Drivers Licence in Western Australia

Moving to Western Australia? Confused about the driver licence process?

Everything You Need To Know

Department of Transport
Driver and Vehicle Services
GPO Box R1290
Perth WA 6844

Website: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/licensing.asp
Phone: 13 11 56

If you are living in Western Australia and hold a valid overseas driver’s licence, you are permitted to drive in Western Australia for a maximum of three months. During this time frame, it’s essential to initiate the process of transferring your overseas driver’s licence to a Western Australian driver’s licence.

Once this three-month period elapses, it becomes illegal to operate a vehicle using your overseas licence, regardless of its validity.

If you possess a valid car or motorcycle licence from New Zealand, which has remained unexpired for the past 12 months, there’s no requirement for you to undergo a theory test or practical driving assessment.

However, if you hold an overseas licence for trucks or heavy vehicles, you must apply for a new licence corresponding to the appropriate vehicle class.

For individuals transferring a current New Zealand heavy vehicle driver’s licence (excluding multi-combination class vehicles), completion of a heavy vehicle theory test at a Driver and Vehicle Services center or regional DoT office is necessary.

You will be required to take an eyesight test at the Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or regional agent when you apply for your license. If you need to wear glasses or contacts to pass the eyesight test, your license will say that you need to be wearing your glasses or contacts while you are driving.

The Difference Between Learners & Restricted Licences

Western Australian driver’s licenses have four license “stages” – learner license, provisional license (stage one, also known as P1 or “red Ps”), provisional license (stage two, also known as P2 or “green Ps”), and open. Each of these stages have certain restrictions until you have reached your open license, and while you are not on your open license, you must take care to always display the correct “plates”.

P1 or “red Ps” have restrictions in relation to when you can drive, with a curfew between midnight and 5am (unless it is for study or work and you have an exemption).

P2 or “green Ps” do not have the same curfew, but still must display their green “P” plates.

Once you have completed your provisional license requirements, you will receive your open license and no longer have to display “P” plates.

Transferring Your Licence From New Zealand

To transfer your full driver’s license from New Zealand to a West Australian driver’s license, you will need to do the following:

  • Complete a transfer of overseas driver’s licence application form;
  • Bring your New Zealand licence with you (the Department staff will need to see it);
  • Bring your original identity documents with you, including documents which prove you are living in Western Australia; and
  • Pay the transfer application fee ($59.90 or $138.70 if a driving test is required) and the licensing fee (1 year of licensing is approximately $46.85).

Click here to find your nearest Department of Transport.

Drivers Licences in Queensland

Moving to Queensland? Confused about the driver license process?

Everything You Need To Know

Department of Transport and Motoring
Phone: 13 74 68
Website: www.qld.gov.au/transport

If you are living in Queensland, you will need to switch over your New Zealand driver’s licence to a Queensland driver’s licence. You can drive using your overseas driver’s licence for the first 3 months, after which, you can apply for a Queensland driver’s licence. If you do not switch over to a Queensland driver’s license once you have been in Queensland for 3 months, you must stop driving until you have gotten a Queensland driver’s licence.

If you are applying for a car or motorcycle licence, you do not have to re-sit the written road rules test or practical driving test if you have a current New Zealand driver’s licence or have held a New Zealand driver’s licence within the last 5 years for a car, moped or motorcycle.

If you want to apply a Queensland heavy vehicle driver licence and have previously held within the last 5 years or currently hold a New Zealand heavy vehicle licence, you will need to pass the written road rules test for heavy vehicles.

If you have previously had a New Zealand learner licence for a car, moped or motorcycle, you will not have to re-sit the written test but will have to pass the Queensland practical test.

The Difference Between Learners & Restricted Licences

Queensland driver’s licences have four licence “stages” – learner licence, provisional licence (stage one, also known as P1 or “red Ps”), provisional licence (stage two, also known as P2 or “green Ps”), and open. Each of these stages have certain restrictions until you have reached your open licence, and while you are not on your open licence, you must take care to always display the correct “plates”. These requirements may be different if you are over the age of 25, as you may be exempt from some requirements.

P1 or “red Ps” have restrictions in relation to who and how many people you can have as passengers during certain times, restrictions on how you can use your phone while driving (holding a handset while driving in Australia carries harsh penalties for all drivers, but while on your P1 licence, there are additional restrictions on hands-free, wireless and mobiles on speaker), restrictions on high-powered vehicles and potentially some restrictions on what times you can drive.

P2 or “green Ps” do not have the same restrictions in relation to passengers, when you can drive or what kind of hands-free or wireless mobile phone system you can use, but does still carry restrictions on high powered cars if you are under the age of 25.

Once you have completed your provisional licence requirements, you will be able to apply for your open license.

