If you or someone you know has moved to Australia from overseas, there’s a significant change to the rules around driver’s licences that could affect thousands of people—and it’s already in effect in most states and territories.
For more than two decades, the Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) scheme has made life easier for permanent residents from certain countries.
If you held a licence from one of the approved nations, you could simply swap it for an Australian one—no need to sit another driving test. But as of this week, that’s all changing.
What’s changed, and who’s affected?
From now on, permanent residents from a list of countries will no longer be able to automatically exchange their foreign driver’s or rider’s licence for an Australian equivalent.
Instead, they’ll need to pass the relevant Australian driving or riding tests to get behind the wheel legally.
You can still drive on your valid overseas licence if you’re a temporary visitor. But if you’re a permanent resident from one of these countries, you’ll need to act fast or risk losing your ability to drive legally in Australia.
When do the changes take effect?
The EDR scheme has already been phased out in most states and territories. There are a few exceptions:
- New South Wales and Western Australia: EDR ends on 31 October 2024
- Queensland: EDR ends in mid-2025
If you’re in one of these states, you still have a window of time to exchange your licence without extra testing—but don’t leave it too late.
Why is this happening?
Austroads, the body responsible for road transport and traffic management, says the EDR scheme was introduced over 20 years ago, and since then, Australia’s licensing and road safety standards have changed significantly.
‘The new scheme has been revised to reflect the changes in Australia’s car and motorcycle licensing systems, which were designed to improve road safety,’ Austroads said in a statement.
In other words, the government wants to ensure that all drivers on Australian roads meet the same high standards, regardless of where they originally learned to drive.
What about other countries?
You’re not affected by these changes if you hold a licence from a country with ‘Recognition Status’—such as the United Kingdom or the United States. You can still exchange your licence for an Australian one without extra testing.
But for those from the countries listed above, the clock is ticking. After the cut-off dates, you’ll need to complete additional training and pass the relevant tests before you can get an Australian licence.
What if I miss the deadline?
If you’re 25 or older and you miss the deadline to exchange your licence, you’ll likely have to go through the full process:
- Pass a knowledge test
- Complete a practical driving test
- Possibly undertake additional training, depending on your state or territory
This could mean extra time, money, and stress, so it’s worth acting now if you’re eligible.
What should you do next?
- Check if your country is on the affected list
- Find out your state or territory’s deadline for exchanging your licence
- Gather your documents and visit your local licensing authority as soon as possible
If you’re unsure, contact your state or territory’s roads department for advice.
Why does this matter to you?
Many Australians are either recent migrants themselves or have family and friends who are. Driving is a key part of independence, especially as we age.
Losing your licence—or facing unexpected hurdles to keep it—can have a big impact on your lifestyle, social life, and even your ability to work or volunteer.
If you’re helping a loved one navigate the licensing system, now’s the time to check their status and make sure they’re not caught out by these changes.
Have your say
Have you or someone you know been affected by these new licensing rules? Do you think the changes are fair, or do they make life harder for new Australians? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below—your story could help others in our community.
And as always, if you have questions about driving, licensing, or any other aspect of life in Australia, let us know. We’re here to help you stay informed and in the driver’s seat!
Also read: Drivers warned: This little-known licence rule could cost you $110
About time
Only applies to Immigrants, on whether their International License will be “enough” to transfer straight to an Australian License or whether they will need to take a Full Driving Test to get their License. It also effects the Timeframe for them to Transfer from their Overseas License to an Australian License.