🇦🇺 Recognised Country Scheme
This scheme acknowledges countries with driver training and assessment systems broadly equivalent to Australia’s. Holders of car and motorcycle licences from these countries are exempt from additional knowledge or driving tests when applying for an Australian licence.
✅ Countries Currently Recognised:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Canada
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Guernsey
- Ireland
- Isle of Man (for licences first issued on or after 1 April 1991)
- Italy
- Japan
- Jersey
- Luxembourg
- Malta (for licences first issued on or after 2 January 2004)
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
These countries have been assessed as having driver training and assessment systems broadly equivalent to Australia’s. Holders of car and motorcycle licences from these countries are exempt from additional knowledge or driving tests when applying for an Australian licence. Austroads
🚗 Experienced Driver Recognition
This category applies to countries with licensing systems that don’t fully align with Australia’s standards. Drivers over 25 years old from these countries may still be issued an Australian licence without additional testing, though this arrangement is being phased out in certain states.
✅ Countries Previously Recognised (Arrangements Ending Soon):
- Bulgaria
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China)
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Poland
- Republic of Cyprus
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Republic of Serbia
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Taiwan
Please note that the Experienced Driver Recognition arrangements are ending soon in certain states:
- Western Australia: Ends 31 October 2025
- Queensland: Ends 29 November 2025
- New South Wales: Ends February 2026
- Tasmania: Ends 1 November 2025
EDR arrangements have ended in ACT, Northern Territory, Victoria and South Australia.
After these dates, drivers from these countries may need to undertake further training and testing before being issued an Australian licence. Austroads
🔍 Key Differences Between the Two Categories
| Feature | Recognised Country Scheme | Experienced Driver Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Exemption from Testing | Yes | Yes (for drivers over 25) |
| Age Requirement | None | Over 25 years old |
| Current Status | Active | Phasing out in certain states (WA, QLD, NSW and TAS) Phased out in the others (ACT, NT, SA and VIC) |
| Additional Training | Not required | Required after phase-out dates |
| Licence Conversion | Streamlined process | May require further assessment |
🌐 Next Steps for Overseas Drivers
If you’re an overseas driver planning to live in Australia:
- Check Your Country’s Status: Determine whether your country is recognised under the Recognised Country Scheme or if you’re eligible for Experienced Driver Recognition.
- Understand State-Specific Requirements: Licensing requirements can vary by state and territory. For instance, the Northern Territory, New South Wales, and Victoria have different rules for visiting drivers. Austroads
- Prepare Necessary Documents: Ensure you have your overseas licence and, if not in English, an International Driving Permit or an English translation.
- Stay Informed About Policy Changes: Be aware of the phase-out dates for Experienced Driver Recognition in certain states to plan accordingly.
For more detailed information and updates, visit the Overseas Driver Licensing Policy Review page on Austroads.
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