How Do I Get An International Driving License While Studying Abroad

While you’re overseas, being able to drive can be a game changer when it comes to getting to your destination – be it your campus on a regular school day or the iconic attraction you’re visiting over the weekend.

After all, getting around by car is faster, more convenient and much more comfortable than taking a bus or train.

If you’re planning to obtain a driving license while you’re studying overseas, the good news is that you can get the opportunity to do so – and the best part is that you’ll be able to convert your international driving license back home!

Read on to discover some of the ways to get a driver’s license when studying overseas.

Getting Your International Driving License While Studying Abroad

1. Australia

If you’re at least 16 years old, you’ll be eligible to apply for an Australian driving license and undergo the necessary steps to obtain it.

The first step of the process involves submitting documents such as your birth certificate, passport and educational records for a 100-point check, which is used to verify and establish your identity.

After which, you’ll be issued a learner’s permit upon passing an online test and you can then start to learn and practice driving with an instructor.

Once you’re ready, you can sit for the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) and after passing, obtain a Red P or P1 which you’ll hold for a year before getting your Green P or P2, which you’ll hold for another six months.

You’ll get your full license after that.

In the event you already have a driving license, you’ll be required to bring it along and submit a copy of it during your 100-point check when applying for your learner’s permit.

In the event you’ve been driving for at least six years before applying for an Australian driving license, you’ll be issued a full license upon passing your PDA.

2. New Zealand

It takes three steps to get your driving license in New Zealand.

First, you’ll be required to learn road code and sit for a theory test. After passing, you’ll get a learner’s license, which permits you to learn to drive a car with a supervisor sitting beside you.

You’ll hold on to your learner license for at least 6 months before taking your practical test. After passing it, you’ll get a restricted license, which will expire after 10 years.

If you’re under 25 years old, you must hold your restricted license for at least 12 months or at least 3 months if you’re 25 and above.

Once you’ve passed that period, you can then apply to get your full license at a driver's licensing agent.

If you wish to convert your driving license, you can do so at a specialist overseas conversion site.

3. Ireland

To be eligible for an Ireland driving license, you must live there for at least 185 days in each calendar year, which you’ll fulfill as an international student.

To kick start the process of getting your driving license, you’ll first have to pass the driver theory test to get your Irish learner’s permit.

Your learner’s permit would enable you to practice driving under the supervision of an experienced driver and undergo the Essential Driver Training (EDT) course.

After a minimum of 6 months, you can then apply for a driving test to obtain your license.

If you happen to already hold on to a driving license, you’ll be able to drive in Ireland for up to 12 months. After which, you’ll be required to undergo the process for an Irish driving license.

However, in the event your license is from a recognized state, you’ll be able to exchange it for an Irish driving license.

4. Canada

In most Canadian states, you’ll be required to go through a Graduated Licensing Program to get your driving license.

This consists of three steps, the first is to take a written exam and sometimes an eye test.

Once you pass this, you’ll obtain a learner’s permit which you will hold on to for at least a year and pick up driving by learning from an experienced driver.

When you’re confident enough, you’ll then sit for a road test for an immediate permit, which would then accompany you for the next one to two years of driving before you can take the full license road test.

If you’re looking to convert your driving license to a Canadian one, you’ll have to check based on the specific state you’re going to be based in because the conversion process varies from state to state.

5. The United States

A driving license in the United States is an important document if you’re starting a new life there or staying for an extended period of time as it not only allows you to drive but also serves as an ID document.

As different parts of the US have different requirements, the process of obtaining your driving license largely depends on where you’re based at.

Most states require you to sit for a written test, which will then get you a driving permit that lets you practice with an instructor or friend. After some time, you’ll then apply for your license with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

If you happen to hold a driving license from your home country, you’ll have to renew it in the US. However, the requirements and guidelines depend on the state you’re in.

In some parts of the US, you’ll be required to sit for a theory test, while others will have you take a practical test or request for a vision test and other documents.

6. The UK

If you wish to drive in the UK, you’ll have to apply for a provisional license and then sit for a theory test as well as a practical driving test to get your full license.

A provisional license requires you to be supervised by an experienced driver over 21 years old and with a valid license for a minimum of 3 years. You’re also not allowed to drive on a motorway while holding your provisional license.

In the event you’re from one of the UK’s approved countries, you can exchange it for a UK driving license without taking any additional tests.

Embark On Your Overseas Study Adventure With IDP

Do you feel a little more prepared for your study trip abroad now that you have a better idea about obtaining your international driving license?

At IDP, we have a team of education counsellors who will be with you throughout every step of your journey and ensure that you’re fully prepared – from being enrolled in a suitable course to having your accommodation arrangements sorted.

Apart from that, they will be able to offer you tailored guidance based on your specific needs as well as answer all your burning questions about studying overseas.

Get started with your free counselling session today!