Last Updated: 22 October 2025
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If you’re living in Australia on a temporary visa or have recently relocated, there’s a major update you need to know about: the process of converting an international driver’s licence to an Australian one is changing, and it affects drivers in New South Wales, Queensland, and the ACT.
Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) Is Being Phased Out
As announced by Austroads on 21 October 2024, changes are being introduced to the Recognised Country Scheme for Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) status.
Until now, many drivers from selected overseas countries were eligible to convert their driver’s licence without taking additional driving tests under the EDR system. This applied particularly to those over the age of 25 with at least a few years of driving experience.
Under the new arrangements, Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) status officially ended on 30 April 2025 in most Australian states and territories. However, several jurisdictions are following their own transition timelines:
- New South Wales (NSW): The original deadline of 31 October 2025 has been extended to 31 January 2026 to allow more time for eligible drivers to convert their overseas licences and reduce pressure on Service NSW testing centres.
- Queensland (QLD): EDR status will cease on 29 November 2025. After this date, drivers from affected countries must complete both the Driver Knowledge Test and the Driving Test to obtain a Queensland licence.
- Tasmania & Western Australia (WA): WA is operating under a transition period that ends on 31 October 2025, with EDR fully removed from 1 November 2025. Tasmania has not set a later extension and remains aligned with the national arrangements.
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): The ACT is also removing EDR in line with national reforms, though the official date is yet to be confirmed.
From 31 January 2026, drivers aged 25 or over from countries in List B will need to pass both the Driver Knowledge Test and the Driving Test to obtain a NSW driver licence.
Once EDR is fully phased out, drivers from affected countries will need to complete the required assessments or testing to obtain an Australian licence.
Who Will Be Affected? (List B – Being Phased Out)
If your licence was issued in one of the following countries or jurisdictions, you may have previously qualified for EDR, but will soon be required to sit a knowledge or practical driving test:
- South Africa
- Poland
- Taiwan
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Romania
- Hungary
- Slovakia
- Czech Republic
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Bulgaria
- Estonia
- Slovenia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Serbia
- Hong Kong (SAR of China)
These are known as List B countries, which are now being phased out under the new scheme.
Who Remains Exempt? (List A – Recognised Countries and Jurisdictions)
Drivers from List A countries will continue to be eligible for a direct licence conversion without testing. These countries currently include:
- United Kingdom
- United States
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Japan
- Ireland
- Singapore
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Austria
- Denmark
- Finland
- Belgium
- Sweden
- Portugal
- Malta (licences issued on or after 2 January 2004)
- Isle of Man (licences issued on or after 1 April 1991)
- Luxembourg
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- Croatia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
These countries hold Recognised Country status, which will remain in place. However, Austroads has introduced a five-year review process, meaning these designations may change in future.
How Long Can You Drive on an Overseas Licence?
Each state has different rules for how long you can use your overseas licence:
- NSW: Up to 6 months from arrival.
- QLD: Generally until visa expiry or within 3 months if you become a permanent resident.
- ACT: Up to 3 months from the date you become a resident.
If you’re planning to stay long-term or apply for permanent residency, you’ll need to convert to an Australian licence within these timeframes.
Car vs Motorcycle Licence Conversions
Another change under the new scheme is the separation of car and motorcycle licence conversions. If you hold both, you may need to go through two separate applications and potentially take two tests, depending on your country of origin.
LTrent Can Help You Navigate These Changes
Whether you’re a new resident, international student or a temporary visa holder, these changes can feel overwhelming. At LTrent Driving School, we’re here to guide you through the process.
With tailored driving lessons across NSW, QLD, and the ACT, our instructors specialise in preparing overseas drivers for both knowledge and practical tests — ensuring you’re confident and ready for Australian roads.
Book a lesson with LTrent today and get expert help converting your international licence the right way.
