International Drivers Licence in Australia

Do you need an International Drivers Licence in Australia

Some websites state very clearly that you need an International Drivers Licence in Australia.

HOWEVER…

Some states require you to carry an International Licence with your current foreign licence. Other states request you carry your current foreign driver’s licence together with a formal translation of your licence into English.

If your licence is NOT in English, then you need something that proves what it says.  A formal translation of your licence OR an International Licence will do that job.

Some statements from Official Australian Government websites to help with understanding this:

South Australia

A current licence with an English translation if necessary or an international driver’s licence.

https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/transport-travel-and-motoring/motoring/interstate-and-international-motorists/driving-with-an-overseas-licence

Your international driving permit (IDP) must be issued by the same country that issued your driver’s licence. The permit verifies in several languages that you have a valid driver’s licence.

New South Wales

If you hold an overseas licence, you are allowed to drive the vehicles covered by your overseas licence in NSW, as long as you carry your overseas driver or rider licence.

If your licence is not written in English, you must also carry an English translation, or an International Driving Permit.  http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/visiting-nsw.html

Summary

Based on this, it is clear that IF the Driver Licence is NOT in English, then a International Drivers Licence, or other Translation option is needed.

Also.  In all the years I drove in Australia on a UK licence, not once was i asked for an International Drivers permit.  Friends with foreign language licences though, were asked.