Back view of woman driving a car down a highway with another car ahead of her

Victorian Licence Requirements for International Students

Looking to get your licence? The Victorian government has a set of requirements specifically for those coming from overseas or interstate.

In October 2019, a change in the law required all overseas driver licence holders (irrespective of the type of visa held) and interstate licence holders to obtain a Victorian licence within 6 months of residing in Victoria. This requirement, which was suspended due to the impacts of COVID-19, has now recommenced.

Each driver will have unique circumstances and are encouraged to use the VicRoads online tool to calculate the date by which they need to convert to a Victorian licence. Overseas and interstate licence holders who wish to convert to a Victorian licence are encouraged to act now to ensure they have enough time to make any appointments necessary to complete all requirements before their conversion date.

If a driver does not convert to a Victorian licence within the required time frame, their overseas or interstate licence will cease to be a valid authority for driving on Victorian roads. Driving without a valid licence is a serious offence under Victorian law.

What does this mean for those driving on an overseas or interstate licence?

- Overseas and interstate licence holders who were residents in Victoria on 29 October 2019 had until 30 October 2021 to convert to a Victorian licence.

- Those who started residing in Victoria after 29 October 2019 will have longer to convert their licence, based on their arrival date.

- Anyone taking up residence in Victoria from 1 November 2021 will have six months to convert to a Victorian licence.

All overseas and interstate drivers can use the VicRoads online tool to work out the date they need to convert to a Victorian licence and the type of licence they’ll get.

Until their conversion due date, interstate and overseas drivers can continue to use their current interstate or overseas licence to drive in Victoria as long as it is still valid.

Interstate or overseas drivers who are disqualified from driving or have had their interstate or overseas licence suspended or cancelled are no longer authorised to drive in Victoria. Medically unfit drivers or overseas drivers who have failed a practical Victorian test are also not permitted to drive using their overseas licence.


What if someone needs to convert to a Victorian licence for their work but the necessary licence test appointments aren’t available before their conversion date?

Customers who need to convert their overseas or interstate licence for their work may be eligible for a priority test under VicRoads’ hardship and special circumstances policy. More details can be found at Hardship and special circumstances appointments on the VicRoads website.

Customers who need to complete a learner or hazard perception test to convert their licence can now complete the Learner Permit Test Online and the Hazard Perception Test Online.

VicRoads Customer Service Centres continue to offer appointments for customers driving with an interstate or overseas licence to convert to a Victorian licence, once any licence testing requirements have been completed.


For more information about the process of converting to a Victorian driver's licence, visit the VicRoads website.

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