Can I drive in the Netherlands with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “For short visits, you'll need both: … an International Driving Permit (IDP)” (Smartraveller advice for the Netherlands, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for the Netherlands: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
For short visits, you'll need both:
- an International Driving Permit (IDP)
- a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)
After 185 days, you'll need to apply for a Dutch licence.
Car rental companies may require both documents and digital driver's licences may not be accepted.
Driving without an IDP where one is required can void your travel and vehicle insurance.
Source: Smartraveller: Netherlands, page updated 29 September 2026, “still current at” 18 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in the Netherlands
IDP needed in the Netherlands: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with an Australian licence. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in the Netherlands? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
Compare car hire in the Netherlands
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Other licences in the Netherlands
| Licence | In Netherlands | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | No IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | Recommended | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to the Netherlands
- British passport: Netherlands entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Netherlands
- Australian passport: Netherlands
- Italian citizens: Paesi Bassi
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for the Netherlands with an Australian driver's licence?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “For short visits, you'll need both: … an International Driving Permit (IDP)” (Smartraveller advice for the Netherlands, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in the Netherlands with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “For short visits, you'll need both: … an International Driving Permit (IDP)”
Which international driving permit do I need for the Netherlands?
The Smartraveller advice for the Netherlands does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.