Driver's licence Australia / New Zealand

Hi all,
We're planning to travel overland from Holland, through Asia to Australia & New Zealand. In Australia we want to buy a car and travel around Australia & NZ. I've been informed that in Australia I need my national (Dutch) driver's licence plus a valid international driver's licence. Problem is that we will travel overland to Australia for over a year and the international driver's licence is only valid for one year. My national driver's licence is valid for 10 years. Does anyone know if the international driver's licence really is necessary in Australia or New Zealand or if there is a possibility to get/extend an international driver's licence abroad?
Cheers!
Pavla & Marc

Hello, I think that the main purpose of the International Drivers Licence is really for translation, ie if its not written in English the hire car companies here may not accept it. Perhaps it would be possible to get a certified translation of it before you go to Australia? I drove here on my UK licence and no one ever asked for an international one when I hired a vehicle but mine was in English. Perhaps contact your national motoring organisation before you leave? You can get international licences here in Aus but same problem ie if the licence is in Dutch then the NRMA /RAA whatever may not issue you one.

The rules for overseas drivers<BR><BR>It's relatively easy for overseas visitors to drive in New Zealand. As a contracting state to the 1949 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic, New Zealand is legally obliged to allow visitors from other states contracting to this and the 1968 convention the right to drive on their overseas licence for up to a year after their arrival. New Zealand drivers have the same rights in other countries.<BR><BR>Visitors must have a valid overseas driver licence, or an international driving permit and they must provide proof of this. They are only allowed to drive those types of vehicles for which they are licensed in their country of origin and they must carry their licence or permit with them whenever they drive.<BR><BR>

(Note: if your overseas licence or permit isn't in English, you must carry an accurate translation.

Is anyone sure about the English translation thing? Can you actually be fined for not having an English translation.

One of the past Ms Teles got a rent-a-car off Avis with a Beijing license in Chinese.

cringe with memories of forgetting to drive on the left with me in the passenger seat

You are required to carry an International Driving Permit (with an English language section, if your national licence is not issued in English), in order to drive legally in Australia.

maybe you could get someone to get one for you and mail it to you in australia when you arrive...? Or you could possibly charge your licence to and aussie one when you get here...?

There should be no problem not having an International Driving Permit with your Dutch d l in Oz.