Australian Immigration Daily News

As announced by Austroads on 21 October 2024, changes are being introduced to the Recognised Country Scheme for Experienced Driver Recognition status for car and motorcycle licences.   

The 31 October 2025 deadline for Experienced Driver Recognition status to cease has now been extended to 31 January 2026 for the recognised countries and jurisdictions in List B in NSW. Other states and territories will end the EDR category prior to this.   

The extension of this date will allow drivers from these currently recognised countries and jurisdictions additional time to transfer their overseas licence to a NSW driving licence.  

From 1 February 2026, drivers aged 25 or over, from recognised countries and jurisdictions in List B will need to pass the Driver/Rider Knowledge Test and the Rider/Driving Test to obtain a NSW driver licence.    

Penalties will apply to a temporary visa holder who has resided in NSW for a continuous period of six months or more, and who continues to drive in NSW on their overseas licence. They will be considered to be driving a vehicle unlicenced.   

Some regions are experiencing increased wait times for booking the Driving Test. Appointment availability is published and updated weekly for the next eight weeks. Bookings are open online, can be made via the contact centre or a service centre.  

For more information, please refer to the attached factsheet. Details on these changes and others under the Recognition Status Scheme can also be accessed via the Austroads website.