Step 1: Check if your Overseas Driver Licence is recognized in Victoria 

Step 2: Check how you can drive with an international driving permit 

Step 3: Determine How Long you can drive on your Overseas Driver Licence 

Step 4: Get your identification and Licencing documentation ready 

Step 5: Book a medical appointment with your local specialist  

Step 6: Book an appointment with VicRoads 

You may be required to take these tests as part of the process to obtain a Victorian learners permit: 

Step 7: Complete the learner permit knowledge test 

Step 8: Complete the hazard perception test 

Step 9: Successfully pass the practical drive test 

Step 10: Pay VicRoads appointment & licence Fees 

Step 1: Check if your Overseas Driver Licence is recognized in Victoria: 

If your overseas driver’s licence has been verified, and it was issued from a country or jurisdiction listed below, then you can directly book a Victorian licence conversion appointment. 

Recognised countries and jurisdictions: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK & USA. 

If your overseas driver license was issued from a country other than listed above, if your licence has been verified and you are 25 years old or over. Person with driving experience in the below listed countries can directly book a Victorian licence conversion appointment. 

Recognised driver experience countries: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hong Kong, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Romania, Serbia, Taiwan, Slovakia, Slovenia & South Africa. 

Click here to book a Victorian licence conversion appointment.

Please note* If you have a valid overseas driver’s licence issued from one of the recognised driver experienced countries and are under the age of 25, then you’ll need to take the necessary tests and road knowledge test to get a Victorian driver licence. If your overseas licence is not recognized in Victoria then you’ll need to take the necessary tests and road knowledge test. 

Step 2: Check how you can drive with an international driving permit 

You need to carry all of the necessary documents to drive on your international driving permit. In Victoria, you cannot drive just on overseas driver licence, you need to carry the following: 

• Current valid overseas driver licence, and 
• International driving permit 

An international driving permit must meet the certain criteria: 

• Comply with the United Nations convention for international driving permits. 
• Issued by the country where your driver licence is issued, and 
• Must contain the following details: First issue date of your overseas driver licence, licence number and expiry date. 

You must present the above information and the overseas driver licence in English form. If it’s not written in English, you must translate it in English and get verified by the relevant authority. 

Step 3: Determine How Long you can drive on your Overseas Driver Licence 

Many international drivers who hold a valid international driver’s licence can drive on Australian roads for a limited period of time. Based on your circumstances, you may need to apply to convert your licence to a Victorian Driver Licence. As of the 29th of October, 2019 if you have been living or will be living in Victoria for 6 months or more you will be required to convert your overseas licence to Victorian within SIX months of above-mentioned date or upon your first arrival in Australia. If you have been living in Victoria earlier than 29th of October 2019 then your date starts from 29th of October. Due to current COVID-19 outbreak, VicRoads have allowed temporary extension for overseas driver licence conversion. Follow the VicRoads news update for current extension date or call on 131171. 

The type of licence or permit you will get will be based on: 

• Where your licence is issued (Country) 

• Your age 
• How many years of driving experience you have 

Click here to find out how long you have to convert your overseas licence. 

You don’t need to convert your driving licence if you are visiting for less than SIX months. You can drive using your overseas licence or overseas learner permit. 

Things to consider when you drive as a visitor in Victoria: 

• Overseas licence needs to be current 
• Your overseas licence must be in English or translated in English and carry international driving permit. 

If you have just become a permanent residency visa holder or an Australian resident, you are no longer considered a visitor. You may still use an overseas driving licence for up to six months after your visa has been issued. You should convert your driver licence within those six months period. 

You will need to get a learner permit card if you couldn’t convert your licence within the SIX months period. You are no longer able to drive on your own. You can only drive under the supervision of fully licenced driving supervisor and you must display the learner “L” plate while driving. After you successfully pass the drive test, depending on your circumstances you may still be issued a full driving licence. 

Step 4: Get your identification and Licencing documentation verified 

Each time you go to a VicRoads branch, make sure to bring with you the necessary documents. For Overseas driver licence conversion these documents will be required: 

• Current Passport 
• Credit/Debit Card 

• Address Proof Letter (Victorian Residential address) 
• Visa Status 
• Original Overseas Licence 
• Verification (Required for some countries, check with VicRoads) 
• English Translation (If licence is not in English) 

VicRoads might request you to present other documents based on your individual circumstances such as; if your identity details doesn’t match between your passport and driver licence. Always make sure in advance what documents you will be required. If not sure, you could contact VicRoads on 131171. 

Step 5: Book a medical appointment with your local specialist 

•  Eyesight Test:  

All drivers must meet the eyesight standards of Australia for driving. Even if you have been driving in other countries, you will still be required to take an eyesight test to prove that you have met the requirements. You could book eyesight test with your regular GP or optometrists.  

• Medical Test (If required): 

If your health condition makes it difficult for you to drive, then you may need to take a medical test to check your fitness to drive. Consult with VicRoads and explain your individual health conditions prior to booking a medical appointment. 

