Road-infrastructure body Austroads confirmed on 15 September that Western Australia and Queensland will join the Recognised Overseas Licence Scheme (ROLS) from 31 October 2026. The move means that eligible licence holders from more than 25 jurisdictions—including the EU, UK, USA, Singapore and Japan—will be able to convert their driver licences without sitting theory or practical tests in those two states. ROLS has operated in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia since 2024 and has become a key quality-of-life selling point for multinational companies relocating staff. According to the Department of Home Affairs, 62 per cent of subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa holders drive a vehicle within six months of arrival; streamlined conversion reduces compliance risks around insurance and road-rule breaches. The mining industry, which widely deploys fly-in fly-out engineers in WA and Queensland, welcomed the harmonisation. Rio Tinto’s mobility lead Kate Chandler said the change “will save weeks of downtime and avoid costly charter buses” for short-term assignees heading to remote sites. State governments will still require medical checks for drivers over 75 and will impose temporary 12-month licence validity for holders aged under 25, mirroring existing ROLS rules. Digital licence capability will also be available from day one, integrating with the myGov ID wallet. Global mobility managers should update relocation checklists and inform incoming staff that practical driving tests will no longer be necessary in Perth, Brisbane, the Pilbara or regional Queensland from late October.
Source: Austroads
