Following the series of announcements in 2024 and 2025 regarding the Recognised Country Scheme and Experienced Driver Recognition, please be advised that these changes are now live.
This Austroads policy change is designed to strengthen licence assessment criteria, provide greater clarity regarding mandatory requirements as well as focus on a Safe System approach across Australian roads.
What has changed?
From 1 February 2026, Experienced Driver Recognition status has now ceased for individuals who were previously captured on List B in NSW, as listed 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 recognised countries and jurisdictions in List B will now 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.
Please help us create awareness and understanding of this policy change by sharing this information via your own communications channels and platforms.
For more information about this policy change, please visit the Austroads website.
