Can I drive in Australia with a French licence?
To drive in Australia, you must hold an International Driving Permit (IDP), issued on theANTS WEBSITE in the "International Driving Permit" section.
What documents do I need to drive in Australia?
1. The international driving licence
Applying for an international driver's license if you are French
The international permit is free, but you must apply for it on theANTS WEBSITE.
If you do not have an ANTS account, you must create one.
To do so, you must provide proof of the following:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address less than 6 months old
- Driver's license
- In a professional emergency
- Dated and signed certificate from your employer justifying the trip abroad.
- If you are a self-employed entrepreneur, a declaration on your honor that you will not make any false declarations and that you will travel for business purposes + K-bis excerpt attesting to your activity.
Once these elements have been sent, you must send the following documents by post within 15 days of sending them online:
- Certificate of online application
- Standard passport photo, less than 6 months old
- Ready-to-post envelope, 50g tracked letter, with your address
You must complete the online pre-application BEFORE sending these documents by post, otherwise your application will be automatically rejected.
Documents should be sent by post to the address given at the end of the procedure.
How long does it take to receive your international permit?
If you live in France, the time it takes to obtain the international license you need to drive in Australia varies from period to period. Some applications take longer than others, depending on the situation and the checks to be carried out.
The Service Public recommends that you apply for an international permit at least 6 months before your departure.
2. French license
A French "B" or "A" license is sometimes all you need to drive in Australia, as long as you have an international license.
However, there are a few exceptions:
"To promote personal mobility, French A and B driving licenses can be exchanged for Australian driving licenses under bilateral agreements and reciprocal practices.
Outside the European Economic Area (EEA), everyone must drive with the license of the country in which they are established. In the case of normal residence abroad, outside the EEA, you must drive with a local license."
Source : au.ambafrance.org
So you may need to exchange your French A or B license for an Australian driver's license, depending on the regulations in each Australian state.
3. NAATI translation of French driver's license into English
Depending on the regulations of the Australian state in which you wish to drive, you may be required to provide a NAATI-certified translation of the Australian driver's license.
NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) is an Australian organization that accredits translators and interpreters. Its role is to guarantee the quality and competence of professionals working in the field of translation and interpreting in Australia.
NAATI-certified translators and interpreters have passed rigorous examinations assessing their language skills and understanding of professional standards.
NAATI certification is often required for translations of official documents, such as driving licenses.
This accreditation is recognized and respected throughout Australia, and is often required for those wishing to work as professional translators or interpreters in the country.