by Dawn Teh
posted on August 7, 2024
For a complete and up to date overview of IDPs, refer to the .gov.au website that is relevant to the state you will be driving in.
If you’re planning to drive overseas, you might need a crucial piece of paperwork — the International Driving Permit (IDP). But what exactly is it, and how do you get one?
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the IDP, including whether your foreign drivers licence is valid to use in Australia and how you can apply for one.
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is a United Nations-sanctioned document that, along with your valid home driver licence, allows you to drive a motor vehicle in a foreign country legally. It is recognised in many countries and is often a requirement for renting vehicles in other countries. The IDP provides translations of your licence in multiple languages, enabling local authorities and rental companies to interpret your driving credentials easily.
- Recognised in over 150 countries
- Valid for 12 months
- Often needed for driving legally in other countries as a visitor
- Apply online, in-person, or by post
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Australia?
As a foreign visitor in Australia, you may need an International Driving Permit in some situations.
While the rules may vary between states, you’re generally allowed to drive using your foreign licence for a few months (between 3 to 6 months) as long as you meet these conditions:
- Maintain your status as a temporary overseas visitor.
- Hold a valid foreign licence.
- Have no history of driving disqualifications in Australia or any other location.
- Haven’t faced licence suspension, cancellation, or withdrawal of driving privileges.
However, if your drivers licence is written in another language, you will either need to get an English translation of your licence, or have an International Driving Permit.
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Tourists and overseas visitors
Find out if your drivers licence is valid for driving in Australia:
- Driving in Australia with a UK licence: You can drive with a UK licence in Australia for 6 months (some states may be less) as long as you remain a temporary overseas visitor during your stay and your UK licence is valid.
- Driving in Australia with an New Zealand licence: You can drive with a New Zealand licence in Australia for 6 months (some states may be less) as long as you remain a temporary overseas visitor during your stay and your New Zealand licence is valid.
- Driving in Australia with a US licence: You can drive with a US licence in Australia for 6 months (some states may be less) as long as you remain a temporary overseas visitor during your stay and your US licence is valid.
- Driving in Australia with a China licence: You must get an English translation of your China licence to drive in Australia. Unfortunately, no authorised governing body can issue IDPs in China.
- Driving in Australia with a Germany licence: You will need to get an English translation of your German licence or get an IDP before arriving to drive in Australia.
- Driving in Australia with an India licence: You can drive with an Indian licence in Australia for 6 months (some states may be less) as long as your licence is in English, you remain a temporary overseas visitor during your stay, and your foreign licence is valid.
- Driving in Australia with a Singapore licence: You can drive with a Singapore licence in Australia for 6 months (some states may be less) as long as you remain a temporary overseas visitor during your stay and your Singapore licence is valid.
- Driving in Australia with an Indonesia licence: You will need to get an English translation of your Indonesian licence or an IDP before arriving to drive in Australia.
- Driving in Australia with a Malaysia licence: You will need to get an English translation of your Malaysian licence or an IDP before arriving to drive in Australia.
- Driving in Australia with a Canada licence: You can drive with a Canadian licence in Australia for 6 months (some states may be less) as long as you remain a temporary overseas visitor during your stay and your Canada licence is valid.
Interstate and New Zealand licence holders
If you’re moving between states in Australia, you have a period of time (usually within 3 months after arriving) to convert your old licence to a new licence issued by the current state you intend to live in.
You can drive with a New Zealand licence in Australia for 6 months (some states may be less) as long as you remain a temporary overseas visitor during your stay and your New Zealand licence is valid.
Australian citizens and permanent residents
Australian citizens or permanent residents with an overseas driver licence will eventually need to convert their licence to an Australian driver licence if they intend to reside in Australia.
Citizens with overseas licences
If you’re an Australian with an overseas licence, you’re typically allowed to use your foreign drivers licence for a certain period (often three months) to drive within Australia. But, you’ll need to convert your overseas licence to an Australian licence within these 3 months if you intend to stay longer than that.
The conversion process is straightforward but might vary slightly between states.
Sometimes, you might only need proof of your identity and residential address, declare that you’re medically fit, and pay a fee for the conversion. If your overseas licence isn’t recognised in Australia, you might need to complete a knowledge and practical driving test.
Visit the website of the relevant state or territory’s transport authority to get the most accurate and up to date information.
Permanent residents
If you’re a permanent resident, you must convert your foreign driver’s licence to an Australian driver’s licence within three months of becoming a permanent resident.
This process involves a few straightforward steps but it is important to note that regulations can vary slightly from state to state.
In some cases, you might only need to provide proof of your identity and residential address, declare that you’re medically fit, and pay a fee for the conversion. If your overseas licence isn’t recognised in Australia, you might need to complete a knowledge test and a practical driving test.
Visit the website of the relevant state or territory’s transport authority to get the most accurate and updated information.
