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How to Renew Your Driving Licence

This article provides information about renewing, upgrading, and reapplying for car and motorcycle driver licences in Australia. Although Australia has a federated licencing scheme administrated by individual states and territories, all Australian jurisdictions have adopted the NDLS (National Driver Licensing Scheme), facilitating the mutual recognition of driver licences when transferring between jurisdictions.

Important Driving Licence Definitions

Motor Car

A vehicle is a motor car with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of no more than 4.5 tonnes and with seating for no more than 12 adults (including the driver).

Learner Driver

Learner drivers are just starting out. Unsupervised driving is prohibited—training before assessing driving competence without supervision. A learner's licence requires a road rules/safe driving test.

Novice Driver

Novice drivers must complete 100 hours of supervised driving in a logbook and pass a practical on-road driving exam or competency-based skills assessment to receive a provisional or probationary licence. A novice driver can drive alone while honing their skills, but they cannot supervise. Novice drivers have lower blood alcohol limits and late-night driving prohibitions.

Unrestricted or Unconditional Licence Holder

The holder of an Unrestricted or Unconditional licence has fully developed and practised their driving abilities (usually for two to three years) and is deemed competent to drive with the fewest restrictions permitted and to supervise learner drivers.

How to Renew Your Driving Licence in Australia

Each state or territory's licencing authority handles the renewal of a driving licence in Australia. The renewal procedure is generally the same in all states and territories, but some variations exist. Therefore, verify your state or territory's regulations if you plan to renew your driver's licence.

How to Renew Your Australian Driving Licence in Victoria

Each state or territory's licencing authority handles the renewal of a driving licence in Australia. The renewal procedure is generally the same in all states and territories, but some variations exist. Therefore, verify your state or territory's regulations if you plan to renew your driver's licence.

How to Renew Your Driver Licence

Please ensure your address information is accurate to promptly receive your licence renewal notice. The notice will be sent to you four to six weeks before your licence expiration date.

There are two options for renewing your licence:

• Online: You can conveniently renew your licence online by visiting the website and paying with a VISA or Mastercard. Please note that a card payment fee will be applied.
• Phone: Alternatively, you can call VicRoads on 1300 554 853 at any time and follow the prompts to renew your licence over the phone. Payments can be made using VISA or Mastercard.

Driver licences have options for renewal periods of three or ten years. However, if you are 75 years or older, the maximum renewal period is limited to three years. On the other hand, Marine Licences are typically renewed for five years or as specified on the licence itself.

The Victorian Government is dedicated to enhancing road safety for all residents of Victoria. With this goal in mind, the Safe Driver Discount program has been implemented to acknowledge and incentivise individuals who consistently exhibit safe driving habits.Drive Safely: Safe Driver Discounts

Qualified for the discount are drivers holding a full license for cars, motorcycles, or heavy vehicles, provided they have not accumulated any demerit points or been involved in other road safety violations in the three years leading up to their license renewal. Successful applicants will receive a 25% reduction on their next renewal fee as a token of appreciation under the Safe Driver Discount initiative.

Renew Your Licence When You Are Interstate or Overseas

If you are out of state or abroad, you can renew your Victorian licence using your current photo. The easiest method to do this is online using the myVicRoads account.

You may also contact them at any time at 1300 554 853 or +61 3 8391 3216 (international callers) and follow the voice prompts. You can only pay with a VISA or Mastercard, with a card payment charge.How to Renew an Expired Driver Licence

In Australia, driving with an expired licence is illegal. If you do not have a licence or your licence has expired, you may be fined for unlicensed driving.

• If your licence has expired less than six months, you can renew it as usual. Follow the same instructions outlined above.
• If your licence has expired more than six months and less than five years, you must attend the nearest transport and licensing customer service centre and follow the procedures.
• If your licence has expired more than five years, you can't renew your licence. If you don't have an interstate or abroad driving licence, you'll need to take the examinations required for the type of licence you desire.

Change Your Address

To ensure compliance with regulations, it is important to inform VicRoads of any changes in your address within 14 days. Updating your address information is a simple process that can be done by logging into your myVicRoads account. If you do not have an account, you can easily create one on the myVicRoads website.

