An IDP must be issued in your own country prior to traveling internationally, and it should be carried along with your current valid driver's license. Officially sanctioned by the United Nations, IDPs are accepted worldwide in more than 150 countries and can also serve as a second form of identification while traveling. Your identification details are written in nine languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Swedish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic in an IDP.
Tourists with a valid driver's license, written in English, are allowed to drive on their existing license for three months without penalty. However, an international insurance certificate is required to rent a vehicle.
While most major credit cards provide standard vehicle insurance, Australia also requires that you have an international insurance certificate to certify you have liability insurance valid for international travel. International insurance certificates, also known as green cards in Australia, can be obtained at most major car rental agencies as well as through some travel agents.
Those in possession of a permanent resident visa who have a current driver's license from another country, written in English or with an official translation, are allowed to drive for their first three months after arrival without penalty. After the first three months, the person must acquire a driver's license from the Australian state in which they reside.
The Australian driver licensing authorities recognize the authority of some international motor vehicle agencies; individuals from those countries may be exempt from taking the written and driving tests when applying for a car and/or motorcycle license in Australia. For a list of recognized countries, please refer to the Austroads link in the Reference section.
