Driving in Queensland with a foreign licence
Browse the topics below to find out what you need to do to drive in Queensland with a foreign licence. This information is for new residents and visitors to Queensland.
- What is a foreign driver licence?
- When can I drive in Queensland on my foreign driver licence?
- When must I not drive in Queensland with my foreign driver licence?
- When would my authority to drive in Queensland on my foreign driver licence be suspended?
- When would my authority to drive in Queensland on my foreign driver licence be withdrawn?
- I hold a foreign driver licence. How do I get a Queensland driver licence?
- I have difficulty understanding or speaking English. What arrangements may be made to help me get a Queensland driver licence?
- How do I learn about the road rules?
- What will happen if I drive in Queensland when I am not allowed to?
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 with my foreign driver licence?
You are only allowed to drive in Queensland on your 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 the licence and a recognised English translation (if required) to a police office when asked to do so.
When must I not drive in Queensland with my foreign driver licence?
You must not drive in Queensland on your 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- your authority to drive on the licence has been suspended or withdrawn.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 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 kilometres per hour 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When would my authority to drive in Queensland on my foreign driver licence be withdrawn?
Your authority to drive in Queensland on your foreign driver licence will be withdrawn if you: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
- are an Australian citizen and you have been residing in Queensland for three months
- are not an Australian citizen, but before you took up residence in Queensland you were given a resident visa and you have now been residing in Queensland for three months
- are not an Australian citizen, but after you took up residence in Queensland you were given a resident visa and you have now been residing in Queensland for three months since getting the visa.
Note: A resident visa means a permanent visa or a special category visa under the Migration Act 1958 (Commonwealth). These visas allow a person to stay indefinitely in Australia. Other visas, for example a temporary, business or guardian visa, that allows a person to stay in Australia for a limited time, or until a certain event happens or while they have a special status, is not a resident visa.
I hold a foreign driver licence. How do I get a Queensland driver licence?
To apply for a Queensland driver licence for the same class as your foreign driver licence, you will need to:
- complete the Driver Licence Application/Renewal form (F3000)
- show your foreign driver licence and a recognised English translation (if required)
- show your supporting evidence of identity including Queensland residency documents
- declare that you are medically fit to drive the class of motor vehicle
Note: If you have a medical condition that is likely to adversely affect your ability to drive or ride safely, you are required to show a medical certificate from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive or ride safely. - pay the licence fee.
You may also be required to:
- pass an eyesight test
- pay the road rules test fee and pass the test
- pay the practical driving test fee and pass the test.
Refer to the licensing and overseas licence holders areas for more information about obtaining a Queensland driver licence.
I have difficulty understanding or speaking English. What arrangements may be made to help me get a Queensland driver licence?
The Department of Transport and Main Roads can organise an interpreter to assist you during your road rules test if you have a genuine difficulty in understanding or speaking English.
However, you may 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 the Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centres, most newsagents or online
- download the Your keys to driving in Queensland publication.
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 16 June 2009
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