OVERSEAS LICENCE • myLs • PRACTICAL SUPPORT
Overseas Licence & myLs Support for Older Drivers
Overseas-licence requirements in South Australia are not the same for everyone. Your pathway can depend on your residency status, where your licence was issued, your age, licence class and the individual instructions given by Service SA.
Adelaide Senior Road & Health Association Incorporated provides clear, practical education and digital-process support for older migrants, their families and carers. Service SA remains the authority for your individual licensing requirements.
Start with your situation
Visiting South Australia
A short-term visitor may generally drive the same class of vehicle allowed by a current overseas licence, subject to that licence’s conditions and South Australian law. Carry the required licence documents, and use an official English translation or International Driving Permit where required.
Permanent resident
If you become a permanent resident of South Australia, you must obtain a South Australian licence or permit within 90 days. Check your current transfer pathway before applying for a permit or starting tests.
Not sure which pathway applies
Do not rely on an old recognised-country list or another person’s experience. Use the current Service SA eligibility checker and contact Service SA if the result or next step is unclear.
Overseas licence documents
Prepare your documents before you attend Service SA or begin a transfer step. The exact documents required depend on your circumstances and the instructions you receive.
- Your original, current overseas driver’s licence.
- Evidence of identity and any residency or address documents Service SA requires.
- An original official English translation if your licence is not in English.
- An International Driving Permit where it is relevant to your visitor-driving situation. An IDP is used with the overseas licence; it does not replace the original licence.
- Any Service SA instructions, test results or permit information already provided to you.
Understanding myLs
myLs is an online road-rule learning course and theory test accessed through your mySAGOV account. The course is completed in a web browser, not inside the mySAGOV mobile app.
Before myLs is available, Service SA may need to confirm your identity, photograph and driver-licensing record and connect these to your mySAGOV account. It helps to have a personal email address that you can access and to keep your own verification information secure.
For an overseas-licence transfer, the theory requirement depends on the pathway Service SA gives you. If theory is required, you may be directed to myLs or to an in-person theory test. Completing myLs is one step only; it is not itself a licence or driving permit.
Important warning for overseas licence holders
- Passing myLs does not itself authorise you to drive.
- Do not automatically apply for an ordinary Learner’s Permit after passing myLs.
- First confirm with Service SA whether your next step is a learner’s permit, a temporary driving permit or another step in your individual transfer pathway.
- Once a South Australian licence or learner’s permit is issued, your overseas licence can no longer be used for independent driving in South Australia.
If Service SA issues a permit, follow the conditions and expiry information printed or recorded on that permit.
Tests that may apply
Your individual transfer pathway may include one or more testing steps. Do not assume that every overseas licence holder needs every test.
- Theory: South Australian road-rule knowledge, completed through myLs or an in-person theory test when required.
- Hazard Perception Test (HPT): an assessment of recognising and responding to potential road hazards when required for your pathway.
- Practical assessment: a practical driving assessment may be required depending on the pathway that applies to you.
Support designed for older people
Licensing and digital steps can be easier when they are handled slowly, in the right order and with clear explanations. Practical support may include:
- preparing identity and licence documents before a Service SA visit
- setting up or using a personal email address and understanding verification-code steps
- accessing a mySAGOV account and finding the relevant service
- using myLs in a web browser on a suitable computer, tablet or phone
- reading and organising official Service SA instructions
- including a family member or carer in the process where helpful
- road-rule education and a safer transition to driving in South Australia.
How the Association can help
We provide education and practical digital-process support. We can help you understand official instructions, prepare for digital steps, use mySAGOV and myLs more confidently, and build familiarity with South Australian road rules.
We cannot decide your eligibility, issue or convert a licence, guarantee approval or test success, or replace Service SA. Our information is general education and does not replace legal or medical advice.
Official resources
Driving with an overseas licence in South Australia
Check if you can transfer your overseas driver’s licence
Tests required for overseas licence transfer
Complete the myLs course online
Information checked against official South Australian sources on 12 August 2026. Licensing requirements can change, so use the current Service SA information for your individual situation.
Need help understanding your next step?
We welcome enquiries from older migrants, families and carers who would like practical help understanding official information or using the relevant digital services.