Are you a New South Wales resident who is getting ready to drive? Let's look at the process of obtaining an NSW driver license, regardless of where you are in life.
You need to be at least sixteen years old to get an NSW learner's license. You'll have to pass the driver knowledge test, pass an eye exam, and prove your identity. Most people need to pay for the license and test fees, though these fees may be lowered or waived in certain circumstances.
You can't apply for a New South Wales driver's license unless you're at least 17 years old. New South Wales law says you must have had a learner's license for at least twelve months unless you're over 25 years old. Adults over 25 don't have to have a learner driver logbook, though it is advised to have significant driving experience before you get a license.
Would-be drivers of all ages must prove their identity since the driver's license is used as an identity document in its own right. You'll need to pass a vision test, including a hazard perception test. There is a driving test. And you'll need to pay the necessary fees. Then you can get your P1 license. This is a type of probationary license. There are a number of restrictions on drivers with a probationary license.
The next step is the provisional P2 license. It requires you to have held a P1 license for at least a year. You should automatically advance to a P2 license if you've been accident and ticket free for a year with the P1 license.
The full NSW driver's license is only available to those who have had a P2 license for at least two years. This process includes another eyesight test, identity verification, and tests. There are also fees involved. However, you don't have to go through any more hoops unless you want to get a commercial driver's license.
What if you're a foreigner staying in Australia? You'll probably need a car to see all the sights in Australia because so many of them are in rural areas without public transport. Australia doesn't require you to have an international driver's license. However, a valid Australian visa and your national driver's license are not always good enough. You can only use a foreign driver's license in Australia if it is in English and a photo on it. If the license doesn't have a photo, you'll need to carry additional photo identification like your passport. If the license isn't in English, then you must get an international driving permit. Note that you can get this in your home country before you arrive in Australia.
Furthermore, the foreign driver's license is only valid for driving in Australia for up to three months after your arrival. Once you hit that point, you're required to get an Australian driver's license. The Australian driving license will be issued by the relevant state or territory. This means that foreigners staying in NSW for more than three months need to get a New South Wales driver's license.