License dilema - drving abroad

[paddyj]

This is really frustrating, I was in Europe a few months ago for work and I wasn't able to rent a car anywhere because my license say's "Provisional" on it, which means "Learner" over there.

It seems ridiculous that after getting your license you have to wait 3 years before it is recognised outside of Australia. I'm on my Green P's at the moment and still have another 18 months left before I can do the next test, I'm in NSW by the way.

Is it the same in other states?

[Shounak]

It's called Probationary in Vic and you can only get it once you turn 18.. 3 years later it becomes a full license..

But under 21's can't rent cars anyway.. Although my license (accompanied by an IDP) is recognised in most other countries, even a P's license..

[paddyj]

That's interesting maybe I will try with an IDP, I'm 25 so the age shouldn't be a problem. Did anyone ever question the "Proationary"? Does it say it on the front of the license?

[Shounak]

It says it on the front, but I was 19 at the time.. I got my license right near my 18th..

In Malaysia the rule is you have to be driving for at least a year on your local license before you can drive in Malaysia. But no-one really takes rules like that seriously, most cops wouldn't even know it..

In New Zealand I had no problems whatsoever. In India, they didn't care because it was accompanied by an IDP..

Explain to the people the difference and tell them about the licensing system. Especially with your age, you really shouldn't receive too many hassles.

And about Provisional meaning Learner in Europe, the whole point of an IDP is to clear up any language barriers. So I think it will be your friend..

I'm guessing you're in NSW, so just go to an NRMA to get one..

[Infus10n]

On my Qld licence all it says is

Type: P
Class: C

But i dont see why you cant drive overseas, seems stupid!

[paddyj]

Thanks for the info. The IDP seems like the best way to go, one other thing, how do you prove how long you have had your license for? On the NSW license it just has an exipry date and nothing else?

[Shounak]

Thanks for the info. The IDP seems like the best way to go, one other thing, how do you prove how long you have had your license for? On the NSW license it just has an exipry date and nothing else?

Count back years.. Vic one doesn't have an issue date either..

Like I said my P's last 3 years. Expires in November 07..

Therefore I got my P's in November 04..

[Infus10n]

Thanks for the info. The IDP seems like the best way to go, one other thing, how do you prove how long you have had your license for? On the NSW license it just has an exipry date and nothing else?

Mine has an "effective date" and an "expiry date"... but i think the effective date changes when i renew my licence... I dont think you can prove it, it would be in the NSW transport database.

[paddyj]

I actually just remembered I have all my old licenses in my wallet so I could just produce them.

Ok I'm off to the the NRMA...

[evil_monkey]

in perth you get your p's for two years only one plate which is red and zero restrictions but i think they are bringing in real tough restrictions in a few months with night curfew and passenger limitations

[paddyj]

I wonder if I moved to Perth would they give me a full license because I have had NSW P's for more than 2 years, hmmmm

[maxy0987]

no dont think so.

The way it works is you are on probation so when you go over to there you are also on probation, they dont look at times as far as i know.

I know in vic there are people who get their Ps in NSW when they are younger, they are recognised as P Platers even though they aren't 18 (altho the rego etc has to be done in NSW i think)

[Shounak]

Nah that's not correct.. When I was 17 I was going to get my P's in either ACT/NSW (heaps of relo's in both)..

They were willing to issue me my P's at 17, but I could only use it in Vic for 3 months. And if I was under the age of 18, it would just convert into a Learners Permit, not a Probationary..

Sucks huh?

[crazyspoon05]

Yep, I tried to get around the licence thing by applying for a NSW licence at one stage but same thing though, it would only have been legal for 3 months in Victoria and then I would have had to change it to to a Vic Learners permit

[paddyj]

Sucks huh?

Yeah it sure does!

[maxy0987]

Yep, I tried to get around the licence thing by applying for a NSW licence at one stage but same thing though, it would only have been legal for 3 months in Victoria and then I would have had to change it to to a Vic Learners permit

But is that because the car was registered in vic and you tried to change your licence over to vic?

If you stay on the nsw system till you're on your full licence then coming to vic you'll be on your full as well.

The 3 months is to help valid people who move from interstate

[Shounak]

But is that because the car was registered in vic and you tried to change your licence over to vic?

If you stay on the nsw system till you're on your full licence then coming to vic you'll be on your full as well.

The 3 months is to help valid people who move from interstate

Nothing to do with cars.. Just transferring a license..

If you hold a license from another state and are under 18, it automatically becomes a Learner Permit in Vic. If you're over 18 it becomes a Probationary license..

If you get caught driving on a NSW license/permit for longer then 3 months (ie. without converting it to the Vic equivalent), you will be charge with driving with a suspended/disqualified license..