Lexi Webster
Australia is one of over 70 countries that drive on the left side of the road. This means that the steering wheel of Australian cars is positioned on the right side of the car's body compartment, or in other words, right-hand drive (RHD) cars are used. While RHD cars are the norm in Australia, some imported cars from the US are left in their left-hand drive (LHD) form.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Driving side | Left-hand drive |
| Countries that follow the same driving rule | UK, Japan, India, and more |
| Countries that follow right-hand drive | US, Canada, most of Europe |
| Advantages of left-hand drive | Better visibility of approaching traffic, safer and quicker overtaking, more suitable for areas with a high risk of roadside attacks |
| Speed limit in urban areas | 50 kilometres per hour |
| Speed limit on most other roads | 100 kilometres per hour |
| Speed limit on some highway stretches | 110 kilometres per hour |
| Parking rule | Always park on the left-hand side of the road |
| Roundabouts | Operate in a clockwise direction |
| Lane rule | Stay in the left lane unless overtaking |
| Blood alcohol limit | 0.05 |
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What You'll Learn
- Australia drives on the left, with the steering wheel on the right side of the car
- RHD cars are more common in Australia, but LHD cars are considered trendy
- RHD cars provide better visibility for passing and overtaking
- LHD cars are more common worldwide, making them more adaptable for foreign travel
- Australia's speed limits are in kilometres, not miles
Australia drives on the left, with the steering wheel on the right side of the car
When driving in Australia, it's important to remember that the driver should always be close to the centre of the road. Stay in the left lane unless you're overtaking, which should always be done on the right. A broken white line in the middle of the road indicates that it's safe to overtake, but if there are two lines, you can only overtake when the line closest to you is broken. Roundabouts operate in a clockwise direction, and you should give way to the right at roundabouts and intersections.
If you're driving a manual car, you'll need to change gears with your left hand rather than your right. Indicators and windscreen wipers may also be on the opposite side of the steering wheel, but the brake and accelerator pedals are always in the same place. It's illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, even when stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. If you're using your phone for navigation, it must be in a hands-free cradle.
Seatbelts are compulsory in Australia, and there are strict rules regarding children's car seats and baby capsules. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05, and police conduct random breath and drug tests across the country. It's a criminal offence to drive under the influence. The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h unless otherwise signposted, while most other roads have a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h.
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RHD cars are more common in Australia, but LHD cars are considered trendy
In Australia, vehicles with right-hand drive (RHD) configurations are the norm, as the country follows a left-hand driving rule. This means that the steering wheel is positioned on the right side of the car's body compartment. Other countries that follow this format include the United Kingdom, Japan, and India. In contrast, the majority of Europe, Canada, and the United States have left-hand drive (LHD) cars, where the steering and controls are on the left side of the vehicle.
While RHD cars are more common in Australia, there is a growing trend among some Australians to prefer LHD cars. This preference for LHD cars may be influenced by the perception of enhanced safety and convenience offered by such configurations. For instance, in areas where roadside attacks are prevalent, an LHD vehicle can provide better visibility and control for the driver to respond to threats, especially when attacks originate from the passenger side. Additionally, when driving on the left side of the road, an LHD configuration allows for better visibility of approaching traffic, making overtaking safer and more efficient.
The trendiness of LHD cars in Australia may also be attributed to the rarity and perceived exclusivity of such vehicles in the country. Imported American cars, such as Chevs, Fords, and Mopars, tend to retain their LHD setups even after being brought into Australia. This maintains their uniqueness and may even increase their value over time. On the other hand, imported Healeys from the US are often converted to RHD, possibly due to the recognition of RHD Healeys as rarer and more valuable, or simply for easier driving on Australian roads.
It is worth noting that driving an LHD car in Australia comes with certain challenges. For example, the driver must adjust to using their left hand for gear changes in manual cars, and the positions of indicators and windscreen wipers may be reversed. Additionally, parking is always done on the left-hand side of the road, and it is illegal to park facing oncoming traffic. These factors highlight the adjustments necessary when driving an LHD car in a predominantly RHD country like Australia.
In summary, while RHD cars are more common in Australia due to the country's left-hand driving rule, there is a growing trend toward LHD cars. This preference for LHD may be influenced by perceived safety advantages, visibility improvements, and the rarity of such vehicles in the Australian market. However, driving an LHD car in Australia requires adjustments to certain driving practices and an understanding of the country's unique road rules and regulations.
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RHD cars provide better visibility for passing and overtaking
In Australia, cars are right-hand drive (RHD), meaning the steering wheel is positioned on the right side of the car's body compartment. This configuration is also commonly used in nations like the UK, Japan, and some neighbouring countries.
Enhanced Visibility for Passing and Overtaking: In countries with left-hand traffic, RHD vehicles offer superior visibility for the driver when passing or overtaking other vehicles. The driver's position on the right side of the car allows for a clear line of sight of oncoming traffic, making it safer to pass slower vehicles. This advantage is particularly important for security convoys, where quick and safe overtaking maneuvers may be necessary.
