How to Get an Australian Driving Licence

If you are planning on moving to Australia, one of the things you will need is a driving licence. Many people think they need an International Driving Permit before moving, but this is not true.

You will be able to get your Australian driving licence when you register your vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles, which takes about 60 minutes if there are no problems and can be done at any of their offices throughout Australia.

If you've been living in Australia for several years, you must reapply for a new Category E Licence. After this is granted, if you do not already have a Category D licence, you will be issued a Category D licence.

Suppose you already have an overseas driving licence and intend to move to Australia. In that case, you will need to transfer your overseas licence to a Category E Licence before applying for an Australian one. Let's look at how you can get an Australian driving licence in more detail. 

Categories Of Driving Licences In Australia

There are different categories of driver's licences available in Australia. You will need to choose which one you are applying for based on your reasons for moving to Australia, how much time you will be in the country over the next two years, and your purpose for driving in Australia.

Restricted Licence

This licence is only available to those living in Australia with no intention of travelling abroad or who want to drive a small car with a very low-speed limit. This is not a good option if you plan on long-range travel as this licence does not allow you to drive on any other road except the sealed roads with red lines on them, so this has limited possibility of use.

Provisional P1 Licence

This is the most common form of licence for learners in Australia, and it can be a full licence allowing you to drive with no time limits. You can upgrade this to a full licence after having held the Provisional P1 for 12 months.

Provisional P2 Licence

This provisional licence allows you to drive anywhere at any time, but only while accompanied by a driver who has held their driver's licence for at least three years. After one year of holding this licence, you can upgrade it to a restricted driver's licence.

Full Licence

This entirely unrestricted licence allows you to drive anywhere, but it does not allow you to drive a vehicle weighing more than 4.5 tonnes of Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM).

International Driving Permit

If you use your car as only a method of transportation, then you will not need a full licence. However, if you wish to use your car for something other than just transportation and it requires that the car be registered, you will have to have an international driving permit when applying for your Australian driver's licence.

Steps For Obtaining An Australian Driving Licence

Whether you live in New South Wales or anywhere else in Australia, if you want to obtain an Australian driving licence, the process for getting a licence will be the same. These are the basic steps you will need to follow to get a driver's licence:

Registering your car

You'll need to go to the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles office and bring a few essential documents with you. These include your passport, your overseas licence, and proof of residence. Once they have all been verified, you will be issued an Australian driver's licence within minutes.

Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) 

You may already have an overseas licence, so you can receive an international driving license immediately. The International Driving Permit (IDP) will immediately be accepted as if it were a full Australian driver's licence and will be valid while you hold your overseas driver's licence.

You will not need to renew the IDP after one year, but it is possible to renew it if the original has been damaged or lost. However, you'll have to apply for a learner's permit if you don't have an overseas licence.

Obtaining your provisional Australian driver's licence

Once you are in Australia, you can apply for your provisional Australian driver's licence. This process becomes easy if you have a valid IDP and have your driving/traffic laws booklet available. You must take the IDP and booklet when applying for your provisional licence.

Passing the eye test

The next step after obtaining your provisional licence is to pass the eye test. This is a simple task, but you will need to sit a theory test which is multiple choice, and then you will have to pass an eyesight check at a local driver licensing centre. You must remember that the booklets available for study are for written and practical tests.

Passing the driving test

Before obtaining your provisional Australian licence, you must pass the theory and practical driving tests. Your testing centre will provide information regarding where your nearest testing centre is located, where to go, and when it opens.

Update IDP to IDR form

Once you've successfully passed your driving test, you can obtain a new IDR form. The only difference with the previous form is that it will now be printed with the word 'REVISED' on it. This is to denote your new IDP, which means your driving licence in Australia will be valid for two years.

Filing for your new licence

Once you have received your revised Australian driver's licence, you must apply for a full Australian driver's licence by completing an application form and paying the $50 fee. You can complete this application online (if registered) or by going in person to a driver licensing office in Australia.

Tips For New Drivers In Australia

Driving safely is something that you should be thinking about before you get your Australian driver's licence. Here are some tips for keeping safe on the road:

Drive defensively

Driving defensively means that you should be aware of what is happening around you. Defensive driving means you will not be as likely to cause an accident.

Obey speed limits

Breaking speed limits can lead to severe consequences. You can be fined and get points off your licence, which may mean you need to sit your test again or potentially even lose your licence.

Pay attention to the road signs

There are different driving rules and laws in Australia, so new drivers need to become familiar with these before getting behind the wheel. Make sure you are familiar with the road signs and remember what they tell you.

Give way to cars that have the right of way

It is vital to notice what is happening around you and give way as soon as possible when a car with the right of way comes up behind you. If you do not give way to them, they may get offended and assume that you were driving in an unsafe manner.

Therefore they may start following closely behind until they can get out of your lane and drive in front of you again. Then, if an accident were to happen, you would be held responsible for it.

Driving during peak times

The busiest times on the roads are in the morning and evening peak hours, especially in Western Australia, where there is too much traffic. It is best to avoid driving at these times. If you live far out of town, it is also a good idea to avoid driving long distances between towns or cities during these hours, as this congests the roads too much.

Don't drink and drive

It is a legal offence to drink and drive in Australia, so you should not be driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. The best way to avoid fines and suspension of your licence is to avoid drinking alcohol before driving.

Get Your Australian Driving Licence Today

Safe driving is a priority in Australia, and you must know all the rules and laws before jumping behind the wheel. The best way to ensure that you are familiar with everything is to study the relevant manuals before applying for your Australian driver's licence.

A valid Australian driving licence is also essential if you wish to buy a car in Australia and plan to drive there. Check out trusted car dealerships to get a great car you'll be proud to drive in Australia.