When updating your address, remember that VicRoads requires three types of address information: residential address, postal address, and garage address.

Your residential address is where you currently reside; this information appears on your license or permit card. If this address changes, VicRoads will send you a sticker with the updated details to affix to your card.

Your postal address is where all correspondence from VicRoads will be sent. This includes fines that may be issued, which are administered by Fines Victoria. The postal address can be the same as your residential address or a separate location altogether.

In addition, if you have multiple vehicles registered under your name, each vehicle should have an accurate garage address provided. This ensures that relevant communication related to individual vehicles reaches the correct location.

Failure to update your details promptly may result in driving without a valid licence or operating an unregistered vehicle.Change of Name

If you alter your name, notify VicRoads within 14 days to update your driver's licence and car registration. Change of names may be due to marriage, reverting to a previous name, or changing to a new name.

Change of Gender

VicRoads documents your gender and title. These details are recorded but do not appear on your driver's licence or learner's permit card(s).

To change your gender, visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre or reach out to their call centre at 13 11 71. It's important to note that if you've changed your name and gender, a birth certificate issued by BDM (Births, Deaths & Marriages) for a change of gender won't contain any history of name changes.

In this case, you'll need to visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre in person and present an original letter of verification provided by BDM. If you've altered your appearance, a new photo will be taken at the Customer Service Centre, and you'll receive a new learner permit and/or licence card with no additional fee.

Replace or Update Your Driver Licence in Victoria

If your personal information changes, you must tell VicRoads.

How to Renew Your Driving Licence in Queensland

Renewing Your Driving Licence Online

Renewing a driving license online in Queensland is a simple process that can be done up to 6 weeks before the licence expires. The steps include logging in to the official website, providing detailed information about the licence, verifying the address, answering questions related to eligibility and health conditions, selecting the renewal terms, and making the payment using Visa, credit card, or debit card. BPAY is not accepted for payment.

Renewing Your Driving Licence in Person

If you are unable to renew your driving licence online, you can visit a transport and motoring customer service centre in person. The renewal process involves several steps. Firstly, you need to prepare the required documents such as your current driving licence, proof of identity, proof of name change (if applicable), and a medical fitness report. Then, you must visit the nearest service centre and have your photo taken if necessary. Finally, you need to choose the duration of validity for your licence and make the payment. Once these steps are completed, you just have to wait for your new licence to be delivered to your home.

Prices and additional information are available from the Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland.

How to Renew Your Driving Licence in NSW

Eligibility to Renewing Your Licence in NSW

To renew a driving licence in NSW, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria. These include passing an eyesight test, which is required when upgrading to a higher class of licence or renewing certain types of licences. The eyesight test must be taken every 10 years for those under 45 and every 5 years for those over 45. Passenger Transport licence holders with code PT T011 also need to pass a commercial standard eyesight test on the day of renewal.

Candidates will receive an email notifying them to take the test and must book an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist within 8 weeks. The licence should be renewed up to six months before expiration and the candidate must be aged 17 or over. MC driving permit holders must be younger than 70, while those over 75 need to take an NSW Fitness to Drive medical assessment and inform Transport for NSW (TfNSW) of the results.

Candidates must also update any changes in their medical conditions with TfNSW. Additionally, the driving licence should not be under cancellation, disqualification, suspension, refusal, or pending appeal. The TfNSW should have taken the candidate's signature and photograph within 10.5 years before the expiry of the new card. Lastly, if the permission card features an interlock or Q (temporary overseas visitor) condition, it is eligible for renewal.

Renewing Your Driving Licence Online

If you meet the requirements, you may be able to renew or upgrade your driver's licence online. This includes having an eligible licence that will expire in 6 months or less, being aged 17 years or older (up to 70 for certain licenses), and having up-to-date medical conditions recorded with Transport for NSW. Your licence should also not have any restrictions related to enforcement, and your signature and photograph should have been taken by TfNSW within the last 10.5 years. Some additional conditions, such as having an interlock or temporary overseas visitor condition, may also apply.

