Driver's Licence

A Guide To Converting Your Overseas Driver’s Licence In Victoria

The need for converting your overseas driving licence to a Victorian driving licence is decided by whether you are staying in Victoria on a temporary or long-term basis. It is crucial to understand the procedure for acquiring a Victorian driving or learner’s permit, particularly if you want to settle permanently, regardless of whether you are an arriving temporary or permanent resident from another Australian state or abroad. Your ability to drive in a different state or nation and conduct business or professional commutes may be improved if you need to know how to convert your foreign driver’s licence. This comprehensive guide will make it easy for you to understand the procedure of converting an overseas licence.

How Is Driving In Victoria Different?

Driving in Victoria can be difficult for international drivers because of the different rules of the road and driving standards. These include driving on the left side of the road, kilometre-based speed limits, and specific Victorian traffic regulations such as driving around trams and buses, recognising Melbourne’s unusual hook turns, and following laws for using the road with scooters and cyclists. Overseas licence holders frequently face tougher testing requirements in Victoria than in their home country, requiring the learning of additional road rules and adjusting to new driving practices that they may have yet to anticipate.

Driving License Conversion Guidelines In Victoria

Your driving licence conversion will be based on the following guidelines: 

  • If you are in Victoria on a permanent visa, you can drive using your foreign driver’s licence for six months from the date you first entered Australia if the permanent visa was issued before you came to Australia. If the permanent visa was issued to you in Australia, you have six months from the time when the permanent visa was issued to you.
  • If you are on a temporary visa, you can drive with your overseas driver’s licence for an indefinite period of time. However, your driving licence must be current, valid, and written in English, or you have to accompany it with an English translation or an international driving permit.

Who Needs To Take The Victorian Driving Test?

According to the law, some people need to take a driving test to convert their overseas licence to a Victorian one. Whether you need to take the test depends on your age and the country where your licence was issued. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Recognised Countries:

  • Some countries have driving standards similar to Australia’s, called recognised countries.
  • If you have a valid licence from a recognised country, you don’t need to take a test to get a Victorian driver’s licence.
  • You must still convert your overseas licence to a Victorian one after living in Victoria for six months.

The Recognised Countries Meet These Criteria:

  • Driving assessment is similar to Australia.
  • Mandatory learner driver requirements.
  • Proper training and qualifications for the testers.
  • Proof of identity in the licence documentation.
  • Information for both car and motorcycle licence.

Experienced Driver Countries:

  • These countries have almost the same driving standards as Australia.
  • If you are 25 years or older and have a licence from an experienced driver country, you usually don’t need to take a test to get a Victorian licence.
  • If you are under 25, you will need to take the test.

You can check out the list of recognised countries and experienced driver countries by Austroads and the Department of Transport (DTP) here

Steps To Convert Your Overseas Driver’s Licence

The following steps have been scheduled for the conversion of an overseas driver’s licence to a Victorian one:

Step 1: Verify Your Overseas Licence

To start, you need to verify your overseas driver’s licence. First, book an appointment, which is usually done online through the VicRoads website. Make sure to bring your current overseas licence and any other documents they may require, like proof of identity. This step ensures that your foreign licence is recognized and that you are ready to proceed with the conversion process.

Step 2: Learner’s Permit Test

Next, you’ll need to pass a learner’s permit test. This test checks your knowledge of local road rules and driving regulations. This test is computer-based and you need to take this test on a scheduled date in a selected VicRoads office. You can either give this test in person or online.

Note: When you are converting your overseas licence to a Victorian licence, you might be required to take the Learner Permit Test as part of the process. However, it is crucial to avoid actually obtaining a physical Learner Permit card. The Learner Permit Test is only a step in the process of converting your licence, not an end goal. You do not need the physical card because you are not becoming a learner driver; you are converting your existing overseas licence. Make sure you check it with VicRoads before proceeding.

Step 3: Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

The Hazard Perception Test is what you’ll take after completing the learner’s permit exam. This exam assesses your ability to recognize and react to possible road dangers. As the test is typically computer-based, make sure you check its format in advance. You can take this test online or in person. 

Step 4: Drive Test

Lastly, you have to schedule and finish your driving test. Make an appointment to take your driving test at Vicroads. Verifying that an instructor is available for your test is a smart idea. Get ready by improving your driving abilities and adjusting to the driving environment in the area. Bring all required paperwork on test day, and make sure you follow the examiner’s directions to finish the test.

How Sprint Driving School Can Help In Your Licence Conversion

Converting your overseas driver’s licence to a Victorian one is an important step in making sure you can drive legally and safely while settling in Victoria. By understanding the local driving regulations and following the above-mentioned steps, you can complete the conversion process smoothly and efficiently. For those seeking personalised guidance and professional support throughout this process, we at Sprint Driving School are here to help. We will help you understand the conversion process and what can you expect from it. Our experienced instructors can assist with your VicRoads driving test preparation, provide valuable insights into Victorian road rules, and ensure you are fully ready for your overseas licence conversion. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I drive in Victoria with an overseas licence?
You can drive in Victoria with your overseas licence for up to 6 months from the date you start living in Victoria. This period starts from your first arrival and does not change if you leave and return to Victoria.
How to verify an overseas licence in Victoria?
In Victoria, you must schedule an appointment with VicRoads to get your overseas licence verified. You can complete this online by going to the VicRoads website or by going to a VicRoads office in your area.
What is the Hazard Perception Test in VIC?
The Hazard Perception Test in Victoria is a computer-based assessment that evaluates your ability to identify and respond to potential hazards on the road. This test is crucial for ensuring that drivers can safely navigate various driving situations. To take the test, you need to register through the VicRoads website and follow the instructions provided.
How many attempts are there for the Hazard Perception Test in Victoria?
For the Hazard Perception Test, you have two chances in a single day to pass. Test fees will be charged for each additional attempt if you fail these and have to wait till the following day to repeat the exam. You can easily and conveniently register for the test online by visiting your myVicRoads website.
Do I need to take a driving test to convert my overseas licence to a Victorian licence?
Whether you need to take a driving test to convert your overseas licence to a Victorian licence depends on your age and the country where your licence was issued. Drivers from recognized or experienced driver countries may not need to take a test if they meet specific conditions. To determine your eligibility, check the most recent list of recognized and experienced driver countries on the Austroads website.