Driver’s License in Australia for French Citizens

Can French Citizens Drive in Australia?

French citizens can drive in Australia using their French driver's license under certain conditions. Generally, if you are a temporary visitor, your valid French license (and an International Driving Permit if it's not in English) is sufficient for a limited time, varying by state (often 3 or 6 months). If you become a permanent resident, you'll likely need to convert your license to an Australian one

Why You Need an Australian Driver's License

• Legal right to drive.

• Easier access to car rentals and vehicle purchases.

• Eligibility for insurance.

• Some states require permanent residents to convert within 3 months, or they may lose driving privileges.

• Avoiding fines and legal penalties for using an international license after a certain period.

Types of Driver Licenses in Australia

In Australia, licenses are generally categorised by vehicle type (car, motorcycle, heavy vehicle) and progression (Learner, Provisional P1/P2, Full). Here are the different categories and their requirements

Private/Personal Vehicle License (Category C):
For private car usage. Allows the holder to drive standard passenger vehicles such as cars, vans, and utes with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) up to 4.5 tonnes and seating for up to 12 adults.

Motorcycle License (Category R):
For motorcycle riders. Covers two-wheeled motorbikes and scooters, often starting with a Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) restriction for beginners.

Commercial Vehicle License (Categories LR, MR, HR, HC, MC):
For trucks, buses, and other heavy/commercial vehicles. The categories include:

• LR (Light Rigid): Small trucks and minibuses.

• MR (Medium Rigid): Larger buses and trucks with two axles.

• HR (Heavy Rigid): Vehicles with three or more axles.

• HC (Heavy Combination): Semi-trailers or rigid vehicles towing a trailer.

• MC (Multi Combination): B-doubles and road trains.

Provisional License (P1 & P2):
For learners or temporary drivers. A graduated licensing system:

• P1 (Red P plates): Initial solo driving phase with significant restrictions.

• P2 (Green P plates): Intermediate phase with fewer restrictions.
  This follows the Learner License (L) phase.

International Driving Permit (IDP):
Required for foreign visitors driving temporarily in Australia, depending on their country of origin. Must be carried along with a valid overseas license and an official English translation if needed.

Find the conditions for each type of driver's license in Australia

Eligibility Requirements for a Driver's License in Australia

Here are the general eligibility requirements for obtaining a driver's license in Australia, regardless of the state or territory:

Minimum Age Requirement

• Learner Licence: Must be at least 16 years old.

• Provisional Licence: Usually 17 years or older.

• Heavy Vehicle Licence: Must be 18 years or older and hold a full car licence.

Residency Status: Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a visa that allows you to live and drive in Australia.

Recognised countries: If you hold a driver’s licence from a recognised country (like France), you may be eligible for direct conversion without testing in most states.

Proof of Identity: Must provide documents proving identity, age, and residential address (e.g., passport, birth certificate, utility bill).

Pass the Knowledge Test: Must successfully complete a driver knowledge test (DKT) covering road rules and safe driving practices.

Pass a Vision Test: Must pass a mandatory eyesight/vision test to ensure safe driving capability.

Medical Fitness: Must be medically fit to drive. Certain health conditions may require medical certificate or regular checks.

Language Requirements: Must understand basic English to comprehend road signs and safety instructions (interpreter support may be available for tests).

Driver Training or Supervised Practice: Learner drivers must complete a set amount of supervised driving hours (e.g., 120 hours including 20 night hours, in most states).

Clean Record for Upgrading: To move from provisional to full license, you must maintain a clean driving record (no serious offences or suspensions).

Residency in the Issuing State/Territory: You must live in the state or territory where you apply for the licence.

Note: Each state sets slightly different minimum age limits for different licence types. Always check with your state authority.

How to Convert a French Driving License to an Australian

For French citizens seeking to obtain or convert their driver's license in Australia, the process involves several steps and requirements.

Check Your Residency Status

You must be a permanent resident or hold a visa that permits staying long-term (e.g. student, work, partner visa). Tourists or short-term visitors can use their French license with an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Determine If You're Exempt from Testing

France is considered an “experienced driver” country in most Australian states. If you're 25 or older and have held your French licence for at least 12 months, you may be exempt from both knowledge and practical driving tests.

