Destinations / Australia
Driving in Australia as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. You may drive on a valid foreign licence; an IDP (with translation) is recommended if your licence is not in English.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Australia expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 000 |
| Top speed limit | 100–110 km/h highways (130 in parts of NT) |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in AUD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Strict random breath testing; 0.05% limit. |
|---|---|
| Phones | Speed cameras and mobile-phone cameras widespread. |
| Animals | Watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk. |
On the road in Australia
At the pump
Fuel is sold by the litre at self-service stations (pay inside after pumping); petrol grades are Unleaded 91, E10, Premium 95 and 98, plus diesel, and cards are accepted everywhere with prices well above US levels.
After a crash
Call 000 for any injury; you must stop and exchange details, and report to police if anyone is hurt, property is damaged and the owner isn't present, or a vehicle must be towed - do not leave the scene.
Sources: visitnsw.com · tollguru.com · alpineresorts.vic.gov.au · speedcam.com.au
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Australia?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. You may drive on a valid foreign licence; an IDP (with translation) is recommended if your licence is not in English.
Which translation format is used for Australia?
Australia uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Australia ask for a translation?
Requested for non-English licences at all major chains.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Australia?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Oceania
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.