Information retrieved directly from the Queensland Govt Website
What is a foreign driver licence?
A foreign driver licence is a licence to drive a motor vehicle issued to you under the law of another country.
Note: A New Zealand driver licence is also a foreign driver licence.
Can I drive in Queensland under my valid foreign driver licence?
When driving on a road in Queensland under your valid foreign driver licence you must:
- only drive the class of motor vehicle authorised on that licence
- comply with the conditions (if any) of your licence
- show your licence to a police officer when asked to do so.
If your licence is in a language other than English you should carry a recognised English translation of the licence.
When must I not drive in Queensland with my foreign driver licence?
You must not drive in Queensland on your foreign driver licence if:
- you have been disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver licence by an order of an Australian court
- your authority to drive on the licence has been suspended or withdrawn.
When would my authority to drive in Queensland on my foreign driver licence be suspended?
Your authority to drive in Queensland on your foreign driver licence will be suspended if you have:
- not paid any fines imposed on you by a court
- accumulated an excess number of demerit points on your traffic history
- been convicted of driving at more than 40 kilometres per hour over the speed limit.
When would my authority to drive in Queensland on my foreign driver licence be withdrawn?
Your authority to drive in Queensland on your foreign driver licence will be withdrawn if you:
- become medically unfit to drive safely
- are an Australian citizen and you have been residing in Queensland for three months
- are not an Australian citizen, but before you took up residence in Queensland you were given a resident visa and you have now been residing in Queensland for three months
- are not an Australian citizen, but after you took up residence in Queensland you were given a resident visa and you have now been residing in Queensland for three months since getting the visa.
Note: A resident visa means a permanent visa or a special category visa under the Migration Act 1958 (Commonwealth). These visas allow a person to stay indefinitely in Australia. Other visas, for example a temporary, business or guardian visa, that allows a person to stay in Australia for a limited time, or until a certain event happens or while they have a special status, is not a resident visa.
I hold a foreign driver licence. How do I get a Queensland driver licence?
To apply for a Queensland driver licence for the same class as your foreign driver licence, you will need to:
- complete the Driver Licence Application/Renewal form (F3000)
- show your foreign driver licence and a recognised English translation (if required)
- show your supporting evidence of identity including Queensland residency documents
- declare that you are medically fit to drive the class of motor vehicle
Note: If you have a medical condition that is likely to adversely affect your ability to drive or ride safely, you are required to show a medical certificate from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive or ride safely. - pay the licence fee.
You may also be required to:
- pass an eyesight test
- pay the road rules test fee and pass the test
- pay the practical driving test fee and pass the test.
For more information visit the Getting a Queensland licence (for overseas licence holders) page.
I have difficulty understanding or speaking English. What arrangements may be made to help me get a Queensland driver licence?
The Department of Transport and Main Roads can organise an interpreter to assist you during your road rules test if you have a genuine difficulty in understanding or speaking English.
However, you may need to tell the licence issuing officer what a number of selected traffic signs mean without the interpreter’s help.
How do I learn about the road rules?
To learn about the Queensland road rules and generally driving in Queensland:
- download the Your keys to driving in Queensland publication
- visit our Queensland Road Rules page.
What will happen if I drive in Queensland when I am not allowed to?
If you drive in Queensland when you are not allowed to, you will be charged with unlicensed driving and you may have to appear in court. For more information, see driving without a licence.
