Do you need an International Driving Permit in Australia?

Australia and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Australia

Australia applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1949 Geneva Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E

What each category covers under the 1949 Geneva Convention

What to carry when you drive in Australia

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in Australia

The UK Foreign Office advises that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Australia, for stays of up to 90 days.

Traffic drives on

The left

Emergency services

general 000, police 000, ambulance 000, fire 000

The UK Foreign Office names the 1949 convention for Australia, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Australia

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Australia?

Up to 1 year. Australia joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 7 December 1954 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 1 year from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Australia on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "If you plan to stay in Australia and have a permanent visa, you can drive using your UK licence for up to 3 months." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Australia's road authority before you travel.

Which side of the road does Australia drive on?

The left. If you normally drive on the right, take extra care at junctions and roundabouts for the first few days, and consider an automatic hire car so you are not also changing gear with the other hand.

What do I dial in an emergency in Australia?

Reach general on 000, police on 000, ambulance on 000, fire on 000. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Australia. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Australia?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.