Drivers Licenses in Victoria

VicRoads
General enquiries: 13 11 71

If you are living in Victoria, you will need to switch over your New Zealand driver’s license to a Victorian driver’s license. You can drive using your overseas driver’s license for the first 3 months, after which, you need to apply for a Victorian driver’s license. If you do not apply and obtain a Victorian driver’s license within three months, you must stop driving until you have a Victorian driver’s license.

There are age requirements for being issued a Victorian driver’s license. You must be at least 16 years for a learner driver license, 18 years for a learner rider (motorcycle) license and 18 years for an open or unrestricted driver or rider license.

The Victorian Department of Roads and Maritime Services will take any New Zealand license you currently hold into account when issuing you an Australian driver’s license.

If you hold a current learner’s license from New Zealand, you will be issued a Victorian learner license. You will need to take a “knowledge” written test and a practical driving test before moving onto your provisional license.

If you have held a restricted New Zealand driver’s license for less than one year (after you turned 18) and are under the age of 21, you will be issued a provisional “P1” driver’s license. A “P1” or “red Ps” license carries certain restrictions.

While on your P1 license, you must obey the following rules:

• You can only drive cars (no heavy or rigid vehicles);
• You must display red P-plates (red “P”, white background);
• You cannot tow a trailer or another motor vehicle;
• Do not exceed a zero blood alcohol concentration (cannot drink at all while driving);
• No use of mobile phones (including hands-free or loudspeaker);
• You cannot drive a high-powered vehicle; and
• Cannot carry more than one passenger between the ages of 16 and 22.

If you have held a restricted or full New Zealand driver’s license for less than three years and are 21 years or older, you will be issued a provisional “P2” driver’s license. A “P2” license carries the following restrictions:

• You must display green P-plates (green “P”, white background);
• No use of mobile phones (including hands-free or loudspeaker);
• Do not exceed a zero blood alcohol concentration (cannot drink at all while driving); and
• You cannot drive a high-powered vehicle.

If you have held a full New Zealand driver’s license for more than three years and are 21 years or older, you will be issued an unrestricted driver’s license (full license).

To transfer your full driver’s license from New Zealand to a Victorian driver’s license, you will need to do the following:

• Go to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre;
• Complete the Driver’s License Application form;
• Bring your New Zealand driver’s license with you (the Department staff will need to see it);
• Bring your identity documents with you (see our section on 100 point checks), including documents which prove you are living in Victoria (these can be a rental agreement, a utility bill, etc);
• Bring with you a valid Certificate of Particulars from the New Zealand Transport Agency (must have been issued within 3 months);
• Pass the required written or practical tests for your license (you may be exempt from this); and
• Pay the licensing fee (1 year of licensing is approximately $75).