Just moved to Perth from overseas? Whether you can simply swap your licence or need to sit a driving test in WA depends on two things: your visa type and the country that issued your licence.
The rules changed recently. Since 1 November 2025, the old “Experienced Driver Recognised Country” shortcut no longer exists in Western Australia. Many experienced drivers who once converted with no test now need to pass a theory test and a Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).
And there is good news this month. From 31 October 2026, WA recognises 14 more countries, including South Korea, Taiwan, Poland and Romania. Drivers from these places can now swap their licence without any tests.
This guide to overseas licence conversion in Perth explains the current Department of Transport rules in plain English, and how Drive Solo Driving School helps overseas drivers pass the WA PDA first go.
How long can you drive in WA on an overseas licence?
It depends on your visa status:
- Australian citizens and permanent residents: you can drive on a current, valid overseas licence for up to 3 months after moving to WA. You must apply to transfer to a WA licence within that window. After 3 months, you cannot legally drive on your overseas licence, even if it is still valid.
- Visitors and temporary residents (tourists, international students, temporary workers): you do not need to transfer. You can keep driving on your overseas licence while it is current. If it is not in English, carry an official English translation or an International Driving Permit.
If your overseas licence expired more than 12 months ago, or it cannot be verified, you cannot transfer it. You will need to get a WA licence from the start, beginning with a learner’s permit.
Tip: Got your PR recently? Start the transfer process early. Translations, verification letters and PDA bookings can easily take longer than 3 months.
Recognised vs non-recognised countries: do you need a driving test?
If your licence is from a recognised country, you swap it with no tests. If it is from a non-recognised country (for example India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia or Iraq), you must pass a theory test and a Practical Driving Assessment (PDA). Use the Department of Transport licence checker to confirm your country.
| Recognised country | Non-recognised country | |
|---|---|---|
| Theory test | Not required | Required ($22.40) |
| Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) | Not required | Required |
| Transfer application fee | $63.50 | $150.80 (includes the driving test) |
| WA licence fee | $49.40 (1 year) or $172.00 (5 years) | $49.40 (1 year) or $172.00 (5 years) |
| PDA re-sit if you fail | Not applicable | $120.50 each attempt |
| Eyesight test | Yes, at the service centre | Yes, at the service centre |
Fees are from the Department of Transport website as of October 2026 and may change.
Newly recognised from 31 October 2026
WA now accepts licences from these 14 jurisdictions with no tests: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Serbia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea and Taiwan.
This only applies to new applications lodged on or after 31 October 2026. Applications lodged before that date are still treated as non-recognised and need both tests.
What changed in 2025?
Until 31 October 2025, drivers aged 25+ from “Experienced Driver Recognition” countries could convert without tests. That category ended on 1 November 2025. Licences from those countries that are not on the new list above now need the theory test and PDA.
How to convert your overseas licence to a WA licence: step by step
- Check your country’s status. Use the Department of Transport licence checker.
- Gather your documents. You need:
- a completed Driver’s Licence Application form (DLA1)
- your original overseas licence
- original proof of identity documents, with your name matching across all of them
- an English translation of your licence, if required, from an approved translator (for example a NAATI certified translator or the Home Affairs Free Translating Service)
- Get your licence verified, if needed. Licences from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia and Iraq need a Letter of Verification from your high commission, embassy or consulate. Allow about 4 weeks. Pakistan licences are verified online at the counter. Ireland and Singapore licences also have their own verification steps.
- Visit a Department of Transport service centre. Submit your application, pass the eyesight test, declare any medical conditions, have your photo taken and pay the fees.
- Non-recognised countries only: pass the theory test. No appointment is needed at metro centres, but the test must start before 3:45 pm. Study the Drive Safe handbook first.
- Non-recognised countries only: book and pass your PDA. Book through DoTDirect. If you sit the PDA in an automatic car, your WA licence will be automatic only.
