Australia Driver License Conversion & International Driving Permit Complete Guide

"I want to rent a car in Australia but only have Korean license. What should I do?"

To drive in Australia, Korean license alone is insufficient. You must have English translation (NAATI) or International Driving Permit (IDP), and if staying 3+ months, you must convert to Australian license.

This guide is based on Australian transport authority official information and experiences from 200+ license conversion cases.

---

1. Driving in Australia with Korean License

1.1. Required Documents

Option 1: International Driving Permit (IDP)

• Issue: Korean police station or driver license test center
• Cost: ₩8,500
• Duration: Issued immediately
• Validity: 1 year

Option 2: NAATI English Translation

• Issue: NAATI certified translator
• Cost: $30-80
• Duration: 1-3 days
• Validity: Permanent (while license valid)

⚠️ Important: Must carry Korean license original together.

1.2. State Regulations (3-Month Limit)

NSW (Sydney):

• Korean license + IDP/NAATI: 3 months
• Must convert to NSW license after 3 months

VIC (Melbourne):

• Korean license + IDP/NAATI: 6 months (some changes from 2024 possible)
• Check: VicRoads

QLD (Brisbane):

• Korean license + IDP/NAATI: 3 months

SA (Adelaide):

• Korean license + IDP/NAATI: 3 months

WA (Perth):

• Korean license + IDP/NAATI: 3 months

1.3. International Driving Permit vs NAATI Translation

Item	IDP	NAATI Translation
Issue Location	Korea (before departure)	Australia (after arrival)
Cost	₩8,500	$30-80
Validity	1 year	Permanent (while license valid)
Issue Time	Immediate	1-3 days
Advantage	Can prepare before trip	Cheaper, longer validity
Disadvantage	Only 1 year valid	Must issue in Australia

Recommendation:

• Short term (under 3 months): International Driving Permit
• Long term (over 3 months): NAATI Translation

---

2. NAATI Translation Issuance Method

2.1. What is NAATI?

National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters:

• Australian certified translation authority
• Legally recognized translation

2.2. Issuance Procedure

Step 1: Find NAATI Certified Translator

• Website: NAATI
• "Find a Practitioner" → Search "Korean"

Step 2: Contact and Quote

• Email or phone
• Cost: $30-80
• Duration: 1-3 days

Step 3: Submit License Copy

• Scan or photo
• Front and back

Step 4: Receive Translation

• Email (PDF) or mail
• Print and carry with original

Recommended Translators (Sydney/Melbourne):

• Google: "NAATI Korean driver license translation"
• Korean community recommendations

---

3. Australian License Conversion (After 3 Months)

3.1. Conversion Eligibility

Korean License Convertible:

• Hold valid Korean license
• Planning to stay in Australia 3+ months
• License validity remaining

3.2. NSW (Sydney) Conversion Procedure

Step 1: Prepare Documents

• Korean license original
• NAATI translation
• Passport
• Proof of address (bank statement, rental agreement)

Step 2: Visit Service NSW

• Booking: Service NSW
• Booking recommended (reduce wait time)

Step 3: Tests

• Theory Test (DKT): Computer test, 45 questions, 90%+ to pass
• Practical Test: Road test, 30 minutes

Step 4: License Issue

• Immediate temporary license (paper)
• Official license card: Mail (10-14 days)

Costs:

• Theory test: $48
• Practical test: $68
• License issue: $59
• Total: $175

3.3. VIC (Melbourne) Conversion Procedure

Step 1: Visit VicRoads

• Booking: VicRoads

Step 2: Submit Documents

• Korean license + NAATI
• Passport
• Proof of address

Step 3: Tests (Simplified)

• Some countries exempt from tests
• Korea: Theory test only (practical may be exempt)

Costs:

• Approximately $100-150

3.4. Other States

QLD (Brisbane):

• Transport and Main Roads
• Theory + practical tests
• Cost: $150-200

SA (Adelaide):

• Service SA
• Theory test only (some exempt)
• Cost: $100-150

WA (Perth):

• Department of Transport
• Theory + practical
• Cost: $150-200

---

4. Driving Precautions

4.1. Australian Road Rules

Different from Korea:

1. Drive on Left

• Driver seat: Right side
• Turn signal: Right lever
• Wipers: Left lever (confusing)

2. Roundabout

• Rotate clockwise
• Right side vehicles have priority
• Yield before entering

3. Hook Turn (Melbourne Trams)

• Melbourne CBD only
• Wait on right to turn left
• Turn left when signal changes

4. Speed Limits

• School Zone: 40km/h (8-9:30am, 2:30-4pm)
• Residential areas: 50km/h
• Highways: 100-110km/h

4.2. Fine Warnings

Speeding:

• 1-10km/h over: $147-227
• 11-20km/h over: $341-561
• 20km/h+ over: $596-2,616

Other Violations:

• Phone use: $410 + 5 demerit points
• Not wearing seatbelt: $413
• Drink driving: $650-3,300 + license suspension

---

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. I didn't bring International Driving Permit from Korea.

A. Get NAATI translation in Australia ($30-80, 1-3 days). Cheaper and longer validity period.

Q2. 3 months passed and I didn't get Australian license. What happens if I drive?

A. Illegal driving. If caught: fine $700-2,000 + license suspension. Insurance won't cover accidents.

Q3. Is Australian license test difficult?

A. Theory test is available in Korean (some states). Practical test stricter than Korea, but passable with practice.

Q4. What happens to Korean license if I get Australian license?

A. Korean license remains valid. Australian license is an additional license.

Q5. Do I only need International Driving Permit to rent cars?

A. Yes, present both International Driving Permit + Korean license original. NAATI translation works the same.

---

6. Final: Driving Preparation Checklist

Before Departure (Korea):

• Issue International Driving Permit (police station, ₩8,500)
• Check Korean license validity period

After Arriving in Australia:

• Issue NAATI translation (if long-term stay)
• Check state regulations

After 3 Months:

• Prepare for Australian license conversion
• Study for theory test
• Practice for practical test

Enjoy safe driving in Australian life!

Related Articles:

• Australia Used Car Buying Guide
• Australia Second Visa Complete Guide
• Australia Road Rules Complete Guide

---

Was this article helpful? WHRESUME genuinely supports Australian working holidaymakers. Start your successful Australian life with our Free Resume Builder! 🇦🇺✨

---

Related Articles

• Australia Car Buying Guide
• Australia Farm Work Guide
• Australia First Week Guide

About the Author The WHRESUME team is in their 3rd year living in Melbourne and genuinely supports Australian working holiday makers. This guide is based on feedback from the working holiday community and analysis of official Australian sources.

💬 Feedback Welcome: If you find outdated or inaccurate information, please let us know via Contact Us!