When you think some things are easy or simple, you might want to think again! Especially if it includes words “Australian driver’s license”. Yep, it’s not a simple process… which is why I thought a little informative post regarding the matter might be a good idea!
So… the general rule is that overseas visitors/migrants need to get an Australian driving license after they have spent three months in the country – until then you may as well use your overseas license. No worries. I do recommend really taking care of not going over the 3-month-rule because in case you get into an accident, it would be every insurance company’s dream if you didn’t have a valid driver’s license because you had arrived into the country 91 days before!
Anyway, I was very naive to think that all I would need is my Finnish driver’s license, passport and a form. Is that enough here? The short answer is “oh no”. The long answer is “oh noooooooooo”. It is everything but such a simple process!
It turned out that to get a driver’s license as a non-citizen, I am required to show them…
- My passport (naturally, no news here)
- Evidence of immigration status (yep, ok, not a biggie)
- Evidence of identity operating in the Australian community such as Medicare Card, Australian credit card, Australian marriage certificate or e.g. student ID – and you need to show two this type of documents
- Evidence of residential address such as Australian bank statements, tenancy agreement or utilities notice.
Ok. My plans to get an Aussie driver’s license have been put on hold for now as I am still waiting for some of that evidence to arrive! Meanwhile I may as well keep practising driving here!
Ps. this applies to WA – different states may have different rules!
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