Guide to NSW car licence laws for international drivers
International residents who have lived in New South Wales for more than six months will officially be subject to roadside enforcement if they have not converted their overseas licence, the NRMA can confirm.
From March 1, 2025, overseas drivers who have not yet converted their licences after six months will be treated as ‘unlicensed’, according to the NSW Government. The six-month rule previously stood for international visitors who began living in NSW on or after July 1, 2023, but will now apply to visitors who arrived before that date.
The crackdown follows a spate of fatalities involving international drivers on NSW roads.
Data obtained by the NRMA’s Open Road reveals that between 2019 and 2023, there were 24 fatal crashes involving a driver or rider with an overseas licence, resulting in the loss of 26 lives. In 2024 alone, preliminary figures reveal there were two fatal crashes involving a driver or rider with an overseas licence, resulting in three fatalities.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson urged overseas residents to take the local driving test and bring their knowledge and skillset up to speed with state requirements.
“More than 200,000 international drivers have converted their overseas licence to a NSW driver licence since 1 July, 2023,” the spokesperson said. “This initiative is aimed to improve road safety and ensure that overseas visitors who wish to drive meet the state’s road safety standards.
“This process is designed to make sure that licence holders possess the necessary skills and knowledge for safe driving on NSW roads, tested through theoretical and practical driving or riding exams.
“Having as many international drivers as possible convert their overseas licence to a NSW licence means more drivers being familiar with the local rules, and also lowers the risk of demerit point fraud.”
The same rules also apply to international students living in New South Wales.
How do I convert my international drivers licence to a NSW drivers licence?
The process of converting your overseas drivers licence to a New South Wales drivers licence is relatively straight-forward. The first port of call is the Service NSW website, which provides an overview of what you’ll need, what the licence conversion will entail, as well as any assistance with providing a licence for temporary overseas visitors – if you’re a temporary visa holder or cannot provide proof of permanent residence.
You may need to pass a knowledge or driving test, depending on where your overseas licence was issued.
Additionally, drivers aged 75 years or older will be required to undergo a medical review and may need to take a practical driving test, depending on circumstances.
What happens if I’m caught driving unlicensed?
It goes without saying the penalties for driving without a licence in NSW are pretty hefty.
According to the Service NSW website, drivers who have never held a licence in NSW risk a maximum fine of up to $2200 if caught by NSW Police.
That’s for the first offense. Second or subsequent infringements can lead to a fine of up to $3300 and/or six months imprisonment, along with a mandatory disqualification period.
A separate $818 fine can be issued for driving a car that is not insured or is unregistered.
