Moving to Victoria, overseas licences and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can work out when you must convert your licence.
• You can make an overseas licence legal to use while you are allowed to.
• You can prepare for an interstate conversion appointment.
• You can explain what happens if you fail a Victorian test as a converting driver.
• You can renew a Victorian licence on time.

What you need to know and understand

• You can drive in Victoria on a current interstate or overseas licence for up to 6 months after you start living here.
• The 6-month period starts from the day you first begin living in Victoria, even if you leave and come back.
• An overseas licence must be in English or come with a translation from a NAATI-accredited translator or the issuing country's consulate; a compliant International Driving Permit can also be used alongside your licence.
• Interstate L and P conditions, such as passenger and speed rules, still apply while you drive in Victoria.
• If a converting overseas driver fails a Victorian practical test, they cannot keep driving in Victoria on their overseas licence until they pass.
• Victorian licences can be renewed for 3 or 10 years; drivers over 75 can only choose 3 years.
• If your licence expired more than 5 years ago, you need to pass the learner permit test and drive test again.
• You must tell VicRoads within 14 days if you change your address.

Coming from another Australian state

1. Check whether you will live in Victoria for more than 6 months. If so, you must convert.
2. Use the VicRoads calculator to see what Victorian licence or permit you will get, based on your age and how long you have held your licence.
3. Gather a completed licence or learner permit application, your interstate licence, proof that you live in Victoria and any medical reports.
4. Book an appointment at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. Once converted, you cannot go back to using the interstate licence.

Coming from overseas

Your conversion requirements depend on the country or jurisdiction that issued your licence, your age when it was first issued and how long you have held it. Some drivers convert with paperwork only; others must pass the learner permit test, the Hazard Perception Test and a drive test. The VicRoads requirements checker tells you exactly which.

If you hold an overseas learner permit, you must always drive with a supervisor holding a full Australian or overseas licence. Be careful with tests: if you fail any Victorian practical driving test, your overseas licence no longer lets you drive here until you pass. Our Moving to Victoria guide walks through common situations.

Renewing your Victorian licence

Keep your details current: you must tell VicRoads within 14 days of changing your address or name. Victorian drivers heading interstate must keep following their own licence conditions there too.

• VicRoads sends a renewal notice at least 4 to 6 weeks before expiry, but it is your responsibility to renew even if none arrives.
• The easiest way is online through myVicRoads, where you can renew before expiry or within 6 months after.
• If your notice says you need a new photo, visit a Customer Service Centre or Photo Point within 3 months of paying online.
• Driving on an expired licence counts as unlicensed driving, which carries penalties.

Common mistakes

• Driving on an overseas licence well past 6 months of living here. Convert on time.
• Using a non-English licence with no proper translation or compliant permit.
• Assuming an interstate P plate rule does not apply in Victoria. Your home conditions travel with you.
• Letting a licence lapse while overseas without checking the time limits for renewal or reissue.

Test yourself: Moving to Victoria, overseas licences and renewals

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

Go deeper

• Moving to Victoria
• Learning to Drive in Victoria
• Auto to Manual Licence in Victoria