Destinations / Australia
Driving in Australia as a visitor
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Australia accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Australia expects
| Permit needed | Recommended |
|---|---|
| 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 | Not required by law. Worth having if your licence is not printed in Latin script. |
| 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?
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Australia accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Which IDP format does Australia accept?
Australia recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Australia ask for one?
Requested for non-English licences at all major chains.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.