Transferring Your Licence From New Zealand

To transfer your full driver’s license from New Zealand to a Queensland driver’s license, you will need to do the following:

  • Complete a driver’s license application form (Form F3000);
  • Bring your New Zealand licence with you (the Department staff will need to see it);
  • Bring your original identity documents with you, including documents which prove you are living in Queensland;
  • Declare that you do not have any medical conditions that would stop you being able to drive safely (for example, diabetes, epilepsy, sleep disorders); and
  • Pay the licensing fee (1 year of licensing is approximately $88.55).

Drivers Licences in New South Wales

Moving to New South Wales? Confused about the driver licence process?

Everything You Need To Know

Department of Roads and Maritime Services

General enquiries: 13 22 13
Website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/


If you are living in New South Wales, you will need to switch over your New Zealand driver’s licence to a New South Wales driver’s licence. You can drive using your overseas driver’s licence for the first 3 months, within that time, you need to apply for a New South Wales driver’s licence. If you do not apply and obtain a New South Wales driver’s licence within three months, you must stop driving until you have a New South Wales driver’s licence.

There are age requirements for being issued a New South Wales driver’s licence. You must be at least 16 years for a learner driver licence, 16 years and 9 months for a learner rider (motorcycle) licence and 17 years for a provisional driver or rider licence.

The New South Wales Department of Roads and Maritime Services will take any New Zealand licence you currently hold into account when issuing you an Australian driver’s licence.

The Difference Between Learners & Restricted Licences

If you hold a current learner’s licence from New Zealand, you will be issued a New South Wales learner licence. You may be exempt from being issued a learner’s licence and be able to go directly to taking a practical driving test, but it is recommended that you call the Department directly to discuss your individual situation. They can be contacted on 13 22 13.

If you have held a restricted New Zealand driver’s licence for less than one year, you will be issued a provisional “P1” driver’s license. A “P1” or “red Ps” licence carries certain restrictions. While on your P1 license, you must obey the following rules:

  • You can only drive cars (no heavy or rigid vehicles);
  • You must display red P-plates (red “P”, white background) on the front and back of your car, on the outside;
  • You cannot exceed a speed of 90km/h;
  • Do not exceed a zero blood alcohol concentration (cannot drink at all while driving);
  • You cannot supervise learner drivers;
  • No use of mobile phones (including hands-free or loudspeaker);
  • You cannot drive a high-powered vehicle; and
  • Do not exceed 4 demerit points in total.

If you are under 25 years of age, additional restrictions in relation to when you can carry passengers (and of what age) apply.

If you have held a restricted or full New Zealand driver’s licence for less than three years, you will be issued a provisional “P2” driver’s licence. A “P2” license is valid for 30 months, and carries the following restrictions:

  • You cannot touch your mobile phone handset while driving (hands-free or wireless sets are okay);
  • You must display green P-plates (green “P”, white background) on the front and back of your car, on the outside;
  • You cannot exceed a speed of 100km/h;
  • Do not exceed a zero blood alcohol concentration (cannot drink at all while driving);
  • You cannot supervise learner drivers;
  • You cannot drive a high-powered vehicle; and
  • You cannot exceed 7 demerit points (all speeding offences while on your P2 license will mean you receive 4 demerit).

If you have held a full New Zealand driver’s licence for more than three years, you will be issued an unrestricted driver’s licence (full licence).

Transferring Your License From New Zealand

To transfer your full driver’s licence from New Zealand to a New South Wales driver’s licence, you will need to do the following:

  • Complete the Driver’s Licence Application form;
  • Bring your New Zealand driver’s licence with you (the Department staff will need to see it);
  • Bring your original identity documents with you, including documents which prove you are living in New South Wales);
  • Pass an eyesight test;
  • Pass the required written or practical tests for your licence (you may be exempt from this); and
  • Pay the licensing fee (1 year of licensing is approximately $66).

Drivers Licences in Victoria

Moving to Victoria? Confused about the driver licence process?

Everything You Need To Know

VicRoads
General enquiries: 13 11 71
Website: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/

If you are living in Victoria, you will need to switch over your New Zealand driver’s licence to a Victorian driver’s licence. You can drive using your overseas driver’s licence for the first 6 months, during which, you need to apply for a Victorian driver’s licence. If you do not apply and obtain a Victorian driver’s licence within six months, you must stop driving until you have a Victorian driver’s licence.

There are age requirements for being issued a Victorian driver’s licence. You must be at least 16 years for a learner driver licence, 18 years for a learner rider (motorcycle) licence and 18 years for an open or unrestricted driver or rider licence.

VicRoads will take any New Zealand licence you currently hold into account when issuing you an Australian driver’s licence.

The Difference Between Learners & Restricted Licences

If you hold a current learner’s licence from New Zealand, you will be issued a Victorian learner licence. You will need to take a “knowledge” written test and a practical driving test before moving onto your provisional licence.

