The short version
| What you want to do | Overseas licence enough? |
|---|---|
| Rent a car and drive in Queensland | Yes, if you are on a temporary visa (bring an IDP or translation if it is not in English) |
| Uber Eats delivery by car | Uber asks for a full Australian licence |
| Uber or DiDi with passengers | No. Uber asks for an Australian licence held 12 months, and the Queensland driver authorisation needs a current Australian licence |
Driving on an overseas licence in Queensland
Queensland lets visitors drive on a valid overseas licence. The 3-month limit applies to Australian citizens and permanent residents living here, not to temporary visas such as student or working holiday visas. If the licence is not in English, carry a recognised English translation.
Getting a Queensland licence
You can transfer an overseas licence to a Queensland one at a TMR licence centre. Licences from recognised countries (Queensland's examples include Canada, the United Kingdom and Singapore) may be exempt from tests; others need a road rules test and a practical driving test. Bring your licence, a NAATI translation if needed, original ID and proof of your Queensland address.
The 12-month clock
For passenger work, Uber counts how long you have held an Australian licence. The earlier you get your Queensland licence, the earlier that clock starts. TMR also counts overseas licence time toward the 3 years of driving it asks for the driver authorisation.
What to do now
- Need a car for a normal job or travel? Rent with your overseas licence. See working holiday car rental.
- Want to earn with delivery? Get your Queensland licence first, then a small car or scooter.
- Planning on Uber passengers? Start your Queensland licence now and plan for 12 months.
Sources (checked 3 November 2026): Driving in Queensland on an overseas licence · Transferring to a Queensland licence · Uber requirements, Brisbane