Renewing Your Licence in Person 

To renew a NSW driving licence offline, you need to prepare a renewal application form, current permit or identity certificates, and an eyesight test report or medical report if necessary. You can go to a service centre where an officer will guide you through the process. Once you pay the renewal fee, the officer will take a photo of you and give you a temporary paper licence until the new licence card is sent to you. The old licence card is no longer valid and is only used for identification during the renewal process.

Prices and additional information are available from the Roads and Maritime Services New South Wales.

How to Renew Your Driving Licence in South Australia

Renew Your Driving Licence Online

To renew your driver's licence online, your photo must still be valid and can be renewed up to 10 years after it was taken. If your licence has expired by up to 5 years, you can still renew it online. However, online services for renewal are temporarily unavailable outside of Australia. To renew online, you will need your licence or client number, surname, and date of birth. 

There are some circumstances where online renewal may not be available, such as if you need a new photo, if your licence has expired by more than 5 years, if you now need glasses when driving but it is not recorded on your licence, or if you were previously required to wear glasses but no longer need them. In these cases, you will need to contact Service SA for further advice on renewing your licence. Additionally, if you are disqualified, suspended, or prevented from holding or obtaining a driver's licence, you will not be able to renew it.

Renew Your Driving Licence in Person

To renew a driver's licence in South Australia, individuals have the option to renew online, in person at a Service SA centre, or by post. If renewing in person, individuals need to bring their current licence and the renewal form sent to them. If the form is not available, they can download and complete an application form. Payment can be made in cash, through a money order, or with Visa or Mastercard. 

A temporary licence will be provided until the photo licence arrives in the mail. Alternatively, individuals can renew their licence and have their photo taken at select Australia Post offices as long as they have the renewal form, their licence has not expired more than 6 months ago, and there have been no changes to their details.

Prices and additional information are available from the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure South Australia. 

How to Renew Your Driving Licence in WA

WA driver's licences in Australia have expiration dates that vary depending on the licence fee paid. Renewal notices are sent by mail or electronically, containing important information such as the expiry date and whether a new photograph and/or signature is required. Licences can be renewed up to 6 months before the expiry date at Driver and Vehicle Services centres, regional DoT offices, or agents. Expired licences must be renewed within 6 calendar months. Renewal can also be done at participating Australia Post Offices, as long as the licence has not been expired for more than 6 months and the renewal notice is presented.

If your driver's license has expired by more than 6 months but less than 5 years, you will need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Service (DVS) centre or regional DoT office. You will need to provide proof of identification, complete a Driver's Licence Application Form, undergo an eyesight test and any required medical assessments, and pay the necessary licence fees. If your licence has expired for more than 5 years, you will need to reapply for your driver's licence. 

To check if your licence is active, you can use your DoTDirect account, the Driver's Licence Status Enquiry tool, call the DoT Customer Contact Centre, or visit a DVS centre or regional DoT office with identification. It is important to note that there may be sanctions applied by the Department of Justice that can render your licence invalid, which can be checked through their online service.

You can renew your licences online or in Person. Prices and additional information are available from the Department of Transport Western Australia.

How to Renew Your Driving Licence in NT

To continue driving in the Northern Territory (NT), drivers must renew their driver's licence before it expires. A courtesy renewal notice will be sent within 6 weeks of its expiry. Renewal can be done for 1, 2, 5, or 10 years. Drivers must visit a Motor Vehicle Registry or a participating Australia Post outlet to get a new photo for a 10-year renewal and must surrender their old driver's licence card. There are certain circumstances in which renewal is not possible, such as having an alcohol ignition lock or learner's licence, being suspended or disqualified, the licence being expired for 5 years or more, or no longer being a resident of the NT.

Before renewing your driver's licence, you should check if you need a new photo taken, if you can't renew past the photo due date, if you need to update your address, if you need to provide a medical assessment or criminal history check, and if you have a concession card that can be used at the Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR).