International drivers licence requirements by state in Australia
Here’s a quick overview of the various International Drivers Licence (or International Driving Permit (IDP)) requirements that apply to visitors in different Australian states and territories.
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): In the ACT, you need an IDP or English translation of your foreign drivers licence if your valid foreign drivers licence is not in English.
- New South Wales (NSW): In Sydney and the broader state of NSW, you need an IDP or English translation of your foreign drivers licence if your valid foreign drivers licence is not in English.
- Northern Territory (NT): You need an IDP or English translation of your foreign drivers licence if your valid foreign drivers licence is not in English.
- Queensland (QLD): You need an IDP or English translation of your foreign drivers licence if your valid foreign drivers licence is not in English.
- South Australia (SA): You need an IDP or English translation of your foreign drivers licence if your valid foreign drivers licence is not in English.
- Western Australia (WA): In Perth and the broader state of WA, you need an IDP or English translation of your foreign drivers licence if your valid foreign drivers licence is not in English.
- Victoria (VIC): In Melbourne and the broader state of Victoria, you need an IDP or English translation of your foreign drivers licence if your valid foreign drivers licence is not in English.
- Tasmania (TAS): You need an IDP or English translation of your foreign drivers licence if your valid foreign drivers licence is not in English.
You can book a car on Turo in Australia with an International Driving Permit as long as it’s accompanied by a valid driver’s licence issued in your country of residence. Browse cars on Turo and find the perfect vehicle to explore Australia’s vibrant cities, pristine beaches, majestic national parks, and more!
What vehicles can you drive with an IDP?
In general, an International Driving Permit allows you to operate the same types of vehicles as your regular drivers licence when driving overseas.
However, because vehicle class definitions vary between countries, you’ll need to check the rules and regulations of the place you’re visiting before arriving.
Car licence holders
A “B” category IDP will allow you to drive private cars and light goods vehicles.
Motorcycle licence holders
An “A” category IDP will allow you to drive motorcycles and motor tricycles.
Heavy vehicle licence holders
A “C” category IDP will allow you to drive medium goods vehicles.
International Driving Permit eligibility
The requirements vary by country and can include age restrictions and driving experience. But generally, if you have a full valid domestic driver’s licence and are over a certain age (usually 18 years old), you can apply for an IDP.
What do I need to apply for an IDP?
Here’s what you need when applying for an IDP:
- Passport style photo
- Valid drivers licence (e.g. a valid Australian driver’s licence if you’re applying from Australia)
- Permit fee
Apply for an international driving permit: How to get an international drivers licence
There are multiple ways to apply for an IDP, and the best for you depends on how convenient you want the process to be and if you need it urgently.
Before starting the process, remember that select places issue IDPs in each country. For example, the only authorised distributor of IDPs in the US is the AAA Travel Office.
Apply for an IDP online
Getting an IDP online is the most convenient way of applying for one and can be completed in 3 steps:
- Gather your documents (e.g. drivers licence and passport photo).
- Submit your IDP application form online to the correct IDP issuing authority in your country (For example, the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the only authorised body to sell International Driving Permits to Australian drivers licence holders in Australia).
- Wait to receive your IDP.
Apply for an IDP in person (at a service centre)
If you need an IDP urgently (if you’re travelling in less than 5 days), applying at a service centre is your fastest way of getting it.
Apply for an IDP by post
If you can’t visit a local IDP issuing authority’s office, you can also mail the application form by post along with the necessary documents.
Frequently asked questions about international drivers licences and international driving permits in Australia
Can I drive in Australia with an international licence?
You can drive in Australia on an international licence for 6 months (some states may be less) as long as you remain a temporary overseas visitor during your stay and your international licence remains valid.
If your drivers licence isn’t in English you must either have an official translation of it or an International Driver’s Permit.
What countries accept an international driving permit?
Over 150 countries accept the International Driving Permit. Check this IDP directory to see if the country you’re visiting requires an IDP.
Is an international driving licence the same as an IDP?
Yes, an International Driving Licence is also known as an International Driving Permit.
How much does an international driving permit cost?
The cost of an IDP varies in different countries. In Australia, it costs AU$49 (plus postage).
What is the fastest way to get an IDP?
The fastest way to get an IDP is by visiting the office of your local IDP issuing authority.
How long is an IDP valid for?
An IDP is valid for 12 months.
Can I book a car on Turo in Australia with an international licence?
You can book a car on Turo in Australia with an International Driving Permit as long as it’s accompanied by a valid driver’s licence issued in your country of residence.
Browse cars on Turo and find the perfect vehicle to explore Australia’s vibrant cities, pristine beaches, majestic national parks, and more!
Dawn Teh
Dawn, an ex-psychologist and avid travel writer, blends her expertise in human behaviour with her passion for adventure. Her writing reflects a unique perspective on personal growth, wanderlust and what it is that helps humans thrive. Her current mission is to live the van life and tour the Australian outback with her family.
