Driving in NSW - International Students

Driving in NSW on an overseas licence

If you hold an overseas licence, you are allowed to drive the vehicles covered by your overseas licence in NSW indefinitely, as long as:

• You remain a temporary overseas visitor
• Your overseas licence remains current
• You have not been disqualified from driving in NSW or anywhere else
• You have not had your licence suspended or cancelled, or your visiting driving privileges withdrawn
• You carry your overseas driver or rider licence. If your licence is not written in English, you must also carry an English translation, or an International Driving Permit.

As an overseas visiting driver, you must carry your licence with you when driving and be able to prove genuine visitor status to NSW Police, if required. Visas, letters from employers or educational institutions,  and statements from consulates or diplomatic offices may be used to establish visitor status.

You should read the Road Users Handbook to learn the current road rules in NSW.

Applying for a NSW licence

If you're a temporary overseas visitor (i.e. not an Australian citizen and not a permanent resident of Australia), you can apply for a NSW licence if you will be in NSW for more than 3 months.

See the rules for applying for a NSW licence as a temporary overseas visitor.

Temporary Licences will be marked with the one letter code "Q" in the conditions area on the front of the licence, while the accompanying text "Evidence of permanent resident status not provided to the RMS" will appear on the back of the licence.

Note: These licensing rules do not apply to people who have previously been issued a NSW licence, people  transferring an Australian interstate licence or New Zealand licence to a NSW licence or to visitors who do not hold an overseas licence applying for a NSW learner licence.