You'll be pleased to know that getting your driving licence is a much simpler process than immigrating. This is great news for hopefuls. Australian driving licences are administered at state and territory level. This means that regulations vary.
If you already hold a British licence, the process of obtaining a new Australian licence is fairly straightforward. Some applicants have confirmed that they were able to drive with their British licence until they became permanent residents.
They were expected to change over to the Australian licence within three months thereafter. The changeover that took place was simply involved paperwork, a fee and a photograph issue. There was no wait at all and these applicants went into the licensing centre where their British licences were looked at they were asked to complete a form and took a photograph.
The immigration process is usually completed within ten minutes.
The Due Date
The regulations vary depending on where you live in Australia. You will normally be required to obtain a state licence within three months after becoming a resident in the state. This will be while you're able to drive on your British licence in the meanwhile. In 2002 the recognition of licences from certain countries were agreed upon. This has made the whole licence changeover much easier for British applicants.
No Tests
You might not have to endure a nerve-racking drivers test all over again. If you hold an acceptable licence from a recognised country (the UK being of them), you will be exempt from the practical driving riding tests. Drivers also made exempt from car and rider theory tests – only if they hold an acceptable licence from the UK. It's will serve you well to read through the Road User's Handbook to familiarise yourself with the current road rules in Australia or your new state of territory of residence.
The requirements
You will need an array of verified documents. Ensure that you have proof of address in your state of residence. This document can take form of an official letter addressed to you within the state. Note that if you've been residing with a friend in your new home country and you haven't received any official correspondence, it is perfectly acceptable for your friend to sign and vouch for you. However, this will only be condoned if your friend also holds a valid driving licence in the state. You will most likely be required to take an eyesight test.
There may be certain costs involved. Besides the fee that you are required to pay for your licence, you will probably have to re-register your car from a NSW plate to a QLD plate for example.
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