Foreigners on short-term visit may rent a car and drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 3 months in Australia. Longer than that, you need to get an Australian driving license from an Australian state.
To drive in Australia, the license should be a full driver's license held for at least 2 years with no major endorsements. Car renters in Tasmania must have held a Full driver's license for at least 3 years and not be on a provisional license. Provisional licenses are not accepted in Tasmania.
If your domestic driver's license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation in English is required when you drive in Australia (Northern territory only accepts IDP). Please note that an International Driving Permit (often referred to as an International Driver's License) does not replace the requirement for a regular driver's license. And you must carry your current overseas driver's license, IDP or translation with you all the time when driving in Australia.
Tips
Some Australian car rental companies require you to have a photo ID license. If your foreign license does not have a photo ID, you should get an IDP before traveling to Australia if you intend to rent a car. UK drivers with the new-style photo card license will need both the paper counterpart and photo card. UK license holders who have a paper license only will also need an official photo for identification when driving in Australia.
All states require Australians from other states to get a new state license after 3 month's residence (with some specific exceptions). Some states also require New Zealanders to get a state driver’s license after they have been in Australia for 3 months.
Age Requirement
To rent a car in Australia you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category). There is no maximum driving age in Australia, however, a medical certificate is recommended for drivers over 75 years old. Ultimately, it is the location's decision if they will rent to a person over the age of 75. In Tasmania, drivers 75 years and over must present a medical certificate at the time of pickup. Each car rental company has its own age requirements. If you're 21-25, you are likely to have to pay a young driver fee. If you're 65 or older, you may have to pay a senior driver fee.
*Attention! Some car rental companies would have different requirements. Please check Terms and Conditions during the booking process.
To drive in Australia, the license should be a full driver's license held for at least 2 years with no major endorsements. Car renters in Tasmania must have held a Full driver's license for at least 3 years and not be on a provisional license. Provisional licenses are not accepted in Tasmania.
If your domestic driver's licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation in English is required together with your driver's licence when you drive in Australia.
*Attention! Some car rental companies would have different requirements. Please check Terms and Conditions during the booking process.
