Getting a WA drivers licence

If you are a visitor to Western Australia you may drive on your overseas licence until it expires.

But, if you have a permanent residence visa and intend on living in WA you must obtain a WA drivers licence within 3 months of getting your visa.

You must carry your licence at all times when driving and comply with any conditions (where reasonable) that are endorsed on the licence.

To transfer your UK license to a WA licence you simply need to attend a licensing centre complete a form, show your UK licence, have your photo taken, prove your identity, take an eye test and pay a fee.

From our experience I would advise getting to the licensing centre early as queues can get very big later on in the day.

The dpi.wa.gov.au give the following advice:

To transfer your overseas driver licence you must personally attend a licensing centre (payment by Cash, Cheque, EFTPOS or credit card) or a licensing agent (payment by Cash or Cheque only) between the hours of 8:15 am and 3:45 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

When attending a licensing centre or agent to transfer your licence you must take the following documentation with you:

• your current overseas drivers licence.
• proof of your identity, one primary document and one secondary document (originals only).
• proof of your WA residential address.
• one document that shows your signature.
  

You must also pay an application fee of $ 36.20 together with the standard $ 36.60 (1 year) or $ 116.00 (5 year) licence fee. (current at July 2009)

You will be required to have your photo taken which will be displayed on your new Western Australian licence.

As the UK is a recognised country the only test you will have to undertake is an eye test, this is taken at the centre at the time you apply for your licence.

Please note that regulations vary state by state and the above is only applicable to obtaining a licence in Western Australia.

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