I have a full UK driving licence (but no motorbike licence) and a Taiwan motorbike licence. I have been riding in Taiwan for about 5 years. I know I can convert my UK driving licence to a WA one, but will I have to start from scratch as far as getting a bike licence in WA is concerned? Also, does it cost any extra to get your R-E licence rather than your R-EA? And then later to get your R rather than an R-A?

 Each state in Australia has different licencing laws,  so you need to check with WA driver licencing authority,  but quoting from the RTA,  New South Wales it seems the recognition is the same across Australia.   It seems your UK car drivers licence will be accepted,  but your Taiwan motorcycle licence will not be accepted:-

Recognition of licences from certain countries

The recognition of licences from certain countries was agreed nationally and commenced in NSW on 20 May 2002.

When converting your overseas licence to a NSW licence, if you hold an acceptable driver or rider licence from one of the recognised countries below, you will be exempt from:

• The driver/rider knowledge test, and 
• The practical driving/riding test.

Note: The exemptions only apply to applicants for Class C (car) and Class R (rider) licences.

Recognised countries

• Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, 
• Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, 
• Ireland, Isle of Man (licences issued since 1 April 1991), Italy, Japan, Jersey, Luxembourg, 
• Malta (licences issued since 2 January 2004), Netherlands, New Zealand (except where a paper licence is presented), Norway, Portugal, 
• Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA.

 

Thanks. It will be the same for WA as it was agreed nationally.

apex:

Also, does it cost any extra to get your R-E licence rather than your R-EA? And then later to get your R rather than an R-A?

 

No it doesn't cost any extra to do your RE licence but you will have to learn or do your test on a geared bike.  The R licence can't be taken until you have had an RE for 12 months.

You might find that your Taiwanese license can be transferred in WA.  It tends to be the countries where licensing can be a bit dodgy that they won't recognise them.  Have a look on the website www.dpi.wa.gov.au/licensing or call their support number.

Phht! You know more about the licensing laws than the people who work in the centres.