Have Your French Licence Translated (if needed)

If your licence is not in English, you must get it officially translated. Accepted translators include NAATI-accredited translator.

Gather Required Documents

You’ll typically need to bring:

• Your French driver’s licence (original).

• Official translation (if needed).

• Passport and visa or immigration documents.

• Proof of identity (e.g. Medicare card, bank card).

• Proof of address in Australia (utility bill, rental agreement).

• Medical certificates: Medical review is required if you're driving certain types of vehicles,  or are aged 75 or older.

Visit Your State or Territory’s Road Authority Office

Go to the relevant department for your location:

• NSW: Service NSW

• VIC: VicRoads

• QLD: Transport and Main Roads

• WA: Department of Transport

• SA: Service SA

• ACT: Access Canberra

• TAS: Service Tasmania

• NT: MVR (Motor Vehicle Registry)

Complete the Application Form

Fill out the driver’s licence conversion form (available online or in-office).

Pass Tests (if required)

If you're under 25 or haven't held your licence for at least 12 months, you may need to:

• Pass a driver knowledge test (DKT).

• Pass a practical driving test.

• Pass a hazard perception test (in some states).

Surrender Your French Licence

In most states, you must surrender your original French licence to receive an Australian one. Some authorities may return it, but others will send it back to the French authorities.

Receive Your Australian Driver’s Licence

Once approved, you’ll be issued a provisional or full licence, depending on your experience and age.

Documents Required for a Driver’s License Conversion in Australia

• Passport or Identification: Include a valid French passport or ID.

• Current Driver’s License from France: Requires Naati Driver’s license translation.

• Proof of Residency in Australia: May include utility bills or rental agreements.

• Medical Report: If required for your license category.

• Certified Translations: Important for document processing. Translayte can help with this.

Process of Getting a New Driver’s License in Australia

• Register for a Learner’s Permit: Submit documents and fees to the local prefecture.

• Attend Driving School: Mandatory courses are required by Australian law.

• Pass the Written Test: Study materials are provided by driving schools.

• Take the Practical Test: Includes road safety and driving skills.

• Receive Your License: Issued after passing all examinations.

Driving Test Requirements in Australia

• Theory Test: Covers topics like traffic regulations and road signs.

• Practical Test: Includes tasks such as parking and highway driving.

• Test Fees: Theory and practical test fees total approximately €200.

• Retaking the Test: A waiting period applies for subsequent attempts.

Rules and Regulations for Driving in Australia

• Speed Limits: 50 km/h in cities, 100 km/h on rural roads, usually 110 km/h on motorways.

• Alcohol Limits: A BAC of 0.05% is the maximum allowable limit.

• Cell Phone Usage: Prohibited unless using a hands-free device.

• Seat Belt Laws: Mandatory for all passengers.

• Traffic Fines: Severe penalties for speeding and other offences.

• In NSW, if you accrue 13 demerit points or serious offences, you may lose visiting driver privileges, even on a valid licence.

Driving in Australia with an International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP), when accompanied by a valid overseas driver’s licence, allows temporary visitors to drive in Australia. The IDP must be issued in the same country as your original licence and must be in English or accompanied by an official translation. Tourists and temporary visa holders (e.g., working holiday, student, visitor visas) can generally drive with an IDP for up to 12 months from their date of arrival in Australia.

If you become a permanent resident, most states require you to convert your overseas licence to a local Australian licence within 3 months. Driving beyond the permitted period without converting your licence is illegal and may result in fines, licence suspension, or invalidation of insurance.

Australians traveling abroad can obtain an IDP through their state or territory motoring association (e.g., NRMA, RACV, RACQ).

Insurance Requirements for Drivers in Australia

Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance (Green Slip):

• Mandatory for all registered vehicles.

• Covers injuries or deaths caused to other people in an accident.

• Does not cover property damage or damage to your own vehicle.

• Included automatically with vehicle registration in most states (except NSW, where it must be purchased separately before registration).

