Apply for a Driver’s Licence

You will normally need to obtain a state licence within 3 months of taking up residence in the state (you may be able to use your overseas licence in the meantime).

Australian driver licences are administered at state/territory level, and regulations may vary between states and territories.

You may need to do a practical driving test unless:

• You have a New Zealand licence; or
• You hold a current overseas licence and have previously held an Australian licence - the exact regulations in this area can be complex and vary from state to state
• You hold a current licence issued by an overseas country whose licensing system is recognised as similar to Australia's. (All Australian states and territories are moving to grant this exemption - you will need to check with the government directly as to whether they have implemented this scheme or not.)

In Australia, you are advised to carry your driving licence (whether Australian or overseas) with you at all times.

In order to get the maximum ‘No Claim’ bonus from an insurance company in Australia, you will need a letter from your insurance company that lists details of motor vehicle policies held with them and states that you have not made any claims.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements or click here for a detailed assessment of your particulars towards migration to Australia.

• Settling in Australia
• the housing process
• the employment scene
• what not to carry
• common Australian expressions
• the cost of living
• culture tips

A Newcomer’s Checklist

• Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
• Register with Medicare
• Open a bank account
• Register with Centrelink
• Enrol, if needed, for English classes
• Enrol children into school