New rules for foreign license holders in NSW

New South Wales will soon require people from select countries to take driving tests before a state driving license is issued.

From February 1, 2026, drivers with licenses from 16 countries will be required to pass knowledge and driving tests before they can obtain a NSW driver’s license – regardless of their age.

Before the new rules come into force, only people under the age of 25 with driving licenses from the listed countries will be required to take the tests.

The changes bring New South Wales into line with all other Australian states and territories.

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However, regardless of where the license was issued, any driver who accumulates 13 demerit points to their name will be banned from driving on NSW roads.

Back in 2023, the New South Wales government introduced rules requiring visa holders from China, India, Pakistan and Nepal to pass a driving test if they stay in the state for more than six months.

Transport for NSW will allow driving license holders from a further 28 different countries to exchange their foreign driving license for a NSW driving license without having to undergo an exam – without making any changes to these policies.

The national authority that represents Australian transport agencies has temporarily suspended assessments of foreign agencies seeking entry into the Recognized Country Scheme – which allows licenses to be issued to those from the 28 regions – after identifying areas where “the assessment framework could be improved”.