Updated on July 26, 2019
Can I drive in Australia with an overseas license?
Laws and driving regulations differ from state to state in Australia, which can be a pain, as it would be simpler to have national rules and regulations overall. Some states require drivers to carry an International Driving Permit in addition to their valid foreign license. Other states require drivers to carry a valid foreign driver’s license together with a formal translation of their license into English.
According to the Australian Government website:
“In most Australian states and territories (the exception is the Northern Territory), you can drive on an overseas license as long as it is current. You can only drive vehicles which your overseas license authorises you to drive and you must drive according to any conditions on your overseas license.”
Links to each State with information regarding driving in Australia with a foreign license:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Self-drive touring in Australia offers complete freedom and flexibility, whether you’re driving your own vehicle or renting a car.
Many different car rental companies are available, offering a variety of options. A few companies specialize in selling vehicles to travelers with an agreed buyback price, taking the worry and gnashing of teeth out of selling a vehicle at the end of an adventure in Australia.
Car or Campervan Relocation Deals: Rental and campervan companies often need vehicles relocated around Australia. So, they sometimes offer unbelievable deals to customers.
The Vroom Vroom Vroom Car Relocation Deals site combines ALL of the different relocation deals in one place. This makes it easier for customers to find what they are looking for and connect with the right company.
- Drive safely in Australia, obey our road rules as you would at home, please.
- Do not assume that speeding fines, road tolls, etc. do not apply to international drivers.
- Keep to the left on the roads in Australia!
- Take care and enjoy the adventure!
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Are there any specific companies that help people from the UK hire Motorhomes or caravans and cars for 12 months or more? Most only seem to do short rentals up to a month.
Hi Gareth, You might be better off, cost wise, to consider buying a campervan here for that length of time. Travellers Auto-Barn ( https://www.travellers-autobarn.com.au/) would be one of the longest running companies selling used vans and giving a set buy back price too. Another one that I have not heard much about but would be worth comparing is https://www.australianbackpackerscars.com.au/
These companies can help sort out insurance as well as provide the basic camping needs for a trip around Australia. I hope this helps you plan your trip.
That is bad luck Craig, I hope the fine was not too high. Hopefully your advice will spare someone else the headache though!
Apart from that incident, I trust you enjoyed your travels down under!
A helpful piece of advice… do not park on the opposite side of the street facing traffic like we tend to do in the U.K. as it is definitely against the law in Oz, we found out the hard way unfortunately!!