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Transfer a licence from a non recognised country
Find out how to transfer your driver’s licence from a non-recognised country to a WA licence.
If you hold a car or motorcycle driver’s licence from a non-recognised country that is current or expired less than 12 months, you will need to pass a theory test and a practical driving assessment.
If you hold an overseas truck or heavy vehicle licence, you will need to apply for a new licence for the relevant vehicle class.
Follow the steps below to find out how to transfer your current overseas licence from a non-recognised country.
How to transfer your overseas car or motorcycle licence
Step 1: Learn about and prepare for your tests
You will need to take and pass the following tests:
- theory test
- practical driving assessment
Theory test
The theory test assesses your understanding of the WA road rules.
There are specific theory tests for cars and motorcycles.
Find out more about the theory test.
You can find all the information you need to pass the test in the Drive Safe or Ride Safe Handbook.
| Drive Safe handbook | Kb | |
| Ride Safe handbook | Kb | |
Practical driving assessment
The practical driving assessment will determine whether you are competent to drive safely on your own in Western Australia.
You must pass the theory test before you can take the practical driving assessment.
Find out how to prepare for the practical driving assessment.
Step 2: Prepare your identity and licence verification documents
You will need to provide the following documents to transfer your overseas licence:
- completed Drivers Licence Application (DLA1) form (below)
- your overseas licence and the required proof of identity documents
- a translation of your non-English driver’s licence and original copy of licence sent to translator (if required)
- Letter of verification of your overseas driver’s licence from your country’s high commission, consulate, or embassy (for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iraq and Pakistan only.)
| Driver's licence application (Form DLA1) | Kb | |
Non-English driver’s licences translation
If any part of your overseas driver’s licence document is not in English, you will need to provide an official translation of your overseas driver's licence document.
We accept translations of overseas driver's licences from:
- NAATI Certified translators
- Department of Home Affairs Free Translating Service
- Translations by Consulates or Embassies may only be accepted where the language required to be translated is not provided by NAATI.
Translations of overseas driver's licences by NAATI certified translators should be endorsed with an official NAATI stamp. If an official NAATI stamp is not available the translation can still be accepted if:
- the translated document includes the details of the translator (NAATI registration number,
- name of translator, level of certification and signature); and
- those details have been verified by the Department of Transport.
Letter of verification for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iraq and Pakistan driver’s licences
If you hold a current driver's licence from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iraq, or Pakistan you will need to get a Letter of Verification from your high commission, embassy or consulate validating the authenticity of the driver's licence.
We will only accept verification of an Afghanistan driver’s licences from the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Canberra.
The verification process will take about 4 weeks to complete.
Please ensure that this letter of verification has been sent to the Department of Transport before applying for your driver's licence.
Note: If you have been granted Australian Citizenship, the consulates of Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Iraq may not verify a driver's licence issued in their respective country.
Consulate contacts - Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iraq and Pakistan
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
High Commission for the People's Republic of Bangladesh
VFS Global: India Passport & Visa Services Centre
Step 3: Visit a Driver Vehicle Services centre or regional DoT office
To apply to transfer your overseas licence you will need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services centre or regional DoT office and:
- submit a completed Driver’s Licence Application form (below)
- bring your overseas licence and the required proof of identity documents
- provide a translation of your non-English driver’s licence (if required)
- pay an application fee
- pass the eyesight test.
Eyesight test
You will need to take an eye test when you apply to transfer your overseas licence.
The test will be conducted at the Driver and Vehicle Services centre or regional DoT office
If you need to wear glasses or contacts to pass the eyesight test, your licence will show that you must also wear them when driving.
Medical test
When you apply to transfer your licence, you must declare whether you have any medical conditions and/or take any medication that may affect your ability to drive. You may need to go and get medical examination. Find out more about reporting a medical condition.
Driver licence transfer application (overseas/interstate) fees
| Fee type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Transfer application | |
| Overseas or expired Interstate driver's licence transfer application (if no driving test is required) | $59.90 |
| Overseas or expired Interstate driver's licence transfer application (if a driving test is required) | $138.70 |
| Licence renewal | |
| Driver's licence renewal 1 year (non concession rate) | $46.85 |
| Driver's licence renewal 5 years (non concession rate) | $163.50 |
Step 4: Pass your theory and practical driving test
Take the theory test
You can take the theory test at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre or DoT regional centre.
All tests must commence before 3.45pm.
You do not need to make an appointment to take the theory test at any metro DVS centre.
You may need to call ahead at our regional DVS centres or agents.
You will need to pay a fee to take the test.
Computerised theory test fees
| Fee type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Sit the Learner's Permit Computerised Theory Test | $21.20 |
| Resit the Learner's Permit Computerised Theory Test (each attempt) | $18.20 |
Take the practical driving assessment
You must pass the theory test before you can take the practical driving assessment.
Find out how to prepare for the practical driving assessment.
When you feel ready to take your practical driving assessment, book online using DoTDirect or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre or regional DoT office.
Note: If you take the practical driving assessment in an automatic vehicle, you will be issued with a driver’s licence for an automatic vehicle only.
If you pass your practical driving assessment you will be issued with a WA driver’s licence for the relevant class of vehicle. You will have to pay a licence renewal fee for one or 5 years.
If you do not pass, you will need to book another assessment and pay a resit fee for each PDA