Drivers from a select group of countries will soon face mandatory testing before being issued a New South Wales driver’s licence, as the state moves to align its rules with the rest of the nation.
From February 1, 2026, motorists holding licences from 16 countries will be required to pass both knowledge and practical driving tests to obtain a NSW licence, regardless of their age. Under the current arrangements, only drivers under 25 from those countries must sit the exams.
The reform, announced by the NSW Government, brings New South Wales into line with all other Australian states and territories, which already apply similar testing requirements.
Authorities have stressed that existing road safety rules will remain unchanged. Drivers who rack up 13 demerit points will continue to face automatic disqualification from driving on NSW roads, irrespective of where their licence was originally issued.
The move follows earlier changes introduced in 2023, when visa holders from China, India, Pakistan and Nepal were required to pass a driving test if they stayed in the state for more than six months.
Despite the tougher stance, not all overseas drivers will be affected. Transport for NSW will continue to allow motorists from 28 recognised countries to exchange their overseas licences for a NSW licence without additional testing, with no changes made to that scheme.
At the national level, the body representing Australia’s transport agencies, Austroads, has temporarily paused assessments of new overseas authorities seeking recognition under the scheme. The pause follows the identification of areas where the assessment framework could be strengthened.
Officials say the latest changes are aimed at improving consistency and road safety, while ensuring licensing standards remain robust across jurisdictions.
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