Licences for consular and diplomatic staff
If you are a member of consular or diplomatic staff and you want to drive in Victoria, the information below explains your responsibilities and actions required.
Member of consular or diplomatic staff
Members of consular or diplomatic staff include:
- Consul General, Consul, or Vice Consul and their spouse and dependants
- High Commissioners and their spouse or dependants
- Deputy High Commissioners and their spouse or dependants
- Embassy, Consulate or High Commission technical or administrative staff (but not their spouse or dependants)
- Representatives of declared missions (e.g. Taiwan).
Protocols
Guidelines are issued by the Australian Office of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Canberra). Members of the Diplomatic Service receive exemptions for driver licensing matters from the ACT Driver Licensing Authority.
Department of Transport and Planning conforms with these guidelines by extending these privileges to members of consular and diplomatic staff.
Diplomatic privilege and immunity
The extent of privileges available to Members of consular or diplomatic staff will be documented on their Diplomatic Consular identity card. Privileges to not extend to driving offences.
Driving in Victoria
Members of consular or diplomatic staff who hold a current and valid overseas licence and/or learner permit may drive using this overseas driver licence and/or learner permit provided they meet the criteria outlined for Overseas drivers.