Converting an Overseas Driver's Licence to an Australian One

If you hold a driver’s licence from Vietnam or another country and want to keep driving in Australia, converting to an Australian licence is something you will need to do — but the specific process depends heavily on the state you live in and the country that issued your licence.

Why you need to convert

A valid overseas driver’s licence lets you drive in Australia for a set period after you arrive — but not indefinitely. This period varies by state (usually counted from the date you arrived in Australia, or from the date you became a permanent resident).

After the period during which you are permitted to use an overseas licence expires, you must hold an Australian licence to drive legally. Driving on a licence that is no longer valid, or of the wrong type, is a traffic offence and can affect your car insurance.

Each state has its own rules

This is the most important point to understand: there is no single nationwide process for converting a driver’s licence in Australia. Each state and territory has its own road authority with its own rules.

Find accurate information on the website of the road authority for the state where you live:

• NSW: Transport for NSW (transport.nsw.gov.au)
• VIC: VicRoads (vicroads.vic.gov.au)
• QLD: Department of Transport and Main Roads (qld.gov.au/transport)
• WA: Department of Transport WA (transport.wa.gov.au)
• SA: Department for Infrastructure and Transport SA (dit.sa.gov.au)
• TAS: Department of State Growth TAS (transport.tas.gov.au)
• ACT: Access Canberra (accesscanberra.act.gov.au)
• NT: Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics NT (nt.gov.au)

The issuing country affects the process

Australia classifies overseas licences according to how closely they align with the Australian standard. Licences from some countries (such as the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand, and several others) are accepted for a fast conversion with little or no testing.

A Vietnamese licence usually does not fall into this group — you will generally have to:

1. Undergo a driving-competency assessment
2. Possibly sit a theory test and/or a practical test
3. In some states, you may be required to take additional lessons

This does not mean conversion is impossible — only that the process can take longer. Check with the road authority in your state for the exact requirements.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in Vietnam before you leave is a supporting document used alongside your Vietnamese domestic licence — it is not a replacement for the Vietnamese licence when driving in Australia.

An IDP is legally valid in Australia for a short period, but only when used together with a valid original domestic licence. An IDP does not replace an Australian licence once the period for using an overseas licence has expired.

Documents usually required

Although the process varies, the documents usually required include:

• Your valid original overseas driver’s licence
• A certified translation (if the licence is not in English) — Australia recognises translations from NAATI-accredited translators
• Passport and visa
• Proof of your residential address in Australia
• Fees (which vary by state)

A Vietnamese licence written in Vietnamese needs to be translated into English by a NAATI-accredited translator to be valid for use in Australia.

The Australian licensing system

Australian licences use a graduated licensing system — this is especially relevant if you are young or an inexperienced driver. For those who already have driving experience and a valid overseas licence, you are usually exempt from some steps in the graduated system.

Australian licences are classified by vehicle category, similar to many countries: cars (Class C), heavy vehicles, motorcycles, and so on.

Driving in Australia: differences to be aware of

If you are coming from Vietnam, some notable differences include:

• Driving on the left: Australia drives on the left — the same as the UK and Japan, unlike Vietnam (Vietnam technically also keeps left, but the actual flow of traffic is significantly different).
• Strict speed limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced — speed cameras are common everywhere. Even small overruns are fined.
• No phone use while driving: The rules are very strict — no holding a phone, even when stopped at a red light.
• Priority for pedestrians at crossings: Pedestrians at a marked crossing have absolute right of way.
• Blood alcohol limits: Blood alcohol limits are strict — check the rules for your particular licence type (P1 and P2 licences have their own rules).

Next steps

If you are not ready to buy a car just yet, see the related overview of public transport in Australia.

For your list of things to do in your first month, see the related first-30-days checklist for new arrivals.