Students' gateway to Campus

Driving and owning a car

VicRoads is the state government body for licence and vehicle registrations, traffic laws and road safety. Visit a VicRoads office if you wish to convert your overseas licence into a Victorian Driver Licence or obtain a new licence. VicRoads can also provide some information on buying a car and their inspectors will check second-hand cars prior to purchase.

Getting a licence

All international students can drive on an overseas licence/permit provided:

  • the licence/permit is in English
  • the person concerned is not a holder of a permanent visa
  • the person concerned holds a valid student visa

If you are required to translate your overseas driver licence, you can contact VITS Language Link for assistance.

Also note that your licence from your home country is valid for six months only if you become a Permanent Resident. See VicRoads website for details.

To apply for a full Victorian driver licence, international students must:

  • be at least 21 years of age
  • have held a full licence in their home country for at least 3 years
  • pass a computer test on VicRoads laws and a practical driving test

For more information visit your nearest VicRoads Registration and Licensing Office, or contact VicRoads on 13 11 71. VicRoads offices close to each campus are listed below.

Melbourne Campus at Burwood
12 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East

Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds / Geelong Waterfront Campus
180 Fyans Street, South Geelong

Warrnambool Campus
29 Jamieson Street, Warrnambool

Street directory

There are a number of street directories. Melways is commonly used with maps of Melbourne and surrounding areas. It also shows all the major train, bus and tram routes. The easiest way to find streets and places such as restaurants is to simply look up the index at the back.

A copy of Melways costs around $50. Current editions can be purchased from post offices, newsagencies and some department stores. Older editions (which are cheaper) may be purchased from second-hand shops.

Toll roads

There are some roads in Melbourne which charge a road toll, and if you are going to use them regularly it is important to arrange for an e-tag to be fitted onto your car. Alternatively, if you are going to use it only occasionally you can arrange for a day pass to travel on the relevant toll roads. For further information contact CityLink on 13 26 29 or visit the CityLink website.

Insurance

Students interested in purchasing a car while in Australia should take out comprehensive insurance or, at the very least, Third Party Property insurance. It is essential that you have some form of insurance to cover you in case of an accident.

Deakin University acknowledges the traditional land owners of present campus sites.

29th March 2012