Will your next licence renewal take even longer? New changes could mean big delays starting this week

If you thought renewing your driver’s licence was already a bit of a hassle, you might want to plan ahead this time. Big changes are on the way that could make the process slower for some motorists—and even longer for everyone else.

The shift is part of a nationwide effort to tighten testing standards and improve safety on Aussie roads.

But for those affected, it could mean more paperwork, more waiting, and fewer shortcuts.

Western Australia ends fast-tracked licence swaps

Starting this week, Western Australia is joining the growing list of states making a big change to how overseas drivers can get their Aussie licences.

The Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) Scheme, which has allowed permanent residents from certain countries to swap their foreign licence for a local one without any testing, is being scrapped as of 31 October. This follows similar moves in other states earlier this year.

So, what does this mean in plain English? If you’re a permanent resident from one of 16 specific countries—including places like South Korea, South Africa, Poland, and Taiwan—and you want to drive legally in WA, you’ll now have to pass both a theory test and a practical driving assessment.

Authorities say the change is about improving road safety.

According to EzLicence’s Ross Rivalland, the goal is to make sure everyone behind the wheel in Australia has a solid understanding of local road rules and safe driving practices—no matter where they learned to drive.

‘In states where the EDR Scheme transition has concluded, such as New South Wales, there has been an increase in demand for driving tests,’ Mr Rivalland said. ‘Consequently, some learners have experienced longer wait times and challenges in securing test appointments.’

What motorists can expect

Mr Rivalland added that it’s still unclear exactly how wait times will be affected in Western Australia but said it’s ‘prudent’ to anticipate scheduling challenges, particularly in high-demand areas like major cities.

Experts warn that delays may occur as the system adjusts to the increased demand.

If you’re just visiting Australia, don’t worry—these changes don’t apply to you. Visitors can still drive on their valid overseas licences as long as they follow the usual rules.

And if you’re from a ‘Recognised Country’—such as the UK, US, Canada, France, or Italy—you’re still in luck: you can swap your licence for an Aussie one with just a bit of paperwork, no tests required.

Countries affected by the change

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

These updates bring WA in line with other states that have recently made similar changes.

If you or someone you know is from one of these countries and planning to convert their licence soon, it’s a good idea to get in early and book your tests as soon as possible—the queues are only going to get longer!

Why authorities say the change matters

The move comes after Austroads, the national transport association, announced plans to ‘streamline conversions’ and ensure all frequent drivers have a shared understanding of Australian road rules.

It’s part of a broader push to improve road safety and reduce the tragic toll of accidents on our roads.

A recent report found that road deaths increased by 6.8% last year, with five Australians losing their lives on the road each day.

For our Seniors Discount Club members, this change might not affect you directly—but it could impact your family, friends, or even the time it takes to book your own driving test or renewal. And with more people in the system, it’s worth keeping an eye on wait times and planning ahead.

Read next: Driver's mishap triggers nationwide conversation about road safety

Key Takeaways

• Western Australia will end the Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) Scheme on 31 October, requiring permanent residents from 16 countries to pass both theory and practical driving tests to convert their overseas licence.
• EzLicence’s Ross Rivalland confirmed that states like New South Wales have already seen higher demand for driving tests and longer wait times since ending the program, with similar effects expected in WA.
• The change aligns WA with other states and is part of Austroads’ broader effort to improve road safety and ensure consistent understanding of Australian road rules.
• A recent report by the Australian Automobile Association found road deaths have risen by 6.8%, underscoring the importance of the new testing requirements.

Have you or someone you know been affected by the phasing out of the EDR Scheme? Have you noticed longer wait times for driving tests or renewals in your area? We’d love to hear your stories and tips—share your experiences in the comments below!