Changes to the recognition of overseas driver’s licences coming for WA residents

The end of the Austroads Experienced Driver Recognition category could change the way you transfer your overseas car or motorcycle driver’s licence to a WA licence.

On 30 April 2025, Austroads will end the Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) category. Under EDR, people from certain countries could use their driving experience and age to meet WA licensing requirements instead of needing to pass the theory test and practical driving assessment (PDA).

There are 16 countries and jurisdictions recognised under this category:

• Bulgaria
• Czech Republic
• Estonia    
• Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China)
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Poland
• Republic of Cyprus
• Republic of Korea (South Korea)
• Republic of Serbia
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Africa
• Taipei (Taiwan)

If you hold a valid overseas driver’s licence from the Experienced Driver Recognition category, we will provide a further six-month transition period for WA residents until 31 October 2025. 

You will need to apply for a WA driver’s licence before 31 October 2025 to avoid being subject to a theory test and PDA.

Austroads has asked countries affected by this change to apply for the Austroads Recognised Country status by 30 April 2025, and we will inform the 16 impacted jurisdictions about the application process. An Austroads overseas licensing committee will assess these applications to determine Recognised Country status.

If your country or jurisdiction does not receive Recognised Country status from Austroads by 31 October 2025, it will be classified as a non-recognised country and you will need to pass the theory tests and PDA to obtain a WA driver’s licence.

Find out more about the Austroads changes in their Overseas Driver Licensing Policy Review.