Converting an overseas licence
The process for converting an overseas car or motorcycle licence to a Tasmanian licence varies depending on the country of issue. Please note that heavy vehicle licences are not eligible for recognition
Key Links
- Simplified Chinese translation of Overseas Conversion information brochure (DOCX 395.9 KB)
- Ukranian translation of Overseas Conversion information brochure (DOCX 372.6 KB)
- Persian translation of Overseas Conversion information brochure (DOCX 403.5 KB)
- Nepali translation of Overseas Conversion information brochure (DOCX 366.8 KB)
- Oromo translation of Overseas Conversion information brochure (DOCX 368.9 KB)
There are two licence categories for overseas driver licences:
- Licence from a recognised country
- Licence from another country (non-recognised)
Learn how to convert your overseas licence to a Tasmanian licence
1. How do I convert my overseas licence?
To convert your overseas licence you will need to:
- Go to Service Tasmania.
- Provide full evidence of identity (PDF 101.5 KB).
- Provide your overseas licence (and international driving permit or English translation if necessary).
- Complete a licence application form.
If your licence is not current, or your licence is not from a recognised country or experienced driver recognition country, you’ll also have to:
- Pass a knowledge test on the Tasmanian road rules. through the Plates Plus course or at Service Tasmania. Obtain a learner licence if your licence is not current or you are advised by us that you require a learner licence
- Pass a Hazard Perception Test (for car class).
- Pass a practical driving assessment.
To prepare for the driver knowledge test you can:
- review the Tasmanian Road Rules Handbook
- watch the learn to drive videos
- available in five languages
- refer to the leaflet provided under Preparing for your driving assessment
- available in six languages
You can choose to complete the knowledge test at home as part of the Plates Plus course or sit the test in Service Tasmania.
The Plates Plus course
- this is available on computer, mobile or tablet
- the course must be fully completed before you can sit the test online
- we encourage you to complete the course with someone who can translate or interpret for you
- you are more likely to pass the knowledge test if you complete the Plates Plus course and sit the test online
- see the frequently asked questions for more information.
The knowledge test at Service Tasmania
- you do not need to complete the Plates Plus course before the test if you take it at Service Tasmania
- you are more likely to pass the knowledge test if you complete the Plates Plus course and sit the test online
- you can access a free translation or interpreting service if you complete the knowledge test at Service Tasmania.
Once you are approved for the issue of a licence you will need to have your photo taken and provide a sample signature.
If you do not have your overseas licence you will need to provide written evidence from the licensing authority in the country you had a licence in, or their consulate.
Even if you have your licence you may be asked to get more information from the licensing authority to assist us to transfer the licence over.
2. What countries are recognised countries for licence conversion?
For certain countries, you will not have to undertake a road rules knowledge test or a driving assessment before converting your car or motorcycle licence, as long as your licence is current. This is for countries that have similar licensing standards to Australia. These countries are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Canada
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Guernsey
- Ireland
- Isle of Man (if licence first issued after 1 April 1991)
- Italy
- Japan
- Jersey
- Luxembourg
- Malta (if licence issued on or after 2 January 2004)
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
You will need to go to Service Tasmania to convert your overseas licence from a recognised country.
3. Can I convert my overseas motorcycle learner or provisional licence?
Learner motorcycle licence
Overseas learner licences are not recognised in Tasmania.
Full and provisional motorcycle licences
You can be issued with an equivalent licence by visiting Service Tasmania. Overseas licences are only recognised in Tasmania if the licence is:
- Current,
- From a recognised country, or
- From an experienced driver recognition country and you are over 25 years of age.
Non-recognised country or no experienced driver recognition
You must pass a driver knowledge test and be issued with a non-novice learner. You must then pass a pre-provisional assessment to be issued with a equivalent motorcycle licence.
Expired licence
If your full or provisional overseas motorcycle licence has expired, you must start the motorcycle licence process from the beginning.
4. What if my licence is not from a recognised country?
If your car licence is not from a recognised country, you will have to pass a knowledge test on the Tasmanian Road Rules (PDF 11.9 MB), an online Hazard Perception Test, and an overseas conversion driving assessment to be issued a Tasmanian licence.
If you have a current full motorcycle licence from a non-recognised country, you must successfully pass the road rules knowledge test at Service Tasmania, and the pre-provisional assessment. Once complete, you will then be issued with an equivalent Tasmanian motorcycle licence.