Foreign drivers race to convert overseas licences after rule crackdown

A driver who racked up enough demerits to lose their licence almost three times over is among overseas drivers banned in a NSW crackdown, but some foreigners remain exempt.

A driver who racked up enough demerit points to lose their licence almost three times over is among the overseas licence holders banned from driving since the government moved to crack down on foreigners breaking NSW road rules.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal almost 20,000 drivers have converted their overseas licence to a NSW licence since July 1 under tough new rules imposed by the former government.

So far this year, there have been five fatal crashes involving a driver or rider with an overseas licence in NSW.

The overseas licence conversions come after new rules closed a loophole which had allowed visa holders to continue driving on their international licences, even after accruing 13 or more demerit points.

Under the new rules, visa holders who move to NSW from countries like China, India, Pakistan or Nepal need to sit a test after six months to continue driving legally on our roads.

Almost 20,000 foreign drivers have converted to a NSW licence since July. Photo: NCA NewsWire

In the past four months, a number of drivers have been suspended after flouting the rules, including one who had amassed an astonishing 37 demerit points since 2021 for seven speeding offences and three mobile phone infringements.

The driver was banned for five months and must apply for a NSW licence on the ban has expired.

Roads Minister John Graham (left) has vowed to close a loophole allowing drivers who entered NSW before July 1 to escape tough new rules. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Another driver was still on the road after copping 33 demerit points, and being caught speeding at more than 30 km/h over the limit. The driver had also committed other speeding and mobile phone offences, and has been banned for a minimum of eight months.

A driver who had 29 demerit points for traffic light, speeding and mobile phone offences obtained a NSW licence and is now on “good behaviour conditions” until September next year.

The three drivers were only caught after presenting to Service NSW. The crackdown only applies to visa holders who moved to NSW after July 1.

Roads Minister John Graham has vowed to close that loophole to force all visa holders to apply for a NSW licence after living here for six months.

Mr Graham said it is “frightening” that drivers on overseas licences have been able to break the law “almost with impunity”. Picture: NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

Mr Graham said it was “frightening” that drivers on overseas licences “have been able to chalk up demerit points almost with impunity”.

“It is appropriate that people visiting the country are able to drive on our roads – just as Australians do when they travel overseas – but the Minns Labor Government is determined to make sure that anyone residing in the state longer than six months is required to get a NSW licence. We will have more to say on this in future,” he said.

Originally published as Foreign drivers race to convert overseas licences after rule crackdown