KEY POINTS:
- If you have a full NZ driver licence, you are able to drive for up to six months when visiting Australia, depending on the state/territory you are visiting.
- NZ drivers with restricted licences should check the restrictions relevant to them in the state/territory they are visiting.
- If you are moving to Australia permanently, you will need to apply for an Australian-issued driver licence; if you have a full NZ licence and are over 21, this should be a simple process, just like renewing a licence in NZ.
Can I use my New Zealand driver licence in Australia while on holiday?
Yes. New Zealanders holding a full, current NZ driver licence are permitted to drive when visiting Australia. However, some states and territories do apply time limits for visiting drivers, after which they need to apply for a local licence:
- Northern Territory: visiting Kiwis permitted to drive using their NZ licence for three months
- New South Wales & Victoria: visiting Kiwis permitted to drive using their NZ licence for six months
I’m moving to Australia permanently, do I need to get an Australian driver licence?
Yes, once you become a permanent Australian resident, or citizen, you will need to apply for an Australian-issued driver licence. Generally, if you have a full, current NZ driver licence, and are over 21 years of age, you’ll be able to apply for a new Australian licence in the location that you’re living. This usually involves just an eye test, as in New Zealand.
However, if you’re under 21, and/or only have a learner or provisional licence, it’s likely you’ll have to sit further theory and practical driving tests in Australia.
Each state/territory has its own regulations, so you’ll need to check what applies in your location. We provide an overview below, plus links through to relevant details:
Australian Central Territory
If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for an ACT licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in the ACT here.
New South Wales
If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for a NSW licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in NSW here.
Northern Territory
If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for an NT licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in the NT here.
Queensland
If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for a Qld licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in Qld here.
South Australia
If you are aged 20+ and have held a full NZ driver licence for over three years, you can apply for a SA licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in SA here.
Tasmania
If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for a Tas licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in Tas here.
Victoria
If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for a Vic licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in Vic here.
Western Australia
If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for a WA licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in WA here.
Can I use my restricted driver licence in Australia?
As a visitor to Australia, you should be able to drive using your restricted licence as long as you stick to the conditions outlined on your NZ licence, and abide by any rules outlined for the equivalent licence in the state you are visiting.
However, as each state and territory in Australia has slightly different road rules concerning learner drivers, it’s important to check with the road agency in the particular state that you are planning visiting.
About the author of this page
Bruce Pitchers is Canstar NZ’s Content Manager. An experienced finance reporter, he has three decades’ experience as a journalist and has worked for major media companies in Australia, the UK and NZ, including ACP, Are Media, Bauer Media Group, Fairfax, Pacific Magazines, News Corp and TVNZ. As a freelancer, he has worked for The Australian Financial Review, the NZ Financial Markets Authority and major banks and investment companies on both sides of the Tasman.
In his role at Canstar, he has been a regular commentator in the NZ media, including on the Driven, Stuff and One Roof websites, the NZ Herald, Radio NZ, and Newstalk ZB.
Away from Canstar, Bruce creates puzzles for magazines and newspapers, including Woman’s Day and New Idea. He is also the co-author of the murder-mystery 5 Minute Murder.
Share this article