Stricter Driving Rules for Overseas Licence Holders Hit NSW

In Short

• New Testing Mandatory: As of February 1, 2026, drivers aged 25+ from 16 "List B" jurisdictions (including South Africa, South Korea, and Hong Kong) must pass both a knowledge and practical driving test to get a NSW licence.

• Closing Loopholes: The reform removes previous exemptions to ensure all long-term residents meet the same safety standards as local drivers, particularly for high-speed regional road conditions.

• Extra Capacity: Service NSW has launched "Super Saturdays" throughout February, adding 320 extra weekend testing slots to manage the surge in applications.

Residents across NSW will see a shift in road safety standards starting this week, as the NSW Government moves to close long-standing loopholes in overseas licence conversions.

From Sunday, 1 February 2026, the Minns Government has implemented stricter requirements for drivers and riders aged 25 and over from a specific group of international jurisdictions. These motorists, previously exempt from certain practical assessments, are now required to pass both a knowledge test and a driving test before they can legally trade their foreign documents for a NSW licence.

Local Impact for Rural Communities

For communities in the Back Country, where long-distance travel on high-speed regional roads is a daily reality, the reform aims to ensure that all road users possess a consistent understanding of Australian conditions.

In many local agricultural and transport sectors, seasonal workers and new residents often rely on international licences. This change ensures that anyone behind the wheel meets the same rigorous safety benchmarks as local drivers.

Closing the 'List B' Inconsistency

The reform specifically targets drivers from "List B" countries. While drivers under 25 from these regions were already required to sit tests, those over 25 previously bypassed them.

The new rules bring NSW in line with national standards and follow previous mandates requiring long-term residents to convert their licences within six months of arriving in the state.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, emphasised the necessity of the move:

“Road safety is not negotiable, and we are pulling every lever to keep people safe on NSW roads," Ms Aitchison said.

"This reform lifts standards and ensures everyone driving in NSW understands our road rules and can drive safely in local conditions. Fairness on our roads means the same safety bar applies to everyone – and that is exactly what this reform delivers.”

Testing Capacity and Super Saturdays

To manage the influx of new test applicants, Service NSW is increasing its testing capacity. While the largest demand is expected in metropolitan hubs, the government has introduced "Super Saturdays," adding roughly 320 extra driving test slots every weekend throughout February.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib, noted the support available for those transitioning.

“We know getting a licence to drive on our roads safely is an important step for all road users," Mr Dib said.

"To help drivers get their licence we have increased the number of driver testers and introduced Super Saturdays to add about 300 extra testing slots every weekend through February."

"We would encourage overseas drivers to plan ahead, information is available online to help customers understand what they need to do and what tests may be required and as always, Service NSW staff will continue to support customers and help them access the services they need.”

As of 1 February 2026, drivers aged 25 and over from the following 16 countries and jurisdictions are no longer exempt and must pass both a knowledge test and a practical driving test to obtain a NSW licence:

• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Hong Kong (must have held licence for at least 12 months)
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Poland
• Republic of Serbia
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Africa
• South Korea (Republic of Korea)
• Taiwan

Drivers from countries not on this list or the "Recognised" list (List A) were already required to take these tests regardless of age.

Motorists from "List A" countries—including the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, and much of Western Europe—remain exempt from testing provided they meet standard residency and identity requirements.

What You Need to Know

Who is affected? Overseas drivers aged 25+ from "List B" countries.

What is required? A passed knowledge test and a practical driving test.

Booking: Residents are encouraged to check the Service NSW website regularly as new slots are updated weekly.