Converting your South African Drivers License

If you have a South African drivers, it’s pretty simple to get a local license. This is almost a pleasure, given how relatively slick and painless the process is compared to The Things We’ve Seen That First Worlders Wouldn’t Believe. No dusty caravans with battery-powered photocopiers here, or pressing your eyes to a well-used eye testing device from the last century manned by a very bored lady who would understandably rather be somewhere else. In Australia, you visit and apply, and (I hope you’re sitting down) they 1) post it to you, and 2) it arrives.

Your license is very useful to have, because it adds to your local ID footprint, along with an ID card. Many things (e.g. rentals) want e.g. 100 points of ID, and it’s way easier to keep this on you (and replace) than your SA passport.

It’s generally pretty quick if you’re over 25 - take a few types of ID, no test. Under 25’s have more of a rigmarole because Australia’s process for new drivers is fairly comprehensive, so you’re looking at redoing a bunch of things. Similarly, over-75’s need to undergo a medical review and in some cases, might need a practical test. Details in the links below.

Permanent Resident

Transferring a South African license as a permanent resident. You can drive for up to three months with your SA license while you convert. https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/transfer-an-overseas-driver-licence

Temporary Resident

Temporary residents (e.g. 482 visa holders) can drive locally for six months while you apply. https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-nsw-licence-as-a-temporary-overseas-visitor

Note: after you’ve received your local license you MUST only use it. It is verboten to use foreign drivers when you have a local one.