Quick read: What Irish newcomers need to know about driving in WA, transferring an overseas licence, proof of identity, visitor rules, permanent resident timing and recent recognition changes.

Start with your status

• The rules are different depending on whether you are a visitor, temporary worker, student, permanent resident or Australian citizen.
• WA Transport says visitors to WA, including people studying or working temporarily, do not need to transfer to a WA driver’s licence if their overseas licence is current and not expired.
• If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident with a current valid overseas licence, WA Transport says you can drive in WA for up to 3 months on that overseas licence. Within that period, you need to apply to transfer it to a WA licence.

Check whether your licence can be transferred

• WA Transport’s overseas licence page has a country or region checker. Use it before assuming your Irish or overseas licence will convert in a particular way.
• The transfer steps depend on whether your licence is from a recognised or non-recognised country or region.
• From 1 November 2025, WA no longer has the Experienced Driver Recognised country or region category. If that change affects you, you may need to pass a theory test and Practical Driving Assessment to obtain a WA driver’s licence.

Documents to bring

• If you move to WA and want to transfer your overseas licence, WA Transport says you will be asked to prove your identity.
• You need original documents, not copies, and your name should match across all documents. Bring supporting documents such as a marriage certificate if your names differ.
• Documents need to be in English. If your licence or supporting documents are not in English, you may need an approved translation.

If your licence is expired or missing

• If your overseas licence has expired for more than 12 months or cannot be validated, WA Transport says you may need to follow the steps for getting your first WA driver’s licence.
• If you have lost your physical licence card, you may be able to provide a verification letter with full licence details from your home country’s issuing authority, consulate or diplomatic office.
• Do not leave this until you urgently need a car for work. Licence checks and documents can take time.

Driving, buying a car and insurance

• A WA driver’s licence is separate from buying a car, transferring rego and arranging insurance.
• If you are buying a car, read the Buying a Car in Perth guide as well. It explains transfer, rego and why rego is not comprehensive insurance.
• If you need to drive for work, check licence rules early. Employers may ask for a valid licence, a clean record, a manual licence, a police check or other role-specific requirements.

Common mistakes

• Assuming an Irish licence automatically removes every WA test or transfer requirement.
• Forgetting the 3-month transfer window after becoming an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Arriving with only photos or copies of documents instead of originals.
• Thinking car rego means you are insured for damage to your own car or someone else’s property.

Driving licence rules can change. Use the official WA Transport overseas licence page and country checker before relying on Facebook advice or old information.