International Driving Permit for Australia
International Driving Permit for Australia: IDP recommended for foreign visitors. Driving side, minimum age, and how to get your IDP for Australia online in minutes.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Australia?
Required if your licence is not in English; otherwise strongly recommended. Driving is on the left. An International Driving Permit is an official translation of your national driver's licence into multiple languages — it never replaces your home licence, so always carry both, along with your passport.
What to carry when driving in Australia
- Your valid national driver's licence
- Your International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Your passport and rental documents
How to get your IDP for Australia
You don't need to visit an office. Get your International Driving Permit online with International DL in minutes — we translate your licence into the official UN-convention languages and issue your IDP digitally, ready before you fly.
Which permit Australia recognises
Australia is party to both the 1949 Geneva and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, so an International Driving Permit issued under either treaty is recognised there.
Treaty status per the United Nations treaty depositary: 1949 Geneva Convention · 1968 Vienna Convention
Driving on the Left-hand side in Australia
Australia drives on the LEFT. If you normally drive on the right, allow time to adjust — roundabouts, junctions and overtaking all run the opposite way, and most rental cars will have the gear shift on your left.
The legal minimum driving age in Australia is 18. Rental companies routinely set their own, higher minimum and often add a young-driver surcharge below 25.
Driving to Australia soon?
Get your digital International Driving Permit in minutes and drive worry-free.
Get my IDP →Common questions about driving in Australia
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Australia?
IDP recommended for foreign visitors. Required if your licence is not in English; otherwise strongly recommended. Driving is on the left.
Which side of the road does Australia drive on?
Australia drives on the Left-hand side of the road.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid?
An IDP is valid for 1–3 years from the date of issue, depending on the plan you choose, and only while your national licence remains valid.
How fast can I get an IDP for Australia?
You can get a digital International Driving Permit from International DL online in minutes — apply, and we issue your IDP without a trip to an office.
How Oceania compares
Requirements change at the border. If your trip crosses into a neighbouring country, check it before you drive.
| Country | IDP | Drives on | Min. age |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | IDP required | Left-hand side | 18+ |
| Fiji | IDP recommended | Left-hand side | 18+ |
| Vietnam | IDP required | Right-hand side | 18+ |
| Egypt | IDP required | Right-hand side | 18+ |
| China | IDP not recognised | Right-hand side | 18+ |
Further reading on driving in Australia
- International Driving Permit in Australia: How to ApplyLearn everything about the international driving permit in Australia, from eligibility and required documents to where i
- International Driving License Australia: Quick GuideDiscover how to obtain an international driving license australia, which countries require it, validity periods, and the
- International Permit Australia: Complete Driving GuideDiscover everything you need to know about an international permit australia, from eligibility to validity and required
Other countries
Read more in our travel guides.
Checked August 29, 2026. Driving rules change and can vary by region and nationality. Always confirm the current requirements with the official transport authority or embassy of Australia before you travel.