Drivers in Australia must be over 18 years of age. You must also have a full local licence from your country of origin (e.g. UK or US) for the same class of vehicle you are looking to drive in Australia. Your license should be carried with you at all times when driving.

If you are planning on spending any longer in Australia you should obtain an international driving permit or apply for an Australian licence. In some states you can drive indefinitely providing you have a valid visa, others have a time limit (e.g. 6 months) so you should check with the local road transport authority.

International Driving Permits (IDP’s) are issued through State and Territory Motoring Clubs. To apply simply take a copy of your current drivers licence into your local club with a passport size photo and fill out an application form.

It is important to remember that Australia is a federal country therefore all states and territories have independent and differing laws, including licensing and registration laws.

At the bottom of this section you will find the contact details for motoring organisations from each of the eight territories from whom you can obtain more specific information for your area.

Here is a general summary of the legal requirements when purchasing a vehicle:

Certificate of roadworthiness
Used cars in Australia need a certificate of roadworthiness before they can be sold, this is commonly referred to as a ‘Pink-slip’ which provides proof that a vehicle has passed an annual roadworthiness inspection. It is not however an indication of the vehicle’s reliability – merely that it was fit for the road at the time of testing. ‘White slips’ are issued to vehicles that fail the roadworthiness test and although you may find the price tag of such vehicles more attractive don’t consider buying unless you really know what you’re doing.

When you purchase your vehicle make sure the seller gives you a certificate of roadworthiness as you’ll need to show it when you transfer the registration. Take it along with the receipt, your driver's licence and passport to the local department of transport within 14 days of purchase to fill out the transfer documentation. You will be charged a fee, which is calculated according to the value of the vehicle as well as any registration costs if they are due.

You will also need to obtain a ‘pink slip’ before you sell the vehicle at the end of your travels – most local garages or mechanics should be able to assess your campervan and issue the certificate.

Registration (‘Rego’)
Rego is the Australian state government tax allowing you to drive on the roads each state having differing costs, every car in Australia must be registered to keep your car on the road.

Registration includes the minimum legally required third party insurance for driving in Australia which is mandatory for all drivers. This is also known as the Green Slip or CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance.

Northern Territory - Motor Vehicle Registry
Tel 1300 654 628
www.nt.gov.au/transport/mvr/

Tasmania - DIER - Transport Division
Tel 1300 135 513
www.transport.tas.gov.au

New South Wales - RTA
Tel 13 22 13
www.rta.nsw.gov.au

Queensland - Transport Queensland
Tel 13 23 80
www.transport.qld.gov.au

Australian Capital Territory - Transport Roads & Traffic
Tel 13 22 81
www.canberraconnect.act.gov.au

South Australia - Transport SA
Tel 13 10 84
www.transport.sa.gov.au

Western Australia - Transport Western Australia
Tel 13 11 56
www.dpi.wa.gov.au/licensing/

Victoria - VicRoads
Tel 13 11 71
www.vicroads.vic.gov.au