Overseas drivers help centre
Some more assistance for overseas drivers.
On this page:
Tests and appointments
Handbooks to help you prepare for tests
We have a learners handbook to help you get ready for your Road Knowledge Test. It is available in English, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Turkish and Vietnamese. You only need this handbook if you will be doing the test in person.
Evidence of identity for overseas drivers
We will ask you to prove your identity at your appointment. You will need to bring one document from Category A and one from Category B.
Your current Victorian address must be on one of the documents.
Category A
- Passport
- ImmiCard, issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship or the Passport Office
- Australian photo driver licence or learner permit
- Document for Travel to Australia
Category B
- Pensioner or Health care Concession card
- Student identity card
- Australian or overseas credit card or bank account card
- Australian Proof of Age card
- Bank account statement no more than one year old
- Utility bill no more than one year old
This is a list of the most common documents overseas drivers have. You can also see a full list of the types of identity documents VicRoads accepts.
Failing tests
You will no longer be allowed to drive in Victoria using your overseas driver licence if you fail any of these VicRoads tests:
- car driving tests
- motorcycle learner permit skills assessments
- motorcycle licence tests.
Glasses and contact lenses
If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses when you drive, bring them to your appointments and tests.
Help in languages other than English
Driving information in languages other than English
We have made a series of videos, handbooks and fact sheets in different languages.
Learner Permit Test in languages other than English
The Learner Permit Test is available in Albanian, Arabic, Cambodian, Simplified Chinese, Macedonian, Persian, Russian, Serbian, Sinhalese, Somali, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.
If you want to do the test in one of these languages, you will have to do it in person at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
If your language is not listed, you may be able to book an interpreter by visiting a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
Hazard Perception Test in languages other English
The Hazard Perception Test is available in Albanian, Arabic, Cambodian, Chinese (Mandarin), Macedonian, Persian, Russian, Serbian, Sinhalese, Somali, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.
If you want to do the test in one of these languages, you will have to do it in person at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
Drive Test in languages other than English
If you need an interpreter when you take the Drive Test, visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre and we will book this for you.
Organise an interpreter for a test
If you need an interpreter or assistance to take a test, visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre and we will book this for you.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing or you have a speech impairment, you can use an Auslan interpreter for your test. Visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre and we will book this for you.
To speak to us over the phone, contact us through the National Relay Service.
- TTY users – call 13 36 77 then ask for 13 11 71
- Speak and Listen users – call 1300 555 727 then ask for 13 11 71
Get documents translated
If your driver licence or permit is not in English, you will need to have it translated. Use a NAATI accredited translator, or your country’s consulate in Australia.
You might have to pay someone to do the translation.
Medical conditions
You must tell us straight away if you have a medical condition or are taking prescription medication. This is the same for overseas licence holders and Australian licence holders.
Follow the process for notifying Transport Victoria about your medical condition.
If you are converting to a Victorian licence, you will need to get a medical report before your first appointment with us.
Eyesight test
When you are at your appointment to convert your overseas licence, you will be asked to do an eyesight test. You should wear the glasses or contact lenses you normally wear to drive.
The test uses an eyesight chart. You will be asked to read it with both eyes uncovered.
If you fail the eyesight test you will need to provide a report from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. You will only be able to get a licence if the report says that you meet the national medical standards.
Different licence types
Learner drivers from overseas
You can use your permit or licence for learning to drive from overseas in Victoria for up to 6 months. You will need to follow all the rules for Victorian learners.
If you are going to live in Victoria for 6 months or more and you want to drive in Victoria, you’ll need to convert your overseas licence.
Motorcycle licence from overseas
You can use your overseas motorcycle licence in Victoria.
If you are going to live in Victoria for 6 months or more and you want to keep riding a motorcycle in Victoria, you’ll need to convert your overseas licence.
However, you can no longer drive in Victoria using your overseas motorcycle licence if you have a car licence from any Australian state or territory.
Heavy vehicle licence from overseas
You can use your heavy vehicles (truck) licence from overseas in Victoria.
If you are going to live in Victoria for 6 months or more and you want to keep driving a heavy vehicle in Victoria, you'll need to convert your car licence first. See convert your overseas licence.
Once you have converted your car licence, you can then get your heavy vehicle licence. See Heavy Vehicle Licences to find out how to get your heavy vehicle licence.
However, you can no longer drive in Victoria using your overseas heavy vehicle licence if you have a licence for any other type of vehicle from any Australian state or territory.
Special circumstances
Consular and diplomatic staff
The process for converting an overseas licence is different for consular and diplomatic staff. However, you will have to follow the same driving rules as all other drivers.
Disqualifications, suspension and cancellations
You cannot use your overseas licence or permit to drive in Victoria if you are disqualified, suspended or cancelled from driving or getting a driver licence or learner permit in Australia or another country.
What to do if you don’t have a copy of your licence
If you do not have your overseas licence, you'll need a ‘licence verification letter’.
You can get this from the licencing authority that issued your overseas licence. You can also get it from your consulate as long as your licence is issued by the same country as your passport.
Ask them to email the letter directly to us at [email protected]
The verification letter must show:
- your full name
- your date of birth
- the overseas licence number
- the date the licence was first issued
- the date the licence expired
- the licence class and/or vehicle categories.