Sideshowdeb Posted July 11, 2014 Report Share Posted July 11, 2014 I'm sorry if this has been asked before (I'm sure it has) but I encountered someone today that despite never having been, felt the need to share his wealth of knowledge about all things Australian with Rich and I and he's made me doubt myself... My question is... We don't have to take another driving test after a year do we? One of the dad's from school had a 'friend' that went to Australia and hated it and came back. Apparently he said that he had to take his driving test again within a year. I maybe naive but I just can't believe that someone would go to such lengths as to make up a mildly negative story about Oz just to make me feel unprepared? I thought we couldn't do it until we had our Medicare cards through, but we had 3 months from arrival? Please somebody feel free to tell me I'm being silly listening to him, or (heaven forbid) I'm silly for not asking his advice in the first place?! Thanks Deb x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocolevi Posted July 11, 2014 Report Share Posted July 11, 2014 Why do people feel the need to share their horror stories, if you tell people your doing something their quick to tell you bad things about it x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sideshowdeb Posted July 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2014 I haven't really encountered much of that until very recently... I find some people's reactions quite weird... Still, cuts down the number of people I'll miss! :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walkabout Posted July 11, 2014 Report Share Posted July 11, 2014 Hi, As long as you have held your full licence over a certain amount of time (Im sorry cant remember how long, think it is a year or something similar) then you just need to change it over and no test is needed. You are also right you have 3 months with which to do this on a PR visa. We have done it and now have our Ausie licences with no additional tests required! I believe if you have only just passed then you would need to sit the tests again, and obviously if you are on a provisional licence you would need to do the tests. I hope that helps put your mind at rest. Dont forget there will always be someone that doesnt like/ didnt get on with living in Australia, its not for everyone and everyone has different experiences, which also means there is no reason at all that yours shouldnt be positive! We found that quite a lot of people we very negative when we moved, we put it down to a bit of jealousy and a touch of the fear of the unknown that people felt they had to pass on, dont let it get you down or make you doubt yourself, everyone walks their own path and experiences it differently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sideshowdeb Posted July 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2014 Hi, As long as you have held your full licence over a certain amount of time (Im sorry cant remember how long, think it is a year or something similar) then you just need to change it over and no test is needed. You are also right you have 3 months with which to do this on a PR visa. We have done it and now have our Ausie licences with no additional tests required! I believe if you have only just passed then you would need to sit the tests again, and obviously if you are on a provisional licence you would need to do the tests. I hope that helps put your mind at rest. Dont forget there will always be someone that doesnt like/ didnt get on with living in Australia, its not for everyone and everyone has different experiences, which also means there is no reason at all that yours shouldnt be positive! We found that quite a lot of people we very negative when we moved, we put it down to a bit of jealousy and a touch of the fear of the unknown that people felt they had to pass on, dont let it get you down or make you doubt yourself, everyone walks their own path and experiences it differently. Thanks, I'm not the most organised person in the world and the logistics of this move have been quite a challenge. I'm really quite proud of myself with how smoothly things had gone so far, but I'm expecting to find out I've missed something hugely important any day now...I'd read up on this such a long time ago and he was so sure of what he was saying he really had me thinking I'd got this wrong. Thanks a million for setting my mind at rest. I still can't quite believe they gave me a driving licence in the first place.. I'd have no chance of passing again now ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted July 11, 2014 Report Share Posted July 11, 2014 No, you don't need to retake your test. You are correct, you have 3 months to change it over. It is a very simple process. There are licensing centers across Perth. Wander in with all the ID, fill in the form, take a number and wait to be called up to the counter. When your called up you will be asked to do an eye test there and then by reading the letters on the wall behind the counter. Hand in the form, pay a fee and you get a temp licence there and then and the proper one will arrive in the post a couple of weeks later. It is better to do it as soon as possible as driving licences are asked for for ID a lot. Want to send a parcel back home? You will be asked for your drivers licence. Want to buy a sim card from the supermarket? You will be asked for your drivers licence. Also a couple of tips. It is an offence to not have your licence with you when driving. When driving, be aware of the speed cameras. It's not like the uk. Some are fixed, but most are moved every day, painted green and hidden in bushes. There is no leeway in speeding - I have been fined for doing 3kmh over the 100 speed limit on an empty freeway. Driving takes some getting used to! