Road Transport & Accidents
3. Licensing
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 26 Aug 2015
- Australia has a national licence system. This means that the classes of licence are similar across all states and territories. Although you may obtain a national licence the government agency or department responsible for issuing national licences will vary depending on your state or territory of residence. In NSW for example the only agency authorised to issue a licence is the NSW Department of Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).
- You must carry the appropriate licence for the vehicle that you are operating. For example a 'C' class licence is predominately issued to people wishing to drive a car. This same licence qualifies people to operate other motor vehicles such a utility (ute), van, light truck, car-based motor tricycle and even a tractor.
- The process of obtaining a licence can vary across states and territories. In NSW it will take a new driver 4 years to progress through the graduated licensing scheme. You will be required to undertake a combination of knowledge based and practical examinations throughout the licensing process.
- In Victoria you must go through two stages of probationary licence. Different restrictions apply to each of the two probationary stages.
- If you move from interstate you generally have three months during which you must transfer your licence to the new state or territory you are residing in.
- If you are a permanent Australian resident or hold a permanent visa under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) your overseas licence can be used for an initial period of three months but after this you must obtain an Australian driving licence. You will need to obtain a licence from your state or territory authority.
- New Zealand residents regardless of whether they are permanent or temporary must obtain an Australian driving licence within 3 months of living in Australia.
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