Converting Your Indian Driving Licence in Australia — State by State Guide (2026)

Driving in Australia is essential for most Indian families — especially if you settle in the outer suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane where public transport is limited. But India is not a recognised country under Australia's overseas licence scheme, which means you will need to pass both a knowledge test and a practical driving test to get your full Australian licence.

This guide tells you exactly what to expect, state by state, in 2026.

The Most Important Thing to Know First

India is not on Australia's recognised country list. Countries like the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore have reciprocal arrangements where their licence holders can convert directly without tests. Indian licence holders cannot — you must pass tests regardless of how many years you have been driving in India.

This surprises many Indians who have been driving for 10–20 years. The tests are not difficult, but you do need to prepare for Australian road rules, which differ from India in several important ways.

Need an Indian driving instructor who explains in Hindi? AustraliaWasi lists Indian driving schools and instructors across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane → Find Indian Driving Instructors

How Long Can You Drive on Your Indian Licence?

You can drive in Australia on your valid Indian licence — but only for a limited period depending on your visa status and which state you live in.

Important: Your Indian licence must be valid (not expired). If it has expired, you cannot legally drive in Australia on it at all.

If your licence is not in English (which Indian licences typically are in the regional language plus English), you must carry either:

• An International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained from your RTO in India before you arrived, OR
• A NAATI-certified English translation of your Indian licence (can be done in Australia)

Conversion Deadlines by Visa Status

State	Temporary Visa Holders	Permanent Residents / Citizens
NSW	Can drive for duration of visa	3 months to convert
VIC	Can drive indefinitely (non-PR)	6 months to convert
QLD	Can drive for duration of visa	3 months to convert
WA	3 months	3 months to convert
SA	Can drive for duration of visa	3 months to convert
ACT	Can drive for duration of visa	3 months to convert
TAS	Can drive for duration of visa	3 months to convert
NT	Can drive for duration of visa	3 months to convert

Key point: If you fail a driving test in any state, you generally cannot continue driving on your overseas licence. This is why preparation matters.

What You Need to Convert Your Licence

Regardless of which state you are in, gather these documents before visiting the licensing centre:

• Original Indian driving licence (not a photocopy)
• NAATI-certified English translation of your licence (if your licence has non-English content)
• Passport with valid Australian visa
• Proof of Australian residential address (utility bill, rental agreement, bank statement — dated within 3 months)
• Visa grant letter or ImmiCard
• Eyesight test (done at the licensing centre on the day)

You cannot use an expired Indian licence. If yours has expired, you will need to start from a learner licence in most states.

State-by-State Guide

New South Wales (NSW)

Authority: Transport for NSW / Service NSW Website: service.nsw.gov.au

Temporary visa holders: You can drive on your valid Indian licence (with translation or IDP) for the duration of your visa.

Permanent residents: Must convert within 3 months of becoming a PR.

Tests required (Indian licence holders):

• Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) — 45 multiple choice questions on road rules, hazards and safe driving
• Practical driving test (road test with an examiner)
• Eyesight test (done at the centre)

What to do:

1. Study the NSW Road User Handbook (free at service.nsw.gov.au)
2. Pass the DKT at any Service NSW centre (can also be done online)
3. Book and pass the practical driving test
4. Pay the licence fee and receive your NSW licence

Cost (approx.): $127 AUD for the licence fee. Knowledge test is free. Practical test fee varies.

Pass rate: Knowledge test ~85%. Practical test ~56% first attempt for overseas applicants.

Tip for NSW: The DKT has 45 questions and you need 41 correct to pass. Study particularly on roundabouts, speed limits in school zones, and alcohol limits — these differ significantly from India.

Victoria (VIC)

Authority: VicRoads Website: vicroads.vic.gov.au

Temporary visa holders: Can drive indefinitely on a valid overseas licence with translation or IDP.

Permanent residents: Must convert within 6 months of becoming a PR.

Tests required (Indian licence holders):

• Road Law Knowledge Test (online or at VicRoads)
• Hazard Perception Test (HPT) — computer-based video test
• Practical driving test

What to do:

1. Study using the road to solo driving handbook
2. Pass the road law knowledge test (50 questions, need 45)
3. Pass the Hazard Perception Test
4. Book practical driving test at a VicRoads centre
5. Pay licence fee

Cost (approx.): $73 AUD licence fee. Additional fees for tests.

Pass rate: Practical test ~75% first attempt.

Tip for Victoria: The Hazard Perception Test trips up many Indian drivers. It is a video-based test where you click when you see a developing hazard. Practice the HPT online at the Licence Tester website before booking.

