Overseas drivers in NSW given an ultimatum

Drivers from countries such as China, India, Nepal and Pakistan – who have been on New South Wales (NSW) roads for more than nine months – now have less than a year to convert to a local licence, or risk being taken off the state’s roads.

The NSW state government says some foreign licence holders have accrued more than 35 demerit points without suspension or disqualification – almost three times the 13 demerit-point limit for full (non-provisional or learner) NSW licence holders before they’re taken off the road.

It says it is closing a loophole in the regulations introduced in 2023 under the previous state government, which set a six-month time limit for foreign driver's licence holders to make the conversion – but only applied to those who arrived on or after 1 July 2023.

Under the latest legislation, any foreign licence holder residing in NSW and driving on its roads since before 1 July 2023 now has until 1 March 2025 to obtain a local licence, or they will be forced off the road.

Many of these motorists will need to pass a practical driving test to obtain NSW driving credentials, "depending on the country of origin and its compatibility to the NSW road system," the government said in a media release.

“This regulation change means no one will be able to drive around for years and years on end without coming under the NSW licence system,” NSW Minister for Roads, John Graham, said in a statement.

"The Government is not going to cop people running up demerit points with impunity."

“When everyone knows the same set of rules then safety increases in total. The carrot for new drivers is to stay safe and qualify for a demerit point returned whereas rule breakers will now face the full force of the law.”

It brings NSW into line with Victoria and Tasmania in requiring overseas licences to be converted within six months of when the licence holder becomes a permanent resident.

Foreign licence holders in Queensland are required to convert their driver's licences within three months of living in the state.

The same three-month timeframe applies in the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia.