Licence requirements for visiting motorists

If you hold a current foreign driver's licence of a particular class you may drive a vehicle of that same class in South Australia on your foreign driver's licence if:

• you also hold a current International Driving Permit; or

• your foreign licence is written in English or is accompanied by an English translation of the details on the foreign licence;
  
  AND

• you are not disqualified from driving either interstate / overseas or in South Australia.

Students, tourists and persons who are working in South Australia on current temporary visas are permitted to drive on their foreign licences as above only while the foreign licence is current.

Temporary visas usually do not exceed 4 years. If the foreign licence expires, you are required to obtain a South Australian driver's licence.

Visiting motorists are required to carry their licence (and English translation if applicable) at all times while driving and produce it to Police on request. Production of their temporary visas may also be required as evidence of their temporary residential status.

If you are issued a permanent visa and become a resident of South Australia you must surrender your overseas licence and obtain a South Australian Driver’s Licence within 3 months of becoming a resident.

How to obtain a South Australian Driver's Licence

• Interstate residents
• Overseas residents

Licence requirements for going overseas

If you are travelling overseas you may be required to carry an International Driving Permit, the Royal Automobile Association (RAA) issues these permits and can provide you with the requirements of that country.

If you plan to live overseas and wish to obtain that countries licence, you will need a confirmation letter to confirm that you have a South Australian Driver's Licence and the length of time you have held one. 

To obtain a confirmation letter, please send a letter of request to:

Information Services
PO Box 1
WALKERVILLE SA 5081
OR
Fax to (08) 8343 2568

Further enquiries please contact Customer Service Centre phone 13 10 84.

PLEASE NOTE: a fee of $21.00 is applicable and can be paid by cheque, money order, VISA or Mastercard.