Getting behind the wheel in Australia is about to come with new challenges for certain drivers.

Those relying on existing licences might soon face new requirements, with a major change unfolding nationwide that could impact the freedom to stay on the road.

It’s important to stay informed and prepare for what's ahead.


For years, Australia has had a system known as the Experienced Driver Recognition Status (EDR), which allowed international motorists living in Australia permanently to convert their overseas licence to a local one without any testing requirements.

This was a convenient shortcut for drivers from certain countries, but the program is ending in most jurisdictions on Wednesday.

The list of countries whose licences were previously recognized under the EDR scheme includes South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, and Poland, among others.


Drivers from these countries will now be required to undertake further training and testing to receive an Australian licence.

However, this change is not uniform across the nation.

Queensland residents will see the EDR scheme wrap up mid-year, pending new legislation, while Western Australia will end the program on 31 October.


It's important to note that this does not affect visitors to Australia, who can still drive on valid overseas licences in compliance with all conditions.

The move to abolish the EDR scheme comes after Austroads, the government-funded agency managing international licences on behalf of the states and territories, announced updates to its process aimed at 'streamlining conversions.'

However, this streamlining seems to be more about tightening regulations than easing them.

Andrew Rawlinson, Head of Sales at EzLicence, has highlighted that the end of the EDR scheme may place additional demands on the Australian licensing system.

'After the deadline, drivers from EDR-recognised countries will be required to pass both knowledge and practical driving tests to obtain an Australian licence and continue driving in the country, unless they transition before the deadline,' he said.

'This comes at a time when Australia has seen a 3.2 per cent decline in qualified driving instructors over the past year, potentially placing even more strain on an already under-resourced sector,' he said.

If you're a driver affected by the end of the EDR and you've missed the April 30 deadline for converting your licence, you'll need to go through the whole licensing process.

But don't despair—there are steps you can take to get ahead of the rush.

Rawlinson recommends scheduling your driving test as far as possible, familiarizing yourself with Australia's road rules, and taking a few driving lessons as a refresher.

The process for converting an overseas licence to an Australian one varies from state to state, so it's crucial to visit the AustRoads website for specific information.

In most parts of the country, if you have a full licence from your home country, you can legally drive in Australia for up to three months from the point of first arriving—except in Victoria, where the period is up to six months.

Here's the complete list of countries that were listed on the EDR scheme:

• Bulgaria
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Poland
• Republic of Cyprus
• South Korea
• Republic of Serbia
• Romania- Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Africa
• Taiwan

For our senior drivers who these changes may impact, it's essential to act quickly to ensure you remain road-legal.

It's also a good opportunity to improve your driving skills and knowledge of local road rules.

Safety is paramount, and being well-prepared can only enhance your driving experience.


Have you or someone you know been affected by these licence changes? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.