Improved Visibility for Spotting Roadside Hazards: RHD cars provide better visibility for spotting pedestrians, cyclists, and other potential hazards on the left side of the road. This advantage is crucial for overall road safety, especially when navigating through busy urban areas or narrow rural roads.
Familiarity and Ease of Use: For drivers accustomed to right-hand drive, RHD cars offer a sense of familiarity and comfort. Driving on the left side of the road with a RHD vehicle feels more intuitive and natural, contributing to a smoother and less stressful driving experience.
Alignment with Road Signs and Markings: In left-hand traffic countries, road signs and markings are typically designed with RHD vehicles in mind. The driver's position on the right side of the car aligns better with the perspective needed to read road signs and follow road markings, enhancing overall road safety and reducing confusion.
It's worth noting that while RHD cars offer these advantages in left-hand traffic countries like Australia, the opposite is true for right-hand traffic countries. In countries where driving on the right side of the road is standard, left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles provide improved visibility during overtaking and offer better visibility of oncoming traffic.
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LHD cars are more common worldwide, making them more adaptable for foreign travel
In Australia, cars are right-hand drive (RHD), meaning the steering wheel is positioned on the right side of the car's body compartment. This is also the case in countries like the UK, Japan, and New Zealand. However, left-hand drive (LHD) cars are more common worldwide, particularly in countries like the United States and most of Europe.
The prevalence of LHD cars globally makes them more adaptable for foreign travel. When driving an LHD car in a country with right-hand traffic, the driver has better visibility of oncoming traffic, which can be advantageous for overtaking or responding to potential threats. This setup also allows for more intuitive and convenient gear shifting with the right hand in countries with manual transmissions. Additionally, the higher production volume of LHD vehicles results in lower costs due to economies of scale, making them more affordable and widely available.
While RHD cars are typical in Australia, it is considered trendy to drive a LHD car. Many imported US cars, such as Chevs, Fords, and Mopars, are often kept in their original LHD configuration. On the other hand, imported right-hand drive cars, like Healeys, are sometimes converted to LHD to align with the local driving orientation.
When travelling with a RHD car in a right-hand traffic country, it is essential to be aware of the legal requirements and restrictions of the destination country. Some countries may permit temporary use for tourists or visitors, but specific conditions, such as obtaining a temporary driving permit, may apply. It is crucial to research and understand the road traffic regulations of the country before embarking on your journey.
In summary, while Australia predominantly uses RHD cars, the global prevalence of LHD vehicles makes them a more adaptable option for foreign travel. LHD cars offer advantages in terms of visibility, convenience, and affordability, especially in countries with right-hand traffic. However, when travelling with a RHD car, it is important to consider the legal implications and any necessary preparations to ensure a smooth driving experience abroad.
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Australia's speed limits are in kilometres, not miles
In Australia, cars are right-hand drive, meaning the steering wheel is positioned on the right side of the car's body compartment. This is the standard in countries like the UK, Australia, Japan, and India, where they drive on the left side of the road. In contrast, most of Europe, Canada, and the United States have left-hand drive cars, driving on the right side of the road.
When driving in Australia, it is important to remember that speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour, not miles per hour. This is because Australia, like many other metric system countries, uses the metric system for all measurements. In urban areas, the speed limit is typically 50 km/h, while most other roads have a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h, and some highway stretches allow up to 110 km/h. It is important to adhere to these speed limits as highway police are known to strictly enforce them, and even driving just 1-2 km over the limit can result in a charge.
The rules of the road in Australia include staying in the left lane unless overtaking, which should always be done on the right. Roundabouts operate in a clockwise direction, and drivers should give way to the right at intersections and roundabouts. When parking, it is important to remember to park on the left side of the road, as it is illegal to park facing oncoming traffic.
For those accustomed to driving on the right side of the road, adjusting to left-hand driving in Australia can be intimidating at first. However, with focus and attention to the flow of traffic, it is possible to quickly adapt to the new driving environment. It is important to remember to look right-left-right when crossing a road or pulling out, as the traffic flow will be coming from the opposite direction compared to right-hand driving countries.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Australia drives on the left, so cars are right-hand drive.
Driving on the left dates back to the Middle Ages when horse riders and cart drivers kept left to have their right hands free for sword-drawing in case of attack.
Some key things to remember when driving in Australia are:
- The driver should always be close to the centre of the road.
- Stay in the left lane unless overtaking (always pass on the right).
- Roundabouts operate in a clockwise direction – give way to the right.
- Indicators and windscreen wipers may be on the opposite side of the steering wheel.
- The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/hr unless otherwise indicated.
- It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, even at traffic lights or in stuck traffic.
RHD cars offer better visibility of oncoming traffic, which is useful when overtaking or driving in security convoys. In areas where roadside attacks are common, RHD vehicles can provide superior control and visibility to respond to threats.
While RHD is the norm in Australia, it is considered "trendy" to drive a LHD car. Many imported US cars over 30 years old, such as Chevs, Fords and Mopars, are left in their original LHD form.
