Driving in WA: A Guide for International Students

While it's easy to get around on public transport in Perth, there are many benefits that come with driving in Western Australia. You can head on a road trip with friends to explore the stunning coastlines, national parks, and small towns that make WA one of the best places in the world for driving adventures. It can also make getting to and from classes easier, and opens up job opportunities that may not be accessible by bus or train alone.

Western Australia is a vast state, and driving unlocks experiences that public transport simply can't reach. That said, for daily commuting, Transperth remains the most affordable option for most students. This guide covers everything you need to know about driving in WA as an international student, whether you already have a licence or are starting from scratch.

Living in Perth has given me more than just a great place to study, it's also opened the doors to some unforgettable adventures. One of my favourite ways to relax and recharge is by going on road trips with friends.

- Joshua, international student from China. Read his story here.

Driving on your Overseas Licence in WA:

If you already have a driver's licence from your home country, you are allowed to drive in Western Australia as an international student, provided that:

• You remain a temporary resident (international students on student visas are classified as temporary residents and visitors to WA)
• Your overseas licence remains current and valid
• Your licence has not bee suspended, cancelled, or disqualified in your home country
• You carry your licence with you at all times while driving

If your licence is not in English, you must carry an official English translation before you start driving. This can be obtained from:

• Your country's Embassy or Consulate in Australia
• The Department of Home Affairs Free Translating Service
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is also accepted as an English translation, though it is not mandatory if you already have another official translation

You must follow all WA road rules and any conditions on your licence, and only drive vehicles you are authorised to drive.

For full details, visit the Department of Transport - Visiting from Overseas. 

Transferring your Overseas Licence to a WA Licence

As a temporary resident, you do not need to transfer your overseas licence to a WA licence. You can drive on your valid overseas licence for the duration of your stay. 

However, if you apply for and obtain permanent residency in the future, you will need to transfer your licence to a WA licence within 3 months of gaining residency.

Important change: From 1 November 2025, the Experienced Driver Recognised Country (EDR) category no longer exists in Western Australia. This means the transfer process now has two categories:

• Recognised Country: Provide identity documents and apply at the Department of Transport - no tests required
• Non-Recognised Country: Provide identity documents, plus pass a theory test and a Practical Driving Assessment (PDA)

To check which category your country falls under, use the country checker tool on the Department of Transport website.

How to get your licence for the first time in WA

If you don't have a driver's licence from your home country and want to learn to drive, you can do so in Western Australia. The licence you need to drive a regular car is called a C class licence. There are three stages to getting your driver's licence:

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

You'll need to pass a knowledge-based theory test covering WA road rules. The Drive Safe Handbook and practice quizzes on the Department of Transport website will help you prepare.

Once you have your learner's permit, you can practice driving with a supervising driver who has held a current licence for more than 4 years. You must display L plates on the front and back of the vehicle at all times.

Stage 2: Provisional Licence

To progress to your provisional licence, you must have held your learner's permit for at least 6 months and pass two tests:

1. Hazard Perception Test
2. Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) - if you are under 25, you must complete and record at least 50 hours of supervised driving before taking this test. If you are 25 or older, no logged hours are required

Provisional Licence Rules

Once you pass your driving assessment, you'll receive a provisional licence for 2 years:

• Display red P plates for the first 6 months (you cannot drive between midnight and 5am during this period)
• Display green P plates for the remaining 18 months
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.00% (zero tolerance)

Cost Summary

Costs are approximate and subject to change. Check the Department of Transport for current fees.

Essential WA Road Rules for International Students

If you're driving in Australia for the first time, there are some important differences you need to know:

Drive on the left side of the road. Card have their steering wheels on the right-hand side, with the gear stick to the left of the driver. If you come from a country that drives on the right, this will take some adjustment - practice in quiet streets first. 

Speed limits must be followed at all times. The default speed limit in built-up areas is 50km/h, and 110km/h in rural areas. School zones have a reduced limit of 40km/h during school hours (generally 7:30-9:00am and 2:30-4:00pm on school days). WA Police regularly use speed cameras, and fines range from $100 to $1,000 with up to 7 demerit points.

Mobile phone use is completely prohibited while driving. You cannot touch your phone at all - no calling, texting, or changing music. The penalty is a $1,000 fine and 4 demerit points.

Blood alcohol limit of 0.05% for full licence holders. For learner and provisional drivers, the limit is 0.00% - meaning you cannot have any alcohol in your system whatsoever. 

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants at all times.

Roundabouts require you to give way to vehicles to your right and already in the roundabout and travel clockwise (this is the opposite to many countries. 

Double demerits apply during holiday periods such as Christmas, Easter, and long weekends. Any demerit points accrued during these periods are doubled.

You get an allowance of demerit points on your licence which are taken away when you commit traffic offences. The allowances are:

• Full licence: 12 points
• Provisional licence: 4 points (year 1), 8 points (year 2)
• Learner's permit: 4 points

For the complete road rules, visit the Road Safety Commission.

Exploring WA by Car

Once you have your licence and access to a car, Western Australia opens up in extraordinary ways. From the turquoise waters of the South West's beaches to the ancient landscapes of the Pinnacles Desert, road trips are one of the best parts of living in Perth.

Safety tips for long drivers: Take regular breaks every two hours to avoid fatigue. Carry plenty of water, especially in summer. Check fuel availability before driving in remote areas - distances between service stations can be significant. Mobile phone coverage can be limited outside of Perth, so download offline maps before you go.

Alternatives to Driving

Driving isn't essential to every student. Perth's Transperth network of trains, buses, and ferries covers the metropolitan area comprehensively, and with a Tertiary SmartRider, you'll receive more than 50% off standard fares. Cycling and rideshare services like Uber and DiDi are also widely available.

Perth is super multicultural, so as an international student, I felt confident that I would be accepted and supported. Plus, the beautiful natural surroundings - beaches, parks, and sunshine almost all year round, make it the perfect place to balance study and life.

- Kenneth, international student from the Philippines. Read his story.

For the most up-to-date information on driving licences and road rules in Western Australia, visit the Department of Transport website.

Prefer public transport? Check out our complete guide to getting around in Perth using Transperth trains, buses, and ferries.

Got your licence and ready to explore? Read about road trip highlights from an international student for inspiration on where to go.