We recommend you do the medical test before booking an appointment with VicRoads. So, you know, you can pass the medical tests. You could submit the medical report online. To complete the medical assessment online use this link: medicalreport.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Step 6: Book an appointment with VicRoads 

Once you have found out what licence or permit is applicable to you and organized all the relevant documents, you can book applicable appointment by visiting VicRoads website.

Step 7: Complete the learner permit knowledge test 

In order to get a learner, permit to drive a car, you must pass the learner permit knowledge test. The learner permit knowledge test consists of 32 multiple-choice questions. It is a computer-based test conducted at VicRoads Customer Service branches across Melbourne or online. It’s based on the “Road to Solo Driving” handbook. Each question has 3 options to choose from. It covers all of the content in the “Road to Solo Driving” handbook. Use the link to download a copy of the handbook. 

• Road to solo driving handbook
• Learner Kit

The pass mark for the learner permit knowledge test is 78%. In order to pass the test, you must answer 25 out of 32 questions correctly. 

Eligibility 
The applicant must be at least 16 years of age. 

Based on your preferences, you can attempt the test on 14 different languages: English, Albanian, Macedonian, Somali, Arabic, Persian, Spanish, Cambodian, Russian, Turkish, Chinese (Mandarin), Serbian, Vietnamese & Sinhalese. 

Results of the test are valid for 12 months. Re-test is required if the permit or licence has not been issued within 12 months. Minimum period the car learner permit must be held before applying for the licence: 

A useful link that will help you practice at home for the VicRoads learner permit knowledge test: 

aussie-driver.com

drivingtests101.com

For more information on booking and administrative details, refer to the VicRoads website. 

Step 8: Complete the hazard perception test 

The VicRoads hazard perception test (HPT) is a computer-based simulation test that must pass prior to attempting VicRoads drive test. It consists of 28 short videos that are taken from the driver’s perspective. A test score of 53% (15 out of 28) or more is required to pass. The test will be completed within 45 minutes. The test results are valid for 12 months. You are permitted to attempt the HPT twice in one day. Other than that, there are no other limitations. You could attempt as many as you would like. HPT must be passed before you can attempt the drive test. We recommend you to complete your hazard perception test a few weeks before VicRoads drive test appointment. Once you successfully complete the HPT and the drive test, depending on your age and driving experience you will receive either Victorian full or probationary driver licence. 

Eligibility  

• The applicant must be at least 17 years and 11 months of age. 
• Current car learner permit card 

The most important thing to prepare for the test is to get an idea of what the simulation will look like and how you could take appropriate action. The goal of the test is to determine if you can safely respond to different road hazards and situations. 

Each video has on-screen instructions that will require you to react to hazards as if you were driving. To do so, clicking the mouse will trigger actions such as slow down or overtake. 

Ways to improve your hazard perception skills: 

• Learn and understand the Victorian Road Rules and Regulations. 

• Practice as many practice tests you could find online and familiarise yourself. 

We have compiled a list of useful links that will help you practice at home for the VicRoads hazard perception test. Use the link below to practice HPT test online:

VicRoads HPT Practice Tests

hazardperceptiontests.com.au

• Practice identifying potential hazards and reacting to other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists in real-life driving scenarios. 

As per VicRoads you get better at hazard perception by:  

• Scanning for hazards in front and around you. 
• Keeping a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front.  
• Driving at a safe speed for the environment you’re in. 
• Sharing the road safely with others. 

• Giving yourself enough time to slow down. 
• Using the ‘three-second rule.’  
• Looking out for changing road conditions or road works. 
• Minimising distractions such as loud music, lots of conversation and the radio. 

Practice makes you perfect, if you would like to understand and experience the real-life driving scenarios based around hazard perception skills then contact us today. One of our Hazard Perception specialised driving instructors can help you improve your hazard perception skills. 

Step 9: Successfully pass the practical drive test 

Please Note* From 1 September 2015, if you fail a VicRoads practical driving test, you’ll no longer be able to drive in Victoria using your overseas driver licence. 

The Practical Drive Test is an important part of getting your driver’s licence. It tests your knowledge of driving safely with other traffic and road users.  

Note: All electronic devices must be turned off during the drive test including in-car devices I.e., cruise control, navigators, speed warning devices and any other audio/visual recording equipment. The test will be terminated if any of these device’s sound or used. 

After the test, the test officer will notify you, if you have been successful or un-successful on your drive test. The driving test officer will then give you feedback and advise on how to improve. If you consistently exhibit the safe driving behaviours and if you do not make any serious errors including “Immediate Termination Error” or “Critical Error” than you should be able to pass your test without any stress. 

If want to learn more about these serious errors, speak to one of our VicRoads drive test specialists driving instructor. 

Step 10: Pay VicRoads appointment & licence Fees 

Once you have completed your assessments and drive test, you are required to pay administration and appointment fees. Use this link to find out various driving permit & licence related VicRoads’ appointment fees. 

These fees are separate from our fees. 

We make every effort to keep the information on our website up to date. However, occasionally, some of it may get overlooked. If you see any information that needs updating or has suggestions on topics that we should cover, please send us a message using the contact form.