If you have held a restricted New Zealand driver’s licence for less than one year (after you turned 18) and are under the age of 21, you will be issued a provisional “P1” driver’s licence. A “P1” or “red Ps” licence carries certain restrictions.

While on your P1 licence, you must obey the following rules:

  • You can only drive cars (no heavy or rigid vehicles);
  • You must display red P-plates (red “P”, white background);
  • You cannot tow a trailer or another motor vehicle;
  • Do not exceed a zero blood alcohol concentration (cannot drink at all while driving);
  • No use of mobile phones (including hands-free or loudspeaker);
  • You cannot drive a high-powered vehicle; and
  • Cannot carry more than one passenger between the ages of 16 and 22.

If you have held a restricted or full New Zealand driver’s licence for less than three years and are 21 years or older, you will be issued a provisional “P2” driver’s licence. A “P2” licence carries the following restrictions:

  • You must display green P-plates (green “P”, white background);
  • No use of mobile phones (including hands-free or loudspeaker);
  • Do not exceed a zero blood alcohol concentration (cannot drink at all while driving); and
  • You cannot drive a high-powered vehicle.

If you have held a full New Zealand driver’s licence for more than three years and are 21 years or older, you will be issued an unrestricted driver’s licence (full licence).

Transferring Your License From New Zealand

To transfer your full driver’s licence from New Zealand to a Victorian driver’s licence, you will need to do the following:

  • Complete the Driver’s Licence Application form;
  • Book a licence conversion appointment (this is easiest to book and pay for online)
  • Bring your New Zealand driver’s licence with you (the Department staff will need to see it);
  • Bring your original identity documents with you, including documents which prove you are living in Victoria;
  • Bring with you a valid Certificate of Particulars from the New Zealand Transport Agency (must have been issued within 3 months);
  • Pass the required written or practical tests for your licence (you may be exempt from this); and
  • Pay the appointment fee ($20.40) and the licensing fee (1 year of licensing is approximately $88.90).

Drivers Licences in South Australia

Moving to South Australia? Confused about the driver licence process?

Everything You Need To Know

ServiceSA
Transport, Travel and Motoring
131 084

Website: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/


If you are living in South Australia, you will need to switch over your New Zealand driver’s licence to a South Australian driver’s licence. You can drive using your overseas driver’s licence for the first 3 months, after which, you need to apply for a South Australian driver’s licence. If you do not apply and obtain a South Australian driver’s licence within three months, you must stop driving until you have a South Australian driver’s licence.

ServiceSA will take any New Zealand licence you currently hold into account when issuing you an Australian driver’s licence.

The Difference Between Learners & Restricted Licences

If you hold a current learner’s licence from New Zealand, these are unfortunately not able to be transferred directly into a South Australian learner’s permit.  You will need to apply for South Australian learner’s permit once you are in South Australia and over the age of 16.

If you have held a restricted New Zealand driver’s licence, you will be issued a provisional “P1” or “P2” driver’s licence. A “P1” (or “red Ps”) and “P2” (or “green Ps”) provisional licence carries certain restrictions.

While on your P1 licence, you must obey the following rules:

  • You must display red P-plates (red “P”, white background);
  • Do not exceed a zero blood alcohol concentration (cannot drink at all while driving), as well as zero cannabis, speed or MDMA in your blood or saliva;
  • You cannot exceed a speed of 100km/h;
  • No use of mobile phones (including hands-free or loudspeaker);
  • If you are under the age of 25, you:
    • Cannot carry more than one passenger between the ages of 16 and 20;
    • Cannot drive between midnight and 5am;
    • Without a qualified supervising driver sitting next to you in the car; and
    • You cannot drive a high-powered vehicle.

A “P2” licence carries the following restrictions:

  • You must display green P-plates (green “P”, white background);
  • Do not exceed a zero blood alcohol concentration (cannot drink at all while driving), as well as zero cannabis, speed or MDMA in your blood or saliva;
  • You cannot exceed a speed of 100km/h; and
  • If you are under the age of 25, you cannot drive a high-powered vehicle.

If you have held a full New Zealand driver’s licence, you will be issued an unrestricted driver’s licence (full licence).

Transferring Your Licence From New Zealand

To transfer your full driver’s licence from New Zealand to a South Australian driver’s licence, you will need to do the following:

  • Go to a ServiceSA customer service centre;
  • Complete the Driver’s Licence Application form;
  • Bring your New Zealand driver’s licence with you (the Department staff will need to see it);
  • Bring your original identity documents with you, including documents which prove you are living in South Australia;
  • Pass the required written or practical tests for your licence (you may be exempt from this); and
  • Pay the licensing fee (1 year of licensing is approximately $71).