- Collect your WA licence. Pay the 1-year or 5-year licence fee and you are done.
Tips for passing the PDA as an experienced overseas driver
Years of driving experience do not guarantee a pass. The PDA tests you against the WA standard, and confident drivers often lose marks for habits they no longer notice. Watch for these:
- Head checks: turn your head to check blind spots before every lane change, merge and pull-out. Mirrors alone are not enough.
- Full stops: stop completely behind the line at every stop sign. Rolling stops are a common fail.
- Roundabouts: give way to vehicles already on the roundabout, travel clockwise and signal your exit.
- School zones: 40 km/h during school times, and examiners watch for it closely.
- Speed and gaps: stay at or just under the limit, and keep a safe following distance.
- Driving on the left: if you come from a right-hand-drive country, practise lane position and turns until they feel automatic.
- Know your test centre: practise on the roads around the centre where you will sit your PDA.
The fastest way to find your weak spots is a mock test with a local instructor before you book the real one.
Overseas licence conversion in Perth: how Drive Solo helps
Drive Solo Driving School helps overseas licence holders across Perth’s southern suburbs adjust to WA road rules and pass the PDA first go. Most experienced drivers only need a few lessons to reach the WA test standard.
We teach on roads commonly used in PDA routes around the Success, Cannington, Kelmscott, Rockingham, City West and Mandurah test centres. Every lesson is one-on-one in a 5-star ANCAP, dual-controlled car, with free pick-up and drop-off.
| Option | What you get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| P-Ready Assessment | 45-minute mock PDA, 15 minutes of feedback and a written report | $110 |
| Weekday lesson, 60 min | Focus on WA rules, test routes and manoeuvres | $80 |
| Car Hire Only | Our insured, dual-controlled car for your PDA | $120 |
| Lesson & Test | Warm-up lesson right before the test, plus car hire | $200 |
| Complete Test Day | Pick-up 60 minutes before, warm-up lesson, car hire and drop-off | $225 |
Not sure how many lessons you need? Book the P-Ready Assessment first. It shows exactly where you stand, so you only pay for the lessons you need.
- See every option on our driving lesson prices and packages page.
- Read more about overseas licence conversion, PDA prep and test car hire on our services page.
Ready to get your WA licence? Call or WhatsApp 0434 904 360, or book your lesson online.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in Perth with my overseas licence?
Yes. Visitors and temporary residents can drive on a current overseas licence for their whole stay. Permanent residents and citizens can drive on it for up to 3 months, then must hold a WA licence.
Do I need to do a driving test to convert my Indian licence in WA?
Yes. India is a non-recognised jurisdiction, so you need to pass a theory test and a PDA. You also need a Letter of Verification from the Indian consulate, which takes about 4 weeks.
Can I convert my South Korean licence in WA without a test?
Yes, from 31 October 2026. South Korea is one of 14 newly recognised jurisdictions. Applications made before that date still need both tests.
How much does it cost to convert an overseas licence in WA?
From a recognised country, it is $63.50 plus the licence fee ($49.40 for 1 year or $172.00 for 5 years). From a non-recognised country, it is $22.40 for the theory test, $150.80 for the application and driving test, plus the licence fee.
Can I use a driving school car for my PDA?
Yes. Drive Solo offers test car hire from $120, and a warm-up lesson plus car hire for $200. Sitting the test in a familiar dual-controlled car helps settle nerves.
What if I fail my PDA?
You can book another one and pay a $120.50 re-sit fee each time. Book a few lessons before your next attempt to fix what the examiner marked down.
Source: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/drivers-licence/visit-move-wa/moving-from-overseas?fbclid=IwdGRzaAVP3CZjbGNrBU_b2mV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHBkb2YBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEf1x_v8NuPoGr8GDmXU5V_3R_VRBbkdb-9zTt4KSLASyaGZCxJkXfXgJQgiOQ_aem_VBN09W9SrjDf7bGpeqHd8w&sfnsn=wa
