Can I Use My NZ Driver Licence in Australia?

Can I use my New Zealand driver licence in Australia while on holiday?

Yes. New Zealanders holding a full, current NZ driver licence are permitted to drive when visiting Australia. However, some states and territories do apply time limits for visiting drivers, after which they need to apply for a local licence:

• Northern Territory: visiting Kiwis permitted to drive using their NZ licence for three months
• New South Wales & Victoria: visiting Kiwis permitted to drive using their NZ licence for six months

I’m moving to Australia permanently, do I need to get an Australian driver licence?

Yes, once you become a permanent Australian resident, or citizen, you will need to apply for an Australian-issued driver licence. Generally, if you have a full, current NZ driver licence, and are over 21 years of age, you’ll be able to apply for a new Australian licence in the location that you’re living. This usually involves just an eye test, as in New Zealand.

However, if you’re under 21, and/or only have a learner or provisional licence, it’s likely you’ll have to sit further theory and practical driving tests in Australia.

Each state/territory has its own regulations, so you’ll need to check what applies in your location. We provide an overview below, plus links through to relevant details:

Australian Central Territory

If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for an ACT licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in the ACT here.

New South Wales

If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for a NSW licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in NSW here.

Northern Territory

If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for an NT licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in the NT here.

Queensland

If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for a Qld licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in Qld here.

South Australia

If you are aged 20+ and have held a full NZ driver licence for over three years, you can apply for a SA licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in SA here.

Tasmania

If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for a Tas licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in Tas here.

Victoria

If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for a Vic licence without having to sit any tests.  You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in Vic here.

Western Australia

If you hold a full NZ driver licence, you can apply for a WA licence without having to sit any tests. You can find more details of how to apply for a driver licence in WA here.

Compare Travel Money Cards

Headed off overseas and looking for the best in money cards? Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular cards in New Zealand:

Provider	Key Features	Main Fees
	• 150+ currencies • Free physical and virtual card (delivery fees apply for physical card) • Use anywhere Visa is accepted	• No monthly fees (standard account) • Fee-free, instant transfers between Revolut users • Fee-free top ups for bank transfers and debit cards • Fee-free FX within market hours and plan allowance*
	• 9 Currencies • Earn Airpoints Dollars • Use wherever Mastercard is accepted • OneSmart app	• No load/reload fee for bank transfers • Monthly fee: NZD $1 (if funds in account)
	• 140+ Currencies • Use wherever Mastercard is accepted • Cash Passport app	• No load/reload fee for bank transfers • No monthly fee
	• 9 Currencies • Use wherever Mastercard is accepted	• No load/reload fee for bank transfers • No monthly fee
	• 40+ Currencies • 2 free ATM withdrawals of up to NZ$350 per month	• Receive and add money to your Wise Account for free • Physical card $14 one-off fee
	• 9 Currencies • Use wherever Mastercard is accepted • Mastercard Priceless Cities benefits	• Free overseas ATM withdrawals • No load/reload fee for bank transfers • No monthly fee

The display order does not reflect any ranking or rating by Canstar. This information is not an endorsement by Canstar of travel money cards or any specific provider. Information correct as of 14/04/25. For full pricing details see individual providers’ websites. *Weekend fee will apply outside exchange market hours if it is made between Friday 5pm (New York time) and Sunday 6pm (New York time), which is a US based time zone

Compare Travel Money Cards

Can I use my restricted driver licence in Australia?

As a visitor to Australia, you should be able to drive using your restricted licence as long as you stick to the conditions outlined on your NZ licence, and abide by any rules outlined for the equivalent licence in the state you are visiting.

However, as each state and territory in Australia has slightly different road rules concerning learner drivers, it’s important to check with the road agency in the particular state that you are planning visiting.

About the author of this page

Bruce Pitchers is Canstar NZ’s Content Manager. An experienced finance reporter, he has three decades’ experience as a journalist and has worked for major media companies in Australia, the UK and NZ, including ACP, Are Media, Bauer Media Group, Fairfax, Pacific Magazines, News Corp and TVNZ. As a freelancer, he has worked for The Australian Financial Review, the NZ Financial Markets Authority and major banks and investment companies on both sides of the Tasman.
In his role at Canstar, he has been a regular commentator in the NZ media, including on the Driven, Stuff and One Roof websites, the NZ Herald, Radio NZ, and Newstalk ZB.
Away from Canstar, Bruce creates puzzles for magazines and newspapers, including Woman’s Day and New Idea. He is also the co-author of the murder-mystery 5 Minute Murder.