hi I am from South Africa and have come over on a 457 Visa ( 4 years ) I live in Queensland do i need to get an Australian Licence issued?
Hey – I’m coming to Australia later this year and would like to hire a car. I havent held my license for a year yet, do you know any hire companies that will rent cars to drivers that haven’t held for one yr? I’m 31 so not classed as a young driver!! We have companies in the UK but havent been able to find one in Aus yet..
Thanks
Ian: As long as you remain on the 457 (i.e. don’t become a Permanent Resident), you’ll be fine driving on your South African licence as long as it’s valid.
VInce, Tom: I’d suggest looking at Red Spot. They’ll hire cars to provisional licence holders but there’s a A$16.50/day surcharge. It’s probably your best bet as they have depots in all the major cities.
And btw, Vince, all the best settling in; Tom, welcome in advance to Oz and have yourself a ripper time!