The NSW Government has announced it is tightening foreign licence conversion rules to help keep NSW roads safe.
As of yesterday, a further group of overseas drivers and riders aged 25 years and over from a broader selection of countries will be required to pass a knowledge test and a driving test before converting their overseas licence to a NSW licence.
The Government says the changes close long-standing inconsistencies that allowed drivers from ‘List B’ countries and jurisdictions to obtain a NSW licence without this testing.
Drivers under 25 from ‘List B’ countries are already required to pass knowledge and driving tests, and that requirement will remain unchanged.
“Road safety is not negotiable, and we are pulling every lever to keep people safe on NSW roads,” said Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison
“This reform lifts standards and ensures everyone driving in NSW understands our road rules and can drive safely in local conditions.
“Fairness on our roads means the same safety bar applies to everyone – and that is exactly what this reform delivers.”
The reform builds on earlier Government action requiring long-term residents to convert overseas licences within six months of moving to NSW and brings NSW in line with other states and territories, ensuring consistent national standards.
To support the changes, Service NSW is boosting testing capacity, temporarily increasing availability with up to 320 extra driving test slots every Saturday, which has become effective from 31 January, with additional capacity delivered through February across metropolitan service centres.
Online bookings are updated weekly, and customers are encouraged to plan ahead and regularly check availability online.
“We know getting a licence to drive on our roads safely is an important step for all road users,” said Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib.
“To help drivers get their licence we have increased the number of driver testers and introduced Super Saturdays to add about 300 extra testing slots every weekend through February.
“We would encourage overseas drivers to plan ahead, information is available online to help customers understand what they need to do and what tests may be required and as always, Service NSW staff will continue to support customers and help them access the services they need.”
The list of impacted countries and testing requirements can be found here.
