Moving your licence to NSW
Moving to NSW? Welcome! Here's how to get the right licence so you can drive or ride on NSW roads.
Getting a NSW licence
If you are moving to NSW and are no longer a visiting driver, you'll need to get an equivalent NSW licence to continue driving or riding after three months if you are a Australian citizen, permanent resident or holder of a current NSW driver licence. If you hold a temporary visa, you must convert to a NSW licence within six months.
In NSW, you must be at least:
- 16 years for a learner driver licence
- 16 years and 9 months for a learner rider licence
- 17 years for a provisional driver or rider licence.
You may also need to pass medical, knowledge and driving tests. Your interstate or overseas licence will be taken into account when you apply for a NSW licence.
Follow the steps that apply to you.
Interstate drivers and riders
If you move to NSW from any Australian state or territory and hold a current licence, you can apply for a NSW equivalent licence. You must get a NSW driver licence within three months of residing in the state. NSW will match the expiry date of your licence for no fee up to a maximum of 10 years.
New Zealand drivers and riders
Regardless of whether you are a permanent or temporary resident, you must apply for a NSW licence within three months of living in NSW to continue driving.
International drivers and riders
If you’re a permanent Australian resident
You can drive in NSW on a current overseas licence for up to three months. After that you'll need to apply for a NSW licence to continue driving or riding.
If you don't have permanent Australian residency
If you arrived in NSW on or after 1 July 2023 and will be in NSW for more than six months, you must apply for a temporary visitor licence to continue driving.
If you arrived In NSW before 1 July 2023, you must apply for a temporary visitor licence by 28 February 2025 to continue driving.
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Learn more or book one of these free language services.