Taipei:Taiwanese nationals will soon find it easier to drive in certain parts of Australia, as they will not be required to take additional driving tests to obtain an Australian driver's license. This change is set to take effect later this month, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Tuesday.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Australian government revealed in late July its decision to recognize driver's licenses from Taiwan and 11 other countries. The policy will begin implementation in the states of Western Australia and Queensland on October 31. Furthermore, South Australia, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory are slated to adopt the policy in January 2027, with Tasmania following in February 2027.
The Australian Capital Territory and Victoria have yet to announce when they will implement these changes. MOFA also noted that Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is collaborating with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to develop a reciprocal policy for Australian drivers.
Austroads, the body responsible for overseeing the recognition of overseas driver's licenses in Australia, stated in late July that each state and territory would roll out the new policy over the coming months, with full recognition anticipated by late 2026. Eligible license holders will be able to transfer to an Australian license without additional testing, once the policy is effective in their respective state or territory.
The new policy does not affect temporary visitors to Australia, who can continue to drive with a valid overseas license, as long as they adhere to the conditions of that license.
