Travelling to Australia and thinking about hiring a car? Whether you’re exploring Sydney’s urban sprawl or taking a road trip through Tasmania, renting a car gives you freedom and flexibility. But what if you’re using a foreign driver’s licence? Here’s everything you need to know before getting behind the wheel.

Table of Contents

• Can You Drive in Australia with a Foreign Licence?

• When You Need an International Driving Permit (IDP)

• Licence Requirements by State and Territory

• What Rental Companies Like YesDrive Require

• Additional Tips for Driving in Australia

Can You Drive in Australia with a Foreign Licence?

Yes, you can. Australia allows visitors to drive with a valid overseas licence as long as it:

• Is current and not expired

• Is written in English, or accompanied by a certified translation or International Driving Permit (IDP)

• Covers the class of vehicle you intend to drive (e.g., car, motorcycle)

You must carry your licence with you at all times while driving.

When You Need an International Driving Permit (IDP)

If your licence isn’t in English, you’ll need either:

• An IDP issued in your home country

• A certified English translation of your licence

Note: Some car hire companies will require an IDP even if it’s not legally mandated, so it’s a good idea to have one just in case.

Licence Requirements by State and Territory

Driving rules are generally consistent across Australia, but there may be slight differences in documentation requirements:

• New South Wales (NSW) and Tasmania (TAS): Accept foreign licences and IDPs

• Victoria (VIC) and Queensland (QLD): Require English-language licences or IDPs

• Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA): Similar rules; carry your passport with your licence

• Northern Territory (NT) and ACT: IDPs recommended for non-English licences

What Rental Companies Like YesDrive Require

At YesDrive, we make it simple for international travellers:

• Provide a valid foreign licence (must be in English or accompanied by IDP)

• You must be at least 21 years old (age requirements vary by vehicle type)

• A credit card in the main driver’s name is required

We recommend confirming all documents before you book to avoid any last-minute issues.

Additional Tips for Driving in Australia

• Drive on the left side of the road

• Always wear a seatbelt and follow speed limits

• Avoid driving at dawn or dusk in rural areas – it’s when wildlife is most active

• Download maps in advance in case of poor signal in remote areas

Ready to hit the road? Book your car hire with YesDrive and explore Australia with ease and confidence.