Here's one to chew on guys, hope can get some advice.

In the UK, i learned to drive, but actually never got around to taking the test. I was traveling a lot, living for periods of times in other countries, and in the UK i was working and living in London, so used public transport or taxis. Thus all in all, kept putting it off and putting it off.

I have a UK provisional drivers license (doesnt seem to have an expiry date) and a Thai motorbike license (took the crazy practical test that would hardly seem to qualify anyone to drive imo!).

Next year i may be splitting my time between here and Australia (six months there, six months here). It would make sense for me to sort out my driving license finally.

Would anyone have any idea if i would need to have some kind of Australian learners license or would my UK provisional suffice?

Any tips on the process please? Or links even, as to be honest i dont even know where to start!

Plan to take some driving lessons here (laughable i realise..but anyway, cost effective), then, in Australia, do one short course, just for driving protocols etc in Aus, then hopefully take the test.

Thanks so much for any advice given.

Much appreciated!

Which state of Oz, we have different requirements

Hi Eeek, all our states have different laws and requirements.

The test procedure here is much more complicated than in the UK.

Perth WA will have a different requirement than NSW or Vic for example.

In general when you have passed your test here you will be a P plater (which is an Australian Provisional unlike the British provisional which you will use for around the 2/3 years mark as an unaccompanied driver with restrictions.

Hiring of a car as a P plater usually is out of the question.

Driving licences here are used as a major form of identification (airlines, post office etc) so it is usual for you to have a substantiated address before applying.

Enclosing the link for WA for example. Each state have their own dedicated link.

http://www.transport...nsing/20396.asp

This is the general format for obtaining your WA licence.

Steps to getting your first licence

The Graduated Driver Training and Licensing System is designed to make sure you get a wide range of supervised driving experience under different road and traffic conditions, over a longer period before driving solo.

The system is designed to help you acquire the practical driving skills, good driving habits and the responsible and courteous attitudes that are essential to safety on our roads.

As this is your first licence you will need to complete the six (6) steps to getting a licence:

• Step 1: Learner's permit (L Plates)
  
• Step 2: Learn to drive/ride
  
• Step 3: Practical driving/riding assessment
  
• Step 4: Log six months of driving experience
  
• Step 5: Hazard perception test
  
• Step 6: Provisional plates (P Plates).
  

The above will also incorporate a theory test and the standard eye test also.

http://www.vicroads....iverlicence.htm & so on.

Unfortunately Eek, your Uk provisional is not recognised here in Oz. Only a full Uk driving licence is exchangeable.

I think in your instance, I would advise opening an Australian bank account (eg HSBC) from overseas, obtaining an address in Oz and take it from there.

Edited April 20, 201214 yr by edwinclapham

Oh thanks guys. I will be in Brisbane.

Checking out the link now edwin, thank you!

Edited April 20, 201214 yr by eek

Oh thanks guys. I will be in Brisbane.

Checking out the link now edwin, thank you!

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ you can see all your relevant info on the left hand side Eek

Most states (if not all ) in Oz have a minimum Learners period during which you must take approved lessons and tests prior to applying for a Provisional license (more tests ,theory and practical).

You must complete a test of knowledge of road and safety rules to even get a learners permit.

Lessons in Thailand would be a waste of time and money as they would count for zilch in Oz.

Getting a full license in Oz is a long and expensive process ,penalties for even minor infringements is severe, Even using a cell phone or 10kph over speed limit will cost $500-1000 and if on P plates can put you back to a Learners permit and have to repeat the whole learners permit period.