Can I drive in Australia with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
No. GOV.UK says: “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Australia if you remain a temporary overseas visitor.” (FCDO travel advice for Australia, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
If you need a permit anyway (for example because your car hire company asks for one), the type is: 1949 (GOV.UK table).
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
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 1949 | – |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for Australia: “Transport risks”
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Australia if you remain a temporary overseas visitor. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
If you plan to stay in Australia and have a permanent visa, you can drive using your UK licence for up to 3 months. To continue driving, you must get an Australian licence within this 3-month period.
You must carry your driving licence and passport when driving. Make sure you have sufficient insurance, including if you borrow a car from a friend or relative.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Australia travel advice, page updated 19 March 2026, checked on 28 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
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in Australia
Hiring a car in Australia? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Staying longer or moving there? How long you can drive in Australia on a foreign licence, states and territories
Other licences in Australia
| Licence | In Australia | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | Recommended | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Australia
- British passport: Australia entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Australia
- Italian citizens: Australia
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Australia with a UK photocard driving licence?
No. GOV.UK says: “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Australia if you remain a temporary overseas visitor.” (FCDO travel advice for Australia, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Australia with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Australia if you remain a temporary overseas visitor.”
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.