If you hold a driver’s licence from another country and plan to drive in Australia, there are two key situations where a certified translation may be required. This guide provides the latest information for each state and territory regarding:
- Driving with an Overseas Licence
- Converting an Overseas Licence
Generally, the translation requirements for converting an overseas licence into a local one are stricter than those for driving on an overseas licence. Below, we outline the key regulations and processes for Western Australia (WA), including how to legally drive with an overseas licence and how to convert it to a Western Australia (WA) licence.
1. Driving on a Foreign Licence in Western Australia (WA) as a Temporary Visitor: Time Limits
If you’re a tourist or temporary overseas visitor, you can drive in WA using your overseas licence indefinitely.
2. Effect of Permanent Visa
You have three months from the date you take up residence in Australia to obtain a WA licence after receiving a permanent visa. Note that this three-month period does not start from the date your permanent visa is granted unless you are already living in Western Australia.
3. Requirements for Driving on a Foreign Driver’s Licence
For Western Australia, the requirement is:
Foreign driver’s licence and an International Driving Permit, or foreign driver’s licence and a certified English translation of the licence.
4. Vehicle Classes You Can Drive with a Foreign Licence
Most states and territories, including WA, allow foreign drivers to operate vehicles under Class C (passenger vehicles) and Class R (motorcycles) licences. Drivers must adhere to any conditions specified on their foreign licence and comply with state-specific regulations.
5. Applying for a Heavy Vehicle Licence
In WA, if you hold an overseas truck or heavy vehicle licence, you must meet the eligibility requirements for the relevant class and apply for a new licence for the appropriate vehicle class.
If you have a C-class equivalent licence from a non-recognised country, you may be eligible to apply for a Medium Rigid (MR) or Heavy Rigid (HR) licence. In such cases, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria and pass a computerised theory test (CTT), the Heavy Vehicle Theory Test (HVTT), and the relevant Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) before you can receive a WA driver’s licence.
6. What Happens If You Fail a Driving Test?
Currently, if a person fails a practical driving assessment, they are still allowed to drive in WA on their overseas driver’s licence. However, the regulations state that in certain circumstances, the Department of Transport can notify a driver in writing that they are no longer permitted to drive in WA using their overseas licence.
A recent cooperative investigation with the Corruption and Crime Commission has resulted in two key recommendations for change:
- A foreign licence will become invalid three months after the holder first arrives in WA.
- Failing a Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) will automatically cancel a foreign or interstate licence.
Acceptable Translations
Driving with an Overseas Licence
The Department of Transport accepts NAATI-certified translations from NAATI-certified translators, but it does not specify whether the translation document needs to be an original.
Converting an Overseas Licence
The Department of Transport accepts translations of overseas driver’s licences from the following sources:
- ✅ NAATI-certified translators (including Recognised Practising).
- ✅ Tertiary-qualified translators.
- ✅ Permanent Pre-2007 NAATI Accredited Practitioners listed on the Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI) website.
- ✅ Department of Home Affairs (DHA) ‘Free Translating Service’ (for eligible customers only).
- ✅ Official consulates or embassies (if NAATI or tertiary-qualified translations are unavailable).
For the latest updates, contact the local transport authority directly.
Western Australia (WA): Department of Transport
Following these guidelines will help ensure that you remain compliant with WA’s driving regulations while using your overseas driver’s licence. Safe travels!
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