If you are a permanent resident visa holder and have a current driver's licence from another country, in English or with an Intarnational translation of drivers liocense, you are allowed to drive for your first three months after arrival.

After the three months, if you want to drive, you will need to have the appropriate driver's licence. This will usually require you to pass a knowledge test, a practical driving test, and an eyesight test. In Australia, drivers' licences are issued by state and territory governments.

If you're going to be in the Australia for more than six months, you can get an international translation of  driver's license before you leave home, or you can apply for a license in Australia when you're there.

If you're going to rent a car, you will need your local, unexpired driver's license (that you've held for at least one year) and a credit card -- not a debit card.

What are the fees to look out for when renting a car in Sydney?

The base rate of rentals is in the range of $70 to $100 per day. Other standard fees charged by car rental companies in Sydney include toll pass fees $2.00 per day and Insurance Excess Reduction of $15.00 per day. Other fees may be applicable depending on your choices - additional driver fees at $3.00 per day, baby seat fee at $9.00 per day, Sat Nav GPS $35.00 flat fee as well as a fee of $10.00 per day for under age driver (under 25). As you can see, hiring a car in Sydney is not cheap but hunt for the better bargains by browsing through online ads to check out the discounts on offer. Discounts are invariably available only through direct online bookings and not through an agent.