Can I Learn To Drive In Australia If I Am Not Australian
Getting a drivers licence is a rite of passage for many people, but if you are not an Australian citizen, the process can seem a bit more complicated.
It is actually possible to learn to drive in Australia and get your licence even if you’re not Australian. However, you need to consider all the logistics to determine what is the best option for you and your situation.
Do You Already Have a Licence?
You can drive in Australia even if you do not have an Australian drivers licence for three months as long as your licence is in English. So if you have an English driver license and you’ll only drive for three months in the country, then you do not need to jump through any additional hoops.
If it is not written in English, or you need to stay in Australia and drive longer than three months, you will need to get an International Driving Permit from your home country, which will include an English translation of your licence allowing you to drive in the country without problems.
However, note that even if you’ve just entered Australia, you will still need to become familiarised with the legislation of the country. Overseas drivers should look up the rules of driving for the state and territory where they will be residing.
How Can You Learn to Drive in Australia?
If you have some form of Australian residencies, such as permanent visa, a 12-month stay, student visa, you can apply for a licence with the motor registry institution of your state and territory. If you gain permanent residency, you will need to apply for an Australian licence regardless if you already have a valid one in your home country within 3 months.
The process of getting an Australian licence differs slightly depending on the area where you’re applying from. The Northern Territory, for example, has slightly different requirements than New South Wales in terms of practice hours or eligibility criteria, but for the most part, you will have to take a knowledge test and pass the practical driving tests in order to get your licence.
How Can You Prepare for the Tests?
No matter if you’re an Australian citizen or not, the process of getting a drivers licence can seem a bit complicated at first because of the many rules and regulations involved. However, you can easily navigate the process with the help of a driving school.
Apart from learning how to drive and passing the knowledge test, driving schools in Australia can also assist you with the logistics of the process, the type of provisional licence you qualify for, the type of vehicle restrictions that may apply, and even helping you gather the documentation for your application.
Over to You
If you’re looking for a reputable driving school in NSW, LTrent Driving School is happy to help you get your driver licence even if you’ve just entered Australia.
We help prepare all our students to become great drivers and offer additional support when it comes to navigating the logistics of getting a permit. Our customer service team and driving instructors are ready to assist you all the way, without extra hassles and confusion. Get in touch with LTrent Driving School now to find out more about our classes and how we can help.