Australia’s road rules are getting a shake-up, and for many international drivers, it’s about to get a little more complicated.
Started this week on April 30, 2025, the Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) program will be phased out.
So what does this mean for you if you have moved to South Australia from another country?
It simply means that even if you are a permanent resident from certain countries you will no longer be able to swap your overseas licence directly for an Aussie one.
Instead, you’ll need to pass both a practical driving test and a written theory exam—just like anyone else trying to get their Australian licence.
If you’re from a country like South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, or several parts of Europe, you’ve probably been able to breeze through the process so far. But with this new change, it’s going to be a bit more involved and for some quiet complicated and time consuming.
All drivers from Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China), Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Serbia, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia will all be required to pass an Australian drivers test if you want to keep driving on Aussie roads.
You’ll still be able to drive in Australia on your overseas licence for a little while, but eventually, you’ll have to prove you know the road rules by taking our Aussie tests.
Naturally, this has sparked a lot of concerns and social media comments, particularly among the international communities it affects.
Some people are wondering why they have to go through all this if they’ve been driving safely for years elsewhere.
Even advocacy groups are calling for clearer communication and some extra support to help people adjust, especially since this is a very big shift.
However, the government has made it clear that the goal is to make sure all drivers on Australian roads are held to the same standards, keeping things safe for everyone.
So, what does this mean for you? If you’re one of the drivers affected by this shift, it’s time to get informed. Permanent residents will have to get their heads around local road rules, book a driving lesson or two, and get ready for the tests.
Temporary residents won’t be affected, and can still drive on their overseas licences, so if that’s you, you’ve got a little more time to breathe.
If you’re one of the affected drivers, it’s a good idea to check with your local transport authority to get all the details and figure out what steps you need to take.
At the end of the day, while this change might feel like a bit of a hassle, it’s all about improving road safety across Australia.
Keep an eye out for new updates and resources, and get yourself ready to roll with the changes.
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