Stricter rules for transferring overseas licences

Thursday, 1 May 2025

South Australia has tightened the rules for transferring overseas licences. This affects permanent residents who hold an overseas licence from certain countries. It applies to car drivers and motorcyclists.

Drivers and riders from certain countries must complete extra training to get a South Australian licence. 17 more countries now join the list:

  • Bulgaria
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Estonia
  • Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China)
  • Hungary
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Poland
  • Republic of Cyprus
  • Republic of Korea (South Korea)
  • Republic of Serbia
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • Taiwan.

These changes do not affect any drivers who:

  • already have a South Australian or interstate licence
  • are visiting Australia and follow the conditions of their licence.

Why it matters

When you become a permanent resident of South Australia, you have 3 months to get a South Australian driver’s licence or permit.

The change aims to:

  • improve road safety
  • strengthen the requirements for automatic recognition of overseas driver’s licences in Australia
  • align with updates to Australia's licensing systems.

More information

Visit SA.GOV.AU to learn more about the changes and check if you can transfer your overseas licence.