Eight steps to your licence
Check if you even need to sit a test
This changed on 1 February 2026 — the old exemption for "experienced" drivers is gone. List A (UK, USA, New Zealand, Canada and others): direct conversion, no test, if your licence is current or expired within 5 years. List B: you now need the Driver Knowledge Test and the Driving Test, no exceptions. Not on either list: full pathway (DKT + Hazard Perception Test + Driving Test).
Translate your overseas licence
If your licence isn't in English, Transport for NSW only accepts translations from Multicultural NSW, the Department of Home Affairs, or (for Korean and Taiwanese licences) the relevant consulate. Photocopies aren't accepted — original translation, or a copy certified by a Justice of the Peace.
Gather your proof of identity
Service NSW asks for a specific set of identity documents. Check the full list before you go, so you're not making a second trip.
Visit a Service NSW Centre
Bring your translation and all your documents, and complete the Licence Application form (Form 1001) at any Service NSW Centre.
Sit the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)
A road rules test. Do it online (interactive lessons built in, unlimited attempts for one fee) or in person at a Service NSW Centre (you pay per attempt, even if you fail).
Pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
A computer-based test of your ability to spot developing hazards. Sit it at a Service NSW Centre before you can book the Driving Test. Whether it applies to your specific overseas-conversion case can vary — confirm when you lodge your application.
Book and sit the Driving Test
A practical, on-road test over a set course of 25 zones. The testing officer rides with you and scores your performance against five key indicators — covered in full below.
Pass and collect your licence
Pay for the licence class you're issued at the counter. You'll get a receipt letting you drive for up to 2 months while the physical card is mailed. From this point you can no longer drive on your foreign licence in Australia — though it stays valid in other countries.
What you'll pay
What the Driving Test actually assesses
To pass you need 90% or more, with zero fail items. A single major fail — missing a give way, going over the speed limit, not stopping at a stop sign — fails you regardless of your overall score.
The MILO check — use it on every turn, merge or park
Mirror. Check your centre mirror.
Indicator. Signal the direction you're about to move.
Look over. Turn your body and check your blind spot — make it obvious to the testing officer.
What a completed Score Sheet looks like
General driving tips
Kerbside stop
- Park parallel, under 500mm from the kerb
- Signal for 5 seconds before leaving again
3-point turn
- Max 5 direction changes (3 if the road allows it)
- Check both ways before every movement
Parking
- Reverse parallel, 90° or 45°
- Max 4 direction changes, no more than 7m reversing
Hill start
- Don't roll back more than 500mm
- Prevent rolling with the handbrake or clutch control
One fail item is all it takes
Recommended videos
Service NSW resources
Unlock the rest of this guide
Get the full roadmap, live pricing and every Driving Test resource — free, two minutes.
Eight steps to your licence
Check if you even need to sit a test
This changed on 1 February 2026 — the old exemption for "experienced" drivers is gone. List A (UK, USA, New Zealand, Canada and others): direct conversion, no test, if your licence is current or expired within 5 years. List B: you now need the Driver Knowledge Test and the Driving Test, no exceptions. Not on either list: full pathway (DKT + Hazard Perception Test + Driving Test).
Translate your overseas licence
If your licence isn't in English, Transport for NSW only accepts translations from Multicultural NSW, the Department of Home Affairs, or (for Korean and Taiwanese licences) the relevant consulate. Photocopies aren't accepted — original translation, or a copy certified by a Justice of the Peace.
Gather your proof of identity
Service NSW asks for a specific set of identity documents. Check the full list before you go, so you're not making a second trip.
Visit a Service NSW Centre
Bring your translation and all your documents, and complete the Licence Application form (Form 1001) at any Service NSW Centre.
Sit the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)
A road rules test. Do it online (interactive lessons built in, unlimited attempts for one fee) or in person at a Service NSW Centre (you pay per attempt, even if you fail).
Pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
A computer-based test of your ability to spot developing hazards. Sit it at a Service NSW Centre before you can book the Driving Test. Whether it applies to your specific overseas-conversion case can vary — confirm when you lodge your application.
Book and sit the Driving Test
A practical, on-road test over a set course of 25 zones. The testing officer rides with you and scores your performance against five key indicators — covered in full below.
Pass and collect your licence
Pay for the licence class you're issued at the counter. You'll get a receipt letting you drive for up to 2 months while the physical card is mailed. From this point you can no longer drive on your foreign licence in Australia — though it stays valid in other countries.
What you'll pay
What the Driving Test actually assesses
To pass you need 90% or more, with zero fail items. A single major fail — missing a give way, going over the speed limit, not stopping at a stop sign — fails you regardless of your overall score.
The MILO check — use it on every turn, merge or park
Mirror. Check your centre mirror.
Indicator. Signal the direction you're about to move.
Look over. Turn your body and check your blind spot — make it obvious to the testing officer.
What a completed Score Sheet looks like
General driving tips
Kerbside stop
- Park parallel, under 500mm from the kerb
- Signal for 5 seconds before leaving again
3-point turn
- Max 5 direction changes (3 if the road allows it)
- Check both ways before every movement
Parking
- Reverse parallel, 90° or 45°
- Max 4 direction changes, no more than 7m reversing
Hill start
- Don't roll back more than 500mm
- Prevent rolling with the handbrake or clutch control
One fail item is all it takes
Recommended videos
Service NSW resources
Unlock the rest of this guide
Get the full roadmap, live pricing and every Driving Test resource — free, two minutes.