Can I drive in NSW with my overseas licence?
Yes — but only for a limited time. If you hold a current overseas driving licence and have recently arrived in NSW, you can drive legally for up to 3 months from your arrival date.
After 3 months you must obtain an NSW driver licence to continue driving legally.
Step 1 — Check if your country has a reciprocal agreement with NSW
NSW has reciprocal licence agreements with a number of countries. If your licence is from one of these countries, you may be able to convert without sitting the Driver Knowledge Test or practical driving test:
Countries with reciprocal agreements include: United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, and several European countries.
If your country is not on the reciprocal list, you will need to go through the full licensing process including the Driver Knowledge Test and practical driving test.
Check the full current list at Service NSW's website as this changes periodically.
Step 2 — Take the Driver Knowledge Test (if required)
The Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) is a computer-based multiple choice test covering NSW road rules. It is taken at a Service NSW centre.
You need to score at least 45 out of 45 questions correctly on the road rules section and at least 12 out of 15 on the road safety section.
You can prepare using the NSW Road Users Handbook available free from Service NSW, or the free practice tests on the Service NSW website.
Step 3 — Book driving lessons
This is where most overseas drivers underestimate the process. Even if you have been driving for 10 or 20 years overseas, Australian roads have differences that can catch you out in a test:
- Left-hand side of the road driving
- Give way rules at intersections — different from many countries
- Hook turns and specific lane rules
- Speed zone awareness
- Local test centre specific requirements
Most of our overseas students need between 3 and 8 lessons to feel confident and test-ready. We tailor every lesson to what you already know and focus specifically on what is different about Australian driving.
We pick up from your home, workplace, or directly from Macquarie University campus in North Ryde — which is particularly useful for international students.
Step 4 — Pass your NSW practical driving test
The practical test is conducted by a Service NSW assessor and typically takes 25 to 30 minutes. You will be assessed on:
- General driving ability and road positioning
- Giving way correctly at intersections
- Parallel parking and three-point turns
- Speed management
- Observation and awareness
We know every test route at Ryde, Silverwater, Castle Hill, Chatswood, and Hornsby. Our students practice on the exact roads, intersections, and manoeuvres used in the actual test.
What documents do you need?
When you go to Service NSW to apply for your NSW licence you will typically need:
- Your current overseas licence (and an official English translation if not in English)
- Proof of identity (passport)
- Proof of your Australian visa or residency status
- Payment for the licence fee
Always check the current requirements directly with Service NSW before your appointment as requirements can change.
How L Plus P can help
L Plus P Driving School has been helping overseas drivers in north-west Sydney since 1997. Our instructors Mick and Sidra understand exactly what international drivers need to focus on to pass first time.
We offer:
- Assessment lessons to identify what you need to work on
- Flexible packages from $60/hr casual to $275 for 5 hours
- Free pick-up and drop-off across 24 suburbs including Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Epping, Eastwood, Carlingford, and Chatswood
- Female instructor Sidra available on request
- Car available for your actual driving test
Book online at lppdrivingschool.com.au/overseas-licence-conversion or call Mick on 0469 370 978.
Ready to book a lesson?
Free pick-up across 24 Sydney suburbs.