Important Changes to Overseas Licence Conversions

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Transport for NSW and Austroads have introduced new arrangements for transitioning overseas driver and motorcycle rider licences to Australian licences.

What has changed?

As of 1 February 2026, the arrangements for converting licences from certain countries have changed.

  • List A (Recognised Countries): If you hold a valid car or rider licence from a “Recognised Country” (such as the UK, USA, New Zealand, or Canada), you generally do not need to pass a knowledge or driving test to convert your licence, provided your licence is current or expired within the last 5 years.
  • List B (Formerly Experienced Driver Recognition): Drivers from jurisdictions on “List B” must now pass the Rider/Driver Knowledge Test and the Rider/Driving Test to obtain a NSW driver licence. The previous exemptions for experienced drivers from these countries have ceased.

Timelines for moving to NSW

  • Permanent Residents: You must get a NSW driver licence within 3 months of living in NSW to continue driving or riding.
  • Temporary Visitors: You must get a temporary NSW driver licence within 6 months of living in NSW to continue driving or riding.

Check your eligibility

Because the list of recognised countries and testing requirements has changed, we urge all overseas licence holders to check their specific status on the Service NSW website.

[Button/Link: Check Licence Eligibility at Service NSW]

Heavy Vehicle Drivers Forum – 19 February 2026

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🚛 Get the latest industry updates direct from the source!

At our upcoming Heavy Vehicle Drivers’ Forum, we aren’t just talking about the industry—we’re bringing the decision-makers to you. This is your chance to hear directly from:

🔹 The Regulators: NHVR and Transport for NSW 🔹 The Enforcers: NSW Police Force and Victoria Police 🔹 The Safety Experts: WorkSafe Victoria

Hosted in partnership with Community Roadsafe Mildura Inc, this session is packed with essential info for every driver.

REGISTER

Contact Information

Barnaby Bates (Wentworth Shire Council): (03) 5027 5027 or barnaby.bates@wentworth.nsw.gov.au
Tressna Martin (Community RoadSafe Mildura): 0458 745 695

Lights flash on buses to warn motorists that buses are picking up and dropping off children

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Lights flash on buses to warn motorists that buses are picking up and dropping off children.

You must slow down to 40km/h when overtaking or passing a bus displaying flashing lights, unless a lower speed limit applies.

You can help keep children safe by:
🏫 Sticking to the speed limit and following the road rules in school zones
🚌 Slowing down to 40km/h when bus lights are flashing, unless a lower speed limit applies
🚸 Looking out for children crossing the road near bus stops, in school zones or along bus routes
⤴️ Giving way to buses when they merge back into traffic.

For more information visit: transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/drivers/be-bus-aware

School Zones in operation

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🚨🚌 REMINDER 🚌🚨

School zones are in operation today, Monday 9 February between 8:00am-9:30am and 2:30pm- 4:00pm around schools. Please check signs for school zone hours.

School Zones in operation: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/community/schools/school-zones

Motorists are encouraged to take extra care on our regional roads during the busy summer harvest period.

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Motorists are encouraged to take extra care on our regional roads during the busy summer harvest period.

With more heavy vehicles and farm machinery travelling between properties and grain receival sites, drivers may encounter large, slow-moving vehicles more often than usual. The Be Truck Aware campaign, supported by Transport for NSW, GrainCorp, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and state farming networks, is a reminder for all road users to stay patient, stay alert and make safe decisions on the road.

Key safety reminders this harvest season:
• Be mindful of increased truck movements and larger blind spots
• Allow extra travel time and avoid risky overtaking
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Manage fatigue before starting your journey
• Slow down, look and listen at level crossings

Variable message signs are in place across the region to reinforce these important safety messages and to support safer travel for all road users.

For further details, visit the Transport for NSW website.

Slow down around horses

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The annual ‘Horses in traffic’ initiative is underway from October to November to highlight the importance of taking care when driving around horses in traffic.

Horses can be unpredictable and easily spooked. This initiative reminds motorists to slow down, leave plenty of room and never use the car horn or rev the engine if passing a horse in traffic.

Over the 10-year period from 2015 to 2024p* there were:

  • 8 casualty crashes involving a ridden horse, resulting in 10 casualties.
  • 43 casualty crashes involving a riderless horse struck by a road vehicle, resulting in 47 casualties.

*The data for 2024 is preliminary and subject to change.

Horse riders also have a responsibility to take care on the road and are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, ride on roads where motorists have a good line of sight, wear high visibility clothing and a helmet that meets Australian Standards, and if possible, ride during daylight hours.

Learn more: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/drivers/animals#Horses_in_traffic_

Have your say: Help shape the future of transport in the Far West

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Have your say: Help shape the future of transport in the Far West

Transport in the Far West is entering an important new phase. Transport for New South Wales is developing a Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) for the Far West, to be finalised in early 2026.

Before drafting the Plan, feedback is being sought from communities across the region. Whether it is daily travel, access to essential services, freight movements or connectivity to neighbouring towns — community experience is vital.

Why input matters

  • Ensures the Plan reflects real needs, challenges and opportunities in the region
  • Helps guide where infrastructure and transport services should be prioritised
  • Provides the region with a voice in shaping future transport investments

How to contribute

  1. Visit the Have Your Say – Far West portal to drop a pin on the interactive map, comment on issues, or make a formal submission.
  2. To be involved in engagement activities (such as local workshops or briefings), email: engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au.
  3. Subscribe on the portal to receive updates as the Plan progresses.

Key dates and process

  • Currently: Open for submissions and community input
  • Next phases: Reviewing submissions, drafting the Plan, public exhibition, and reporting back on what was heard

Residents, businesses, community groups and service providers across Wentworth Shire and the wider Far West are encouraged to contribute. This is an important opportunity to help ensure transport networks support connectivity, economic growth and community wellbeing.

Have Your Say – Far West Transport Plan

Road Safety in Wentworth Shire

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Thank you for your interest in this form.

Wentworth Shire Council would like to know your thoughts or concerns on road safety within the Shire.

Are there any road safety related events or training you wish to see? Any upgrades to infrastructure?

Have your say in the freeform box below.

Want to learn more about Road Safety?

If you wish to discuss any matters regarding Road Safety, please contact Barnaby Bates, Community Road Safety Officer on (03) 5027 5027 or barnaby.bates@wentworth.nsw.gov.au

Visit the Road Safety section on the Council website: Road Safety

Contact Details

Please include your contact details if you wish to receive a response or discuss further.

School Zones are back in operation

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Most school zones are in operation between 8am-9.30am and 2.30pm-4pm around schools Monday to Friday. Slow down and look out for children crossing. Please check signs for school zone hours.

Slow down for roadworkers

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Please slow down around road works, and look after people, like Ned, who are making our roads safer.