Driving in Queensland with an international licence
This page will help you understand what you need to do to drive in Queensland with a foreign or an international licence. This information is for both new residents to Queensland and travellers passing through.What is a foreign driver licence?
A foreign driver licence is a licence to drive a motor vehicle issued to you under the law of another country.
Note: A New Zealand driver licence is also a foreign driver licence.
When can I drive in Queensland on my foreign driver licence?
You are only allowed to drive in Queensland on your interstate or foreign driver licence if you:
- only drive the class of motor vehicle authorised on that licence
- comply with the conditions (if any) of your licence
- carry your licence with you at all times when driving and immediately show it to a police office when asked to do so.
When am I not allowed to drive in Queensland on my foreign driver licence?
You must not drive in Queensland on your interstate or foreign driver licence if:
- you have been disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver licence by an order of an Australian court
- your authority to drive on the licence has been suspended or withdrawn.
When would my authority to drive in Queensland on my foreign driver licence be suspended?
Your authority to drive in Queensland on your interstate or foreign driver licence will be suspended if you have:
- not paid any fines imposed on you by a court
- accumulated an excess number of demerit points on your traffic history
- been convicted of driving at more than 40 km/h over the speed limit.
When would my authority to drive in Queensland on my foreign driver licence be withdrawn?
Your authority to drive in Queensland on your foreign driver licence will be withdrawn if you:
- become medically unfit to drive safely
- have lived in Queensland for three months since gaining Australian citizenship or a visa allowing an indefinite stay in Australia.
I hold a foreign driver licence. How do I get a Queensland driver licence?
To get a Queensland driver licence for the same class as your foreign driver licence, you will need to:
- show your foreign driver licence and a recognised translation of the licence if it is not in English
- show your supporting evidence of identity
- show evidence of Queensland residence.
Refer to the licensing and overseas licence holders areas for more information about obtaining a Queensland driver licence.
You may also be required to:
- show evidence that you are medically fit to drive safely
- pass an eyesight test
- pay the road rules test fee and pass the test
- pay the practical driving test fee and pass the test
- pay the licence fee.
I have difficulty understanding or speaking English. What arrangements may be made to help me get a Queensland driver licence?
We can organise an interpreter to assist you during your road rules test if you have a genuine difficulty in understanding or speaking English.
But you will need to tell the licence issuing officer what a number of selected traffic signs mean without the interpreter's help.
How do I learn about the road rules?
To learn about the Queensland road rules and generally driving in Queensland, you may either:
- buy a copy of Your keys to driving in Queensland, available from Queensland Transport customer service centres and most newsagents
- read the Your keys to driving in Queensland publication online.
What will happen if I drive in Queensland when I am not allowed to?
If you drive in Queensland when you are not allowed to, you will be charged with unlicensed driving and you may have to appear in court. For more information, see driving without a licence.
Last updated 14 February 2008
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