Comprehensive Insurance (Optional):

• Covers damage to your vehicle, other vehicles, property, and theft or natural disasters.

• Strongly recommended for full protection, especially for expats or those leasing/financing a car.

Third Party Property Insurance (Optional):

• Covers damage to other people’s vehicles or property, but not your own car.

• A more affordable alternative to full comprehensive coverage.

Proof of Insurance:

• Must be kept in the vehicle or available digitally.

• Authorities may request proof during roadside checks or after an accident.

Where to Get Insurance:

Leading Australian insurers include:

• Allianz

• NRMA

• AAMI

• RACV (VIC), RACQ (QLD), SGIC (SA), etc.

Renting or Buying a Car in Australia with a Driver’s License from France

Car Rental in Australia

• Car Rental Companies: Major rental agencies like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, and Thrifty operate nationwide.

• They accept valid French driver’s licences, but if your licence is not in English, you must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence.

Requirements for Renting:

• Minimum age: Usually 21 years (sometimes 25 for premium vehicles).

• Must hold a valid driver’s licence (held for at least 12 months).

• A credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.

• Extra fees may apply for drivers under 25 (young driver surcharge).

Buying a Car in Australia

Using a French Driver’s Licence:

• If you're a temporary resident or tourist, you can buy a car and register it using your French licence + IDP.

• If you're a permanent resident, you may be required to convert your French licence to an Australian licence before registering a vehicle (varies by state).

Vehicle Registration:

There is no “prefecture” in Australia like in France — instead, registration is done through your state’s transport authority, e.g.:

• NSW: Service NSW

• VIC: VicRoads

• QLD: TMR

Registration includes vehicle inspection (in some states), proof of identity, roadworthiness certificate, and proof of insurance.

Costs of Getting a Driver’s License in Australia

• Application Fees: Vary from €50 to €100.

• Test Fees: Total costs for tests are approximately €200.

• Medical Examination Fees: If required, may vary from €40 to €80.

• Translation Costs: Typically between €25 and €50 per document.

• Additional Fees: May include administrative charges depending on the prefecture.

Tips for a Successful License Conversion in Australia

• Ensure all documents are complete and up to date.

• Double-check translation accuracy to prevent delays.

• Prepare for required tests well in advance.

• Stay informed about regulatory changes in France.

What to Do If Your Driver’s License Application Is Rejected

Find Out the Reason for Rejection

You will typically receive a written notice or explanation stating why your application was refused.

Common reasons include:

• Incomplete or incorrect documents

• Invalid or expired overseas licence

• Failed vision, knowledge, or driving tests

• Residency status issues

• Ineligibility due to age or medical conditions

Correct the Issue (if applicable)

Depending on the reason, you may be able to reapply after fixing the issue:

• Provide missing or correct documents (e.g., proof of ID, translation of your licence)

• Retake and pass required tests

• Get a medical clearance from a doctor if needed

• Update your visa/residency documentation

Request a Review or Appeal (if you disagree)

If you believe the decision was unfair or incorrect, you can request a review or lodge a formal appeal.

Each state/territory has its own process:

• NSW: Request a review from Service NSW or escalate to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

• VIC: Contact VicRoads or escalate to VCAT.

• QLD: Appeal through the Department of Transport and Main Roads or a magistrates’ court.

You usually must appeal within 28 days of receiving the rejection notice.

Seek Assistance or Legal Advice

Contact the relevant state road authority or a licensed migration agent or legal advisor if you're unsure of your rights. Community legal centres may offer free legal help for visa-related or administrative decisions.

Continue Using Your Overseas Licence (If Eligible)

If you're a temporary visa holder, you may still be allowed to drive on your French or overseas licence (with an IDP) for up to 12 months, depending on the state.

2025 Changes: End of “Experienced Driver Recognition” Scheme

Austroads has announced the phasing out of the Experienced Driver Recognition category from 30 April 2025, meaning licence holders from List B countries must now pass knowledge and practical tests unless their country achieves Recognised Country status. France is unaffected as it is already classed as recognised.