Can You Drive in Australia with a Canadian License?

• Dec 09, 2022

 

Australia is a beautiful country for driving! It's worthwhile to drive while you visit the big country since they have really fantastic road excursions! However, several travelers are unsure of the regulations.

If you want to reside in Australia, you may drive with your Canadian for three months (6 months in Victoria) until you get a local license. Certain jurisdictions need you to pertain for a temporary driver's license if you are in Australia for more than three months. We also advice you to get a Canadian citizenship by passing the citizenship test. It consists of multiple choice questions from different aspects like the justice system, symbols, history, and so on.

Without a residency permit, international visitors who drive in Australia are referred to as "visiting drivers" and are permitted to use a car with their existing international driver's license. Australians drive on the left line of the street, which might be difficult for Canadians who are accustomed to driving on the right.

Rules

You must invariably carry a valid international driver's license whenever you drive, regardless of which state you are in. Additionally, you are only permitted to drive the categories of cars listed on your foreign driver's license, and you must strictly abide by local traffic laws. A visiting driver also always needs to have his/her overseas license when driving, alongside an IDP (International Driving Permit) or an official English translation if their license is in a language other than English.
 However, only full license holders are subject to these rules, not interim or learner drivers. In a broad sense, you must reapply for a local learner's permit if you already hold an international learner's permit. For information about your condition, get in touch with the state license authorities.

Driving permits

Except in the Northern Territory, visiting drivers are permitted to drive endlessly with their up-to-date foreign licenses. However, if their foreign license is expired or their citizenship/visa status changes, the visiting drivers are obligated to get an Australian-approved driving license. 

Likewise, if the visiting drivers wish to drive in the Northern Territory, he/she needs to acquire a Northern Territory-approved driving license following three months or request an exemption from having a local license.

Driving Tips in Australia

Bring your right foot firmly to ground yourself. This will assist you in determining the location of your right tire, offering a great notion of spacing.
Roundabouts are highly prevalent in Australia, so remember, In Australia, traffic runs clockwise in a roundabout.

In Canada, we glance left first, then right, while crossing the street. You must adapt your thinking for living in Australia. You must initially glance to the right since the automobiles will be approaching from that side.In short, you can drive around Australia with your Canadian driving license, but there are some restrictions, and you will have to carry a few documents all the time.