NSW licence change for List B overseas drivers from 1 February 2026

From 1 February 2026, experienced drivers from a group of overseas countries and jurisdictions known as “List B” can no longer convert their licence to a NSW licence without testing. If they’re 25 or over, they now need to pass a knowledge test and a driving test, the same as drivers from other non-recognised countries.

For driving instructors, it means more experienced overseas drivers now need test preparation. Here’s what changed and how to help.

What changed

Before 1 February 2026, Australia’s national approach to overseas licences had two groups of countries:

• Recognised countries, whose licence holders can convert without NSW knowledge or driving tests (for example the UK, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Japan and much of Western Europe).
• Experienced Driver Recognition (List B) countries and jurisdictions, whose licence holders aged 25 and over could also convert without tests, while under-25s had to pass them.

Austroads, the national body for road transport agencies, reviewed this scheme and announced that Experienced Driver Recognition status would cease nationally, with each state and territory implementing the change on its own timeline.

In NSW, the change took effect on 1 February 2026. The NSW Government announced that overseas drivers and riders aged 25 and over from a wider range of countries must now pass a knowledge test and a driving test before converting to a NSW licence, closing the gap that let List B drivers convert without testing.

Which countries and jurisdictions were on List B?

The countries and jurisdictions that had Experienced Driver Recognition status were:

• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Poland
• Republic of Korea (South Korea)
• Romania
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Africa
• Taiwan

The list of countries that remain fully recognised in NSW (and so are still exempt from tests) is on the NSW Government’s knowledge and driving test exemptions page. Drivers whose licence wasn’t issued in one of those places should expect to sit the tests.

What affected drivers now need to do

A driver from a List B country or jurisdiction who wants a NSW licence now needs to:

1. Pass the NSW driver knowledge test.
2. Pass the NSW driving test.

The exact licence they receive and any other steps depend on their circumstances, such as how long they’ve held their overseas licence. They should check their eligibility with Service NSW (13 22 13) or on the NSW Government website before booking.

A reminder for temporary visa holders

Since 1 July 2023, temporary visa holders who live in NSW have needed to convert to a NSW licence within 6 months if they want to keep driving. After that, they’re considered to be driving unlicensed and can be fined. For List B drivers, converting now means passing both tests, so they should start preparing early rather than leaving it until close to the deadline.

What this means for driving instructors

Experienced overseas drivers are a different kind of learner. They can usually handle a car well, but they may have habits that don’t match NSW expectations, and many are nervous about being tested after years of driving. Useful ways to help:

• Start with an assessment drive. Identify what needs work rather than teaching from scratch.
• Focus on local rules and habits. Common areas include give-way rules, roundabouts, school zones, speed limits, observation (mirror and head checks), lane discipline and stopping fully at stop signs.
• Help with knowledge test preparation. Point them to the NSW Road User Handbook and practice tests, especially if their first language isn’t English.
• Rehearse test conditions. Practise on routes and manoeuvres similar to what they’ll face, and explain what the assessor is looking for.
• Be clear about time and cost. Experienced drivers often need fewer lessons. Give them an honest estimate up front.

Frequently asked questions

Want to help overseas drivers get licensed in NSW? Book a free consultation to talk about becoming a driving instructor, or see the TLI41225 course overview.