Renew Your Driving Licence Online

You must have your transaction number to renew online. It can be found on: upper right corner of your renewal notice or your renewal SMS message. You can use Visa, MasterCard, or BPAY to pay.

Renew Your Driving Licence in Person at an Australia Post

You can renew your licence at a post office with a Post Billpay barcode renewal notification. Your renewal can't be paid via the Australia Post app. This must be done personally. Visit an Australia Post outlet if you don't have a renewal notice or need a new photo. You must: Present your driver licence and pay with cash, check, BasicsCard, EFTPOS, Visa, or MasterCard.

You can't renew at an Australia Post office if you have an occupational authority (endorsement) or XA condition on your licence.

Renew Your Driving Licence by Phone

You can renew it by phone if you don’t need a new photo. You can pay the renewal fee by Visa or MsasterCard. If you need to submit a medical assessment or criminal history check, you may be asked to send then an email. 

Renew Your Driving Licence in Person at an MVR Office

Drivers licences can be renewed at MVR offices. You must present your renewal notice, driver licence, medical assessment, or criminal background check and pay by cash, check, BasicsCard, EFTPOS, Visa, or MasterCard.

After your renewal has been processed, you will receive a receipt that you must carry at all times while driving. This is your authorisation to drive until your driver licence card arrives at the mailing address you provided. Normal postal delivery dates apply.

Prices and additional information are available from the Department of Transport Northern Territory. 

How to Renew Your Driving Licence in Tasmania

You, as a licence holder, can renew your licences at any time, even if their current licence is still valid. A reminder notice will be sent approximately 4-6 weeks before the licence is due to expire. Payment can be made through BPAY using the bank's online or phone banking services by providing the biller code and payment reference number. Alternatively, renewal can be done at Service Tasmania by bringing the licence or evidence of identity, having a photo taken, completing a renewal notice, and paying a fee. Those eligible for a concession will need to complete an application for a concession and may also need to provide a medical certificate or report. If a licence has expired for more than five years, the holder will need to apply for a learner licence again.

You can easily renew, replace or update your licence online or in person. Prices and additional information are available from the Department of State Growth Tasmania. 

How to Renew Your Driving Licence in the Australian Capital Territory

Eligibility to Renewing Your Licence in ACT

To drive a vehicle in the ACT, individuals must have a current and relevant driver's licence that matches their age, vehicle type, and any conditions or restrictions. They must also have a current ACT address and be able to prove their identity. DonateLife ACT is responsible for coordinating organ and tissue donation in the ACT, and individuals can register to become donors on the DonateLife website. To renew a licence, individuals can do so online for up to five years by ensuring their address is current, using their existing licence number and date of birth, providing evidence of an eye test if required, paying with a card, and deciding whether or not to be an organ donor.

Renew Your Driving Licence Online

In the context of driver licences, most licences can be renewed or replaced online. However, there are certain criteria that need to be met in order to do so. These criteria include having a valid licence that will expire in 3 months or less, residing in the ACT, and not having a learner, restricted, probationary, suspended, disqualified, or cancelled licence. Additionally, the licence must have a valid photograph on record and not have an X condition applied to it. If the last photo on the licence records was taken more than 10 years ago, the renewal process will need to be completed at an Access Canberra Service Centre. Online renewal options will vary based on the date of the last photo taken.

When renewing your licence online, make sure to have your licence number ready. Select the option to renew or replace, follow the prompts, and pay the fee. If you need to upload a document, make sure it is successfully uploaded and keep a copy of your receipt number. Your new licence will arrive at your postal address within 21 business days. If you haven't received it by then, contact the appropriate helpline. Your photo will remain the same as your previous licence photo when renewing or replacing.

Renew Your Driving Licence in Person

Most people will be able to renewal their licences online, but if you are applying for your first driver licence you will need to attend an Access Camberra Service in Person. Likewise, if your photo was taken more than 10 years ago, you will need to attend to have your photo taken and your licence renewed.

Driving Regulations for Seniors

You don't have to quit driving because you're getting older or have a medical problem. Drivers in Victoria are not required to undergo a licence test when they reach a certain age. Your driving privileges are governed by your actions and medical fitness to drive. The Australian Seniorsinformation site is an excellent resource about senior driver's licence regulations.

