Australian Immigration Daily News

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

NSW was granted an extension and from 1 February 2026, Experienced Driver Recognition status has now ceased for individuals who were previously captured on List B in NSW (below): 

• Bulgaria 

• Cyprus 

• Czech Republic 

• Estonia 

• Hong Kong (SAR) – for licences held for at least 12 months 

• Hungary 

• Latvia 

• Lithuania 

• Poland 

• Republic of Serbia 

• Romania 

• Slovakia 

• Slovenia 

• South Africa 

• South Korea (Republic of Korea) 

• Taiwan. 

From 1 February 2026, drivers from these countries will now need to pass the Driver/Rider Knowledge Test and the Rider/Driving Test to obtain a NSW driver licence.   

Penalties will continue to apply for 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. 

 Please note that some regions will experience 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 factsheet below. Details on these changes and others under the Recognition Status Scheme can also be accessed via the Austroads website.  

Austroads-Experienced-Driver-Recognition-Status---Factsheet---February-2026.pdf