Driving interstate and moving state

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain which rules apply when you drive in another state.
• You can describe the conditions that follow your L or P licence across borders.
• You can state when you must transfer your licence after moving.
• You can plan a road trip that crosses state borders legally.

What you need to know and understand

• When driving in another state you must obey that state's road rules, such as its speed limits, parking rules and phone laws.
• Your own licence conditions still apply. NSW's handbook says its L and P restrictions apply when you drive in another state or territory.
• In NSW, an interstate learner must follow their own licence conditions, have a supervisor with a full Australian licence, display L plates and have zero alcohol.
• Demerit points can be recorded against you for offences committed anywhere in Australia.
• NSW: if you move there, you can drive on your interstate licence for up to 3 months and must transfer to a NSW licence within those 3 months.
• WA: you need a WA licence once you have usually lived in WA for more than 3 months. The transfer is free and needs no theory test or driving assessment.

On a road trip

• Learn the key differences before you go, such as speed limits, school zone times and any learner-specific bans in the state you are visiting.
• Carry your licence. You can be fined for not having it with you.
• Keep your plates displayed, keep zero alcohol if you are on L or P plates, and follow your phone and passenger restrictions.
• Remember that some states have double demerit periods on holiday weekends.
• Check toll roads on your route and how to pay in that state.

Moving to a new state

1. Check your new state's deadline for transferring your licence, usually counted from when you start living there.
2. Gather original identity documents and proof of your new address.
3. Visit or contact the new road authority to transfer your licence.
4. Find out what stage you will be placed on. NSW, for example, matches you to an equivalent stage based on how long you have held your licence.
5. Transfer your car's registration too, and check CTP and insurance cover.
6. Read the new state's handbook for any rules that differ from what you are used to.

Learners who move part-way through

If you move while on your Ls, ask the new state how it treats your existing learner time and logbook hours, because the required hours differ widely, from 50 in WA to 120 in NSW and Victoria. NSW says interstate learners transferring may be able to go straight to the HPT and Driving Test without getting a NSW learner licence, depending on their circumstances. Never assume your old state's hours or rules carry across; get it confirmed.

Common mistakes

• Assuming a rule is the same everywhere because the road rules are national. Speed limits and licence conditions vary by state.
• Dropping your P plate conditions in a state with looser rules. Your licence conditions travel with you.
• Forgetting to transfer your licence after moving. Driving on it past the deadline can mean driving unlicensed.
• Not updating your car's registration and insurance after a move.

Test yourself: Driving interstate and moving state

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Moving to WA