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou8670 Posted July 12, 2014 Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 We had some very odd responses from some people Deb so I think that's pretty normal. Of course not everyone is happy for you; quite the opposite! We are though as you'll be joining us pretty soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlaunay Posted July 12, 2014 Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 And just to add. If you're here on a 457 you don't need to change your license at all. There are some benefits for doing so but it isn't a requirement as you're only here temporarily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sideshowdeb Posted July 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 No, you don't need to retake your test. You are correct, you have 3 months to change it over. It is a very simple process. There are licensing centers across Perth. Wander in with all the ID, fill in the form, take a number and wait to be called up to the counter. When your called up you will be asked to do an eye test there and then by reading the letters on the wall behind the counter. Hand in the form, pay a fee and you get a temp licence there and then and the proper one will arrive in the post a couple of weeks later. It is better to do it as soon as possible as driving licences are asked for for ID a lot. Want to send a parcel back home? You will be asked for your drivers licence. Want to buy a sim card from the supermarket? You will be asked for your drivers licence. Also a couple of tips. It is an offence to not have your licence with you when driving. When driving, be aware of the speed cameras. It's not like the uk. Some are fixed, but most are moved every day, painted green and hidden in bushes. There is no leeway in speeding - I have been fined for doing 3kmh over the 100 speed limit on an empty freeway. Driving takes some getting used to! Thanks VS, I didn't know about the moving speed cameras. Painting them green is a bit sneaky...? Also didn't know about the sight test. I don't wear glasses very often and I think they've gone in the container. Not totally sure I'd pass the sight test without them so I'll get some more before I leave, just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sideshowdeb Posted July 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 We had some very odd responses from some people Deb so I think that's pretty normal. Of course not everyone is happy for you; quite the opposite! We are though as you'll be joining us pretty soon I know, so excited :-D Only 19 days left! xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Posted July 12, 2014 Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 We got our driving licence sorted straight away as VS said you can use it for ID.We just went on line when we move into long term rental and change the address they sent you a sticker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHAY1123 Posted August 26, 2014 Report Share Posted August 26, 2014 Did you need your TFN id and Medicare id to apply for the driving license? What documents did you present? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Posted August 27, 2014 Report Share Posted August 27, 2014 We took english licence and passport Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
realitynotincluded Posted August 27, 2014 Report Share Posted August 27, 2014 Hope this helps.....http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/licensing/LBU_DL_B_AuthDriveWAOverseas.pdf and l only got to know this as l have 23 year old.... the rules have changed since July 2012 but it is aimed at people who have only had their licence for a short time or if you are under 25. I'm sorry if this has been asked before (I'm sure it has) but I encountered someone today that despite never having been, felt the need to share his wealth of knowledge about all things Australian with Rich and I and he's made me doubt myself... My question is... We don't have to take another driving test after a year do we? One of the dad's from school had a 'friend' that went to Australia and hated it and came back. Apparently he said that he had to take his driving test again within a year. I maybe naive but I just can't believe that someone would go to such lengths as to make up a mildly negative story about Oz just to make me feel unprepared? I thought we couldn't do it until we had our Medicare cards through, but we had 3 months from arrival? Please somebody feel free to tell me I'm being silly listening to him, or (heaven forbid) I'm silly for not asking his advice in the first place?! Thanks Deb x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest6235 Posted January 16, 2015 Report Share Posted January 16, 2015 Did anybody have to do road rules theory test.... http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/transferring-your-overseas-licence.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlaunay Posted January 16, 2015 Report Share Posted January 16, 2015 Did anybody have to do road rules theory test.... http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/transferring-your-overseas-licence.asp Nope. I think if you hold a full UK license you're exempt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonM Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 Question, do they take your UK licence or do you get to keep that ? the real question is my wifes UK licence runs out in November as we are umming and arrghing about renewing it. i cant see the point if we are going to get nice shiny new oz ones? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FOL Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 They didn't take my Dutch license and Dutch people neither have to do a theory test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Beesley Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 Question, do they take your UK licence or do you get to keep that ? the real question is my wifes UK licence runs out in November as we are umming and arrghing about renewing it. i cant see the point if we are going to get nice shiny new oz ones? Just bear in mind if you come back to the uk for visits it's easier and cheaper to get insurance if you still have a valid UK one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonM Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 (edited) How can you have a UK licence ? Isn't it illegal to have a false address on your licence? Or do you give your update Australia address Just checked £1000.00 fine for the false address on your licence Edited March 19, 2015 by JasonM more information Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Beesley Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 It won't be a false address as if I came back for a visit i will be staying at my parents which is the same as my driving licence Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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