It is important to take responsibility for your driving as you age. This includes understanding how changes in your health can affect your driving, monitoring your health for any changes, and notifying VicRoads if you develop a medical condition or disability that may impact your ability to drive safely. Regularly assessing your driving to identify possible safety issues is also crucial.

In some cases, a medical review may be required by VicRoads to assess your fitness to drive. This typically happens when concerns about your ability to drive safely have been reported.

Planning for the future is essential. To optimise your driving ability, visit your doctor regularly, manage any long-term health conditions you have, and routinely check your eyesight. If driving becomes unsafe or stressful, it may be necessary to consider reducing your driving or giving up your licence. By planning, you can ensure mobility with or without a car.

If you can drive for short but not long distances, consider using car transport services to reach your desired destination. This cost-effective solution allows you to minimise vehicle transportation expenses while still enjoying the convenience and benefits of driving.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewing Your Driver's Licences

A valid driving licence is essential for anyone looking to operate a vehicle on public roads. It provides numerous advantages, such as the freedom to travel for personal reasons and the ability to utilise your driving skills for employment opportunities.

In addition to these benefits, there may be other advantages specific to your location. For instance, a driving licence is proof of identity and address in Australia. This documentation is becoming increasingly necessary when interacting with government agencies, banks, and commercial establishments.

It's important to recognise that while having a driver's licence provides numerous benefits, it is not an absolute right but rather a privilege that can be revoked. Consistent violations of road laws or the development of a medical condition that impairs driving ability could result in losing your licence. This can have significant negative effects, especially if you depend on your car for commuting or your job requires a valid driver's licence.

On the other hand, obtaining a driver's licence offers freedom and independence. It allows you to travel to any destination without relying on others and eliminates the need to wait for public transportation. A driver's licence gives you more autonomy to enjoy life and fulfil your responsibilities efficiently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, renewing your driver's licence in Australia is a straightforward process requiring a few simple steps. By submitting the necessary documents and paying the required fees, you can ensure that your licence remains valid and up to date. It is important to stay informed about the renewal process and any regulatory changes to avoid disruptions to your driving privileges. Additionally, if you find yourself without a licence during this time, you can trust Upmove for reliable and professional car transportation services.

FAQ

Can you renew a driver's licence online?

Yes, you can. All states and territories allow you to renew your licence online up to 6 weeks before your licence expires.

How much does a driver's licence renewal cost?

In Victoria, renewal fees vary according to the type of licence and how many years the licence is valid.

How to get a new driver's licence?

An Australian driver's licence must be obtained in the state or territory in which you reside. While each Australian state has its own licence requirements, getting an Australian driver's licence generally involves three steps:

• Learner's permit
• Provisional permit
• Full license

Before obtaining your learner's permit, you must pass a knowledge-based examination to demonstrate that you comprehend the road rules. Before receiving a provisional licence, you must pass a test and complete 100 hours of supervised driving.

Suppose your licence has been stolen, lost, damaged, or destroyed. In that case, you can register for a replacement licence online through the transport and licensing service in your state or territory's account and pay the replacement fee using a VISA or Mastercard. For your replacement licence or learner permit, your existing photo will be used. The replacement card will be dispatched to the address provided within 10 business days.

How to renew your driver's licence while overseas?

Regulations vary by state or territories. If you are overseas, the fee must be paid by a personal or bank cheque in Australian dollars and be from an Australian-affiliated bank. Your renewal fee will depend on the length of time you wish to renew your licence.

To renew your Australian driver's licence while in New Zealand, contact your state driver licensing authority in Australia.

Need help moving a new or used car?

Expert car transport services - trusted by thousands of customers across Australia. Door-to-Door delivery with fixed prices.

9.8 · 932 reviews

Get Prices

$1,280

Mercedes 250

Fraser Rise, VIC

Rivett, ACT

10

Alan

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

Adam's service was prompt and at a competitive price. Would not hesitate in using his company again.