Using Indian licence in Australia

If you're moving to australia and are wondering if you need an International Driving licence before you leave India, then stop worrying. As long as your Indian Driving Licence is in English you can use it straightaway here. It need not be an International Driver's Licence.

Getting an Australian Licene is also very easy if you have an Indian Licence which is atleast 1 year old. If you want to apply for an Australian licence from scratch (in NWS, other states have their own rules) you will have to usually climb the licence ladder gradually. This means you start off with a 'P' plate which is a restricted licence and then hold it for 12 months and then gradually move to a 'Full' licence.

However, having an Indian licence, you are eligible to directly apply for the 'Full' licence and this saves you a lot of hassles. Simply appear for the Computer Based Test first and then the actual Driving Test and get the full licence.

Driving schools may be useful to help you get a feel of Aussie driving rules etc. and may also help getting the licence easier.

Visit the RTA link to licence types and see the detailed information.