If you hold a Syrian driving licence and are living in Australia — especially in Victoria — understanding the local driving rules is essential. One of the most common issues new arrivals face is whether their licence is valid here and what kind of translation is required to drive legally.

In Victoria, and across Australia, a Syrian driving licence can be used temporarily, but only if it is accompanied by an official English translation. Because Syrian licences are issued in Arabic, they are not accepted on their own by Australian authorities, including VicRoads or the police.

Why a NAATI-Certified Translation Is Required

Australian transport authorities require that all non-English licences be translated by a NAATI-certified translator. NAATI is the national authority that sets the legal and professional standards for translation and interpreting in Australia.

This means translations completed by:

• friends or family members

• community translators

• overseas translators

• or private individuals without NAATI certification

are not accepted, even if the translation itself is accurate.

This requirement is strict and applies regardless of your visa type or how long you have been driving.

What About Embassy or Overseas Translations?

A very common misunderstanding is that translations issued by the Syrian embassy or completed overseas will be accepted in Australia. In most cases, they are not.

Australian authorities, including VicRoads, generally only recognise translations completed by NAATI-certified translators based in Australia. Even if you already have a translation from overseas, you will usually be asked to have it retranslated locally to meet Australian standards.

Will VicRoads Accept the Translation?

Yes. A NAATI-certified translation is accepted by:

• VicRoads (Victoria)

• Service NSW

• QLD Transport

• and other state transport authorities

Once translated correctly, you must carry both:

1. your original Syrian driving licence, and

2. the NAATI-certified English translation

at all times when driving.

Does the Translation Expire?

The translation itself does not have an expiry date. However, it is only valid as long as your original Syrian driving licence is still valid. If your licence expires, the translation becomes unusable, even if it was done recently.

Can You Drive While Waiting for the Translation?

If your licence is written only in Arabic and you do not yet have a certified English translation, you should not drive. Driving without a valid English translation may be treated the same as driving without a licence, which can lead to fines or legal issues.

For this reason, many people choose urgent or priority translation services so they can drive legally without delay.

Avoid Problems Before They Start

Many issues arise simply because people receive incorrect advice or rely on informal translations. Getting the translation done properly from the beginning saves time, money, and stress — especially when dealing with VicRoads or police checks.

Need a NAATI-Certified Translation of Your Syrian Driving Licence?

We provide professional NAATI-certified translations of Syrian driving licences that are accepted by VicRoads and transport authorities across Australia. Our service is fast, accurate, and fully compliant with Australian requirements.

Whether you need a standard or urgent translation, we make the process simple and clear — especially for Arabic speakers navigating the Australian system for the first time.

👉 Visit our andytranslations.com to get started or contact us today to book your translation and drive with confidence in Australia.