Driving in Australia: International Driving Document Guide for visitors
Start Express ApplicationVisitors to Australia need an International Driving Document if their licence is not in English. Australia is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic only — it is not a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention. Australia drives on the left. Urban speed limit is 50 km/h, with 40 km/h in school zones; highways up to 110 km/h. Blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
Australia at a glance
- Permit type
- Geneva Convention International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Left (same as UK, Japan, India, Thailand. Overtake on the right.)
- How long it is valid
- 1 year from issue
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05% (0.00% for learner/provisional drivers)
- Emergency number
- 000
How to get your permit for Australia
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
Australia + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
A 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Document for Australia — picked for you, so you don't have to decide.
We handle the paperwork
Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.
Review by a real person
A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.
Track every step
Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.
Australia driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Left (same as UK, Japan, India, Thailand. Overtake on the right.)
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Speed limit — urban
- 50 km/h
- Speed limit — school zone
- 40 km/h during school hours
- Speed limit — rural
- 100 km/h
- Speed limit — highway
- 110 km/h
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05% (0.00% for learner/provisional drivers)
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for all passengers
- Helmet
- Mandatory for motorcycle riders
- Mobile phone
- Hands-free only
- Emergency number
- 000
Documents required to drive in Australia
What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.
- Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class
- International Driving Document(only if it applies to you)Backup translation for non-English licences
- PassportRequired for identification at all times
- Valid visa or visa exemptionMost nationalities need an ETA or visa
- Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company
- Compulsory third-party insuranceMandatory in Australia — rental cars include this
When you need a permit in Australia
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
English-language foreign licence
No — Accepted for the duration of your visa
Non-English foreign licence
Recommended / backup — Needed as a translation if asked by police or rental company
Licence not in English + rental
Yes — carry one — Rental companies may require it
Staying longer than 1 year
Check local state rules — Some states require conversion after extended stays
Frequently asked questions
Driving in Australia with a foreign licence, answered.
Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review
About this service
Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.