Many European countries recognise Australian licences, but you'll need an International Driving Permit for Austria, Greece, France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Turkey, Armenia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania.
Driving overseas
The AAA is the only authorised distributor of IDPs in Australia for Australian drivers licence holders. Permits are recognised in 98% of countries around the world and driving abroad without a permit it could be illegal.
An IDP is sometimes referred to as an international driving licence and is valid for 12 months. The IDP is not a standalone document – you need to carry your Australian driver licence with you at all times. Ensure your IDP allows you to drive or ride the vehicles you intend to use.
Your full Australian licence will be fine. However, if you carry a driver's licence from another country that is not represented in English, you will need an International Driving Permit.
Australian driving licences are generally acceptable in the US. However you will not be able to rent a car if you still have your learners or provisional licence. If your licence was issued in another country and is not printed in English it is a good idea to check whether you need an International Driving Permit.
You can drive in New York State with a valid driver license from another country. You do not need to apply for a New York State driver license unless you become a New York State resident. To get a New York State driver license, you must pass a written test, complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course and pass a road test.
If you plan to use a foreign driver's licence in Canada, you should get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country. An IDP will give you a translation of your licence into French and English.
If you are a tourist or short-term resident (90 days), you can legally drive in France provided you have both a valid Australian State or Territory driver's license AND a valid international driving permit (that you must obtain before leaving Australia) or an official translation in French of the Australian driver's ...
Australians driving in France must hold an International Driving Permit along with their valid Australian Licence. An International Driving Permit is not a licence. You must obtain an international driving permit prior to leaving Australia.
When staying in Germany temporarily (less than 185, e.g. as a tourist), you are permitted to drive a motor vehicle if you have a valid Australian driver's license together with an official translation into German.
If you live in Switzerland, you may drive with a foreign licence for 12 months. After that, you are required to have a Swiss licence. You need to exchange your foreign licence for a Swiss licence; this is still possible after the 12-month grace period, but you may have to pay a fine.
RECOGNITION OF AUSTRALIAN DRIVER LICENCES IN GREECE
As of 5 November 2021, Australian driver licences are recognised in Greece. Individuals who hold a valid Australian driver licence no longer need to also have an International Driving Permit to be able to drive in Greece.
If you plan to be in the Philippines for more than 90 days and plan to drive a vehicle, you will need a Philippine driver's licence. Foreign licences are acceptable for drivers staying here for shorter periods of time.
If you are travelling overseas with a car, motorbike, campervan or trailer registered in Australia, you will likely need a Carnet de Passages en Douane. The Carnet de Passages en Douane, or CPD Carnet, is the international customs documents which covers the temporary admission of motor vehicles.
Holders of Australian State and Territory Driving Licences may be required, during a driving-licence check, to produce an International Driving Permit in addition to their licence. To obtain an International Driving Permit please contact the relevant IDP authority in your state.
For non-English drivers licence holders, an international drivers licence is required for all countries worldwide. Please note you can get fined by the local police if you do not have an international driving permit.
Australians don't need a visa to travel to countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
You can use your card anywhere you see the Visa Symbol, including ATMs and merchant terminals. When using your card overseas or online you may be charged a foreign currency conversion fee.
In accordance with the existing agreements, Australian citizens may enter and stay in France without any visa for a period up to 90 days.
If the licence issued in the country of permanent residence is not issued in English, the visitor will also need to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) at all times while driving. A visitor will then be permitted to drive a vehicle of the type or class to which the licence is applicable.
As long as you are a tourist and have a valid driver's license written in the Roman alphabet from your country, you don't need to carry an international driving permit to drive in France. The minimum age to drive in France is 18 years old.
IDP needed for car hire, and for stays longer than 90 days. You must get your permit certified by local authorities when you arrive. You do not need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 6 months. If you have a paper driving licence, you may need a 1968 IDP .
Whether you're visiting Scotland from the US, India or even Australia, you can rest assured that as long as your licence is valid and in date, you can drive in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Australian residents in Malaysia can still choose to drive with a valid international driving permit (IDP) and a valid Australian driver's license. However, we would advise that you check with your vehicle's insurance provider to ensure that this will not affect your insurance claims, if any.
If you are a visitor to B.C. you can drive for up to six months if you hold a valid foreign or out-of-province licence. Any restrictions on your licence apply in B.C.