Queensland (QLD)

Authority: Department of Transport and Main Roads Website: tmr.qld.gov.au

Temporary visa holders: Can drive on valid overseas licence for the duration of your visa.

Permanent residents: Must convert within 3 months of becoming a PR.

Tests required (Indian licence holders):

• Road rules test (written or computer-based)
• Q-SAFE practical driving test (Queensland's computerised assessment)

What to do:

1. Study the Queensland Road Rules handbook
2. Visit a Transport and Main Roads customer service centre
3. Pass the road rules test
4. Pass the practical driving test
5. Pay the licence fee

Cost (approx.): $91 AUD for the licence.

Pass rate: ~61% first attempt for practical test.

Tip for QLD: QLD uses the Q-SAFE computerised assessment system for practical tests. The examiner uses a tablet to assess you — this is normal and not something to be alarmed by.

Western Australia (WA)

Authority: Department of Transport (Driver and Vehicle Services) Website: transport.wa.gov.au

Important 2025 change: The Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) exemption ended on 31 October 2025. This means WA now requires a practical assessment for most overseas licence holders, including those from previously recognised countries. All Indian licence holders must complete tests.

Temporary visa holders: Can drive for 3 months on a valid overseas licence.

Permanent residents: Must convert within 3 months.

Tests required (Indian licence holders):

• Theory test
• Vision test
• Practical Driving Assessment (PDA)

Cost (approx.): $105 AUD for the licence.

Pass rate: ~35% first attempt on the practical — the lowest in Australia. Book lessons with a registered instructor before your test.

South Australia (SA)

Authority: SA.GOV.AU / Service SA Website: sa.gov.au

Tests required: Road rules test and practical driving test for Indian licence holders.

Cost (approx.): $70–$90 AUD.

NAATI-Certified Translation — What You Need to Know

If your Indian driving licence contains text in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada or another Indian language, you will need a NAATI-certified English translation.

NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) is the Australian government's accreditation body. Only NAATI-certified translators are accepted by Australian state road authorities.

Where to get a NAATI translation:

• Many Indian community members offer NAATI translation services in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
• Online NAATI-certified translation services (delivered by email, usually within 24–48 hours)
• Cost: $40–$80 AUD typically

Search "NAATI Hindi translation driving licence" to find certified translators.

Tips for Passing the Practical Driving Test

Indian drivers often struggle with the practical test because Australian road rules and driving style are quite different from India. Key things to focus on:

Left-hand traffic: Australia drives on the left. If you have driven in UK or other left-hand countries you are accustomed to this. If not, practice extensively before your test.

Giving way at intersections: Australian give-way rules are strict. At an uncontrolled intersection, give way to vehicles coming from your right. Roundabouts: give way to traffic already in the roundabout.

Speed compliance: Speed limits in Australia are strictly enforced. Stay at or below the posted limit throughout your test. Going even 5km/h over in a school zone is an automatic fail in many states.

Indicating: Indicate every time you change lanes, turn, or move around parked cars — even if no one seems to be around.

Head checks: Physically turn your head to check blind spots every time you change lanes. Examiners mark you down for not doing this.

Booking lessons: Even experienced Indian drivers benefit from 2–3 lessons with an Australian instructor before their test. Many Indian driving instructors in Australia explain the rules in Hindi and understand the specific adjustments Indian drivers need to make.

Find an Indian driving instructor who explains in Hindi or Punjabi: Browse driving schools and instructors on AustraliaWasi → Find Driving Schools Near You

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive immediately after arriving in Australia?

Yes, on your valid Indian licence — as long as it is not expired and you carry a NAATI-certified translation or IDP. Check the specific rules for your state above.

What if my Indian licence is expired?

You cannot drive on an expired licence in Australia. You would need to apply for a learner licence and go through the standard learner process in your state.

Do I need to get an International Driving Permit before leaving India?

An IDP is helpful and accepted in all states instead of a NAATI translation. But if you have already arrived without one, a NAATI-certified translation works too and is easier to get in Australia.

How many driving lessons should I take before the test?

For most Indian drivers, 2–5 lessons is typical. If you have experience driving in a left-hand traffic country (like the UK), you may need fewer. If you have only driven in India on the right side, allow more time to adjust.

Can I drive in a different state on my NSW or VIC licence?

Yes. Once converted to an Australian state licence, it is valid for driving in all states and territories.

What happens if I drive without converting after the deadline?

Driving without a valid licence is a serious offence in Australia. Penalties include large fines and potentially affecting your visa status. Convert within the required deadline for your state.