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If you hold a full UK driver's licence, you
are able to drive the class of motor vehicle (Not Heavy Vehicles or
Buses) that you are authorised to drive under that licence for the
life of that licence. This only applies if you are not an Australian
citizen, or you have not been granted a permanent visa or a special
category visa, that is if you are just visiting.
If you are an
Australian citizen, or permanent
resident you are only authorised to
drive in Australia under your foreign driver licence for three
months. The three month period begins EITHER:
When you take up residence in Australia; or
When
you are granted a permanent visa or a special category visa.
So
basically if you hold a current full UK car license you can apply for
a drivers licence of the same class as your UK licence. Due to recent
changes in the Australian licensing laws, UK license holders are now
exempt from the practical driving test, but you will need to comply
with the following:
Produce your valid foreign licence and
supporting evidence of identity.
Provide evidence of
residence; (Visa In Passport)
Complete
an application, which includes a medical declaration
Pass an
eyesight test or make a declaration (*)
Pass a Written Test,
of approx 30 multiple-choice questions or you may not be requires to
a test.(*)
Complete all the above within the stated
timeframe
Note: (*) Each State or Territory does vary, please
check.
You should carry your driving license (whether
Australian or overseas) with you at all times.
If
you are a permanent resident visa holder and have a current driver's
licence from another country, in English or
with an official translation,
you are allowed to drive for your first three months after arrival.
After the three months, if you want to drive,
you will need to have the appropriate driver's licence. This will
usually require you to pass a knowledge test, a practical driving
test, and an eyesight test. In Australia, drivers' licences are
issued by state and territory governments.
The table below provides contact details for
each state and territory
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