Damon Mcknight
Australia has some unique driving rules and road conditions that international visitors should be aware of. For instance, driving occurs on the left side of the road, and speed limits are in kilometres, not miles. Foreign licences are valid for three months, as long as they are in English, and it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. Australia is a large land mass with some rough terrain, so long-distance trips require careful planning, and drivers should be vigilant for wildlife, particularly at night.
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What You'll Learn
Driving on the left
Remember that the driver should always be close to the centre of the road, and stay in the left lane unless you're overtaking (always pass on the right). A broken white line in the middle of the road means you can overtake if it's safe—if there are two lines, you can only overtake when the one closest to you is broken.
Roundabouts (or traffic circles) operate in a clockwise direction, so you approach and drive on the left, giving way to the right. If you're turning right at an intersection, you must give way to all oncoming traffic.
If you're driving a manual car, you'll need to change gears with your left hand, which may feel unusual if you're used to driving on the 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.
One of the challenges of driving on the left is remembering to make right-hand turns, rather than left-hand turns. As a general rule, simply stay in the left-hand lane and obey any traffic signals. When you're more familiar with driving on the left, you can start to practice on busier roads.
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Roundabouts and intersections
Australia has many roundabouts, also known as 'traffic circles'. Here are the rules for navigating them:
When approaching a roundabout, you must slow down and give way to all vehicles already in the roundabout. This means giving way to vehicles on your right, and vehicles that have entered from your left or directly opposite you. Indicate left as you approach, and continue to indicate as you turn. When you leave the roundabout, indicate left if practical, and stop indicating as soon as you have exited. On multi-lane roundabouts, follow the direction of arrows or signs on the road. If you need to change lanes, indicate and give way to any vehicle in the lane you're moving into. You can only change lanes where there is a broken white line.
If you want to turn left at a roundabout, you must indicate left as you approach and keep indicating until you have left the roundabout. For multi-lane roundabouts, approach from the left lane and stay in that lane. If you want to turn right, indicate right as you approach the roundabout, and if possible, indicate left just before exiting. When approaching a roundabout, you can use any lane to go straight ahead, unless arrows specify that the lane is for left or right turns only. You don't need to indicate as you approach the roundabout if you are going straight. However, if possible, signal left as you exit.
In addition to roundabouts, there are several other types of intersections you may encounter while driving in Australia. Firstly, give way to the right at intersections. At large intersections, a 'right turn arrow' may appear, giving you the right of way. At intersections without an arrow, you can slowly move into a 'ready to turn' position, as long as you don't obstruct anyone. If there is a red-turn arrow, it's not safe to turn yet. When the arrow disappears, watch the remaining traffic lights and be mindful of oncoming traffic before turning. If the remaining light is green, you may turn right.
It is important to note that in Australia, drivers sit on the right-hand side of the car, and the steering wheel is located on the right as well. This may feel reversed if you are used to driving in countries where the steering wheel is on the left. Australians drive on the left side of the road, so the driver should always be close to the centre of the road. Stay in the left lane unless overtaking, and always pass on the right.
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Speed limits and road conditions
Speed limits in Australia are in kilometres per hour (kph), not miles. The speed limit varies depending on the type of road and the area you are in. In urban areas, the speed limit is usually 50 kph unless otherwise indicated. Most other roads have a maximum speed limit of 100 kph, although some highways allow 110 kph. However, lower speed limits are often posted, especially around schools. It's important to obey the speed limit, as highway police strictly enforce speed limits, and hidden speed cameras are widely used. Driving even slightly over the limit may result in a fine.
When driving in Australia, it's crucial to adjust your speed according to the road conditions. If you encounter challenging conditions such as fog, rain, high winds, or heavy traffic, slow down and drive at a speed suitable for the conditions. Be cautious when driving at night, as Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and dingoes, tends to be most active at dawn and dusk. Avoid driving at night if possible, as it can be difficult to spot these animals, and always slow down if you see an animal on the road.
Australia has some rough terrain, and not all roads are sealed. If you're driving in remote areas, plan your route in advance to ensure the roads are suitable for your vehicle. If you encounter low-quality or dirt roads, make sure you have a suitable off-road vehicle and confident driving skills. Even on paved roads, extreme weather can quickly deteriorate road conditions.
When driving on multi-lane roads, highways, and freeways, always keep to the left unless you are overtaking. Remember that you can only overtake on the right. When overtaking heavy vehicles in wet weather, be cautious of wind turbulence and wheel spray, which can reduce visibility. Give plenty of room to multi-trailer trucks (road trains) and be very careful when overtaking due to their extra length.
It's important to stay alert and avoid driving while fatigued. Take regular breaks during long drives, especially at night, to prevent fatigue. Plan your route to include suitable rest stops, and consider taking a 15-minute break every two hours to help stay alert.
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Tolls and permits
Many of the motorways in Australia's capital cities, such as Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, are toll roads. You will need to pay a fee to travel on these roads, bridges, and tunnels. You can pay these tolls electronically with a transponder or tag fitted inside your car. You can hire these along with your car or campervan, or you can buy a visitor pass from the local state roads and traffic authority website. You can also pay online up to three days after using the road.
If you don't have a transponder, your number plate will be photographed, and you must pay the toll within 72 hours by phone or online to avoid penalties.
If you're renting a car, it may already be set up for tolls. You can obtain a short-term visitor pass, such as the casual eMU Pass from Service NSW, allowing you to drive on Sydney's toll roads for up to 30 days.
State-specific toll passes are also available:
- Sydney Pass (covers all toll roads in Australia)
- Melbourne Pass (only for Melbourne toll roads)
- Brisbane Road Pass (only for Brisbane toll roads)
If you're driving through aboriginal tribal lands in Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, you will usually need a permit.
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Driving licences and rules
If you're an international visitor, you can drive in Australia with a foreign driver's licence for up to three months, as long as it is in English. If your licence is not in English, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country. If your foreign licence does not have a photo, carry a passport or another form of photo identification with you. If you intend to drive for longer than three months, you'll need to obtain a driver's licence from the Australian state in which you plan to do most of your driving.
In Australia, the steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the car, and the gear stick is on the left. This may take some time to get used to if you're from a country where the steering wheel is on the left. Most Australian cars have automatic transmission, but if you're driving a manual car, you'll need to get used to changing gears with your left hand. 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.
Australia uses the metric system, so all measurements and speed limits are in kilometres. Speed limits vary between states and types of roads, but they are clearly marked and strictly enforced. The speed limit in urban areas is usually 50 km/h, while most other roads have a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h, and some highways allow 110 km/h. Remember to always drive according to the weather conditions and road visibility.
When driving on multi-lane roads, highways, and freeways, keep to the left unless you're overtaking. You can overtake on a broken white line in the middle of the road, but if there are two lines, wait until the one closest to you is broken. Always overtake on the right, and be sure you can see enough of the road to complete the manoeuvre safely. Never overtake on corners, blind rises, or on double white lines. When overtaking heavy vehicles in wet weather, beware of wind turbulence and wheel spray, which can reduce visibility.
Australia has many 'roundabouts' or 'traffic circles'. When approaching a roundabout, slow down and look to your right. If you see a car, stop before entering the roundabout to let them pass. Remember that vehicles already on the roundabout have the right of way. Always give way to the right at intersections, unless there is a 'right turn arrow' giving you priority.
Seatbelts are compulsory in Australia for drivers and all passengers. There are also special rules regarding children's car seats and baby capsules. If you are riding a motorbike, scooter, moped, e-bike, or bicycle, you must wear a helmet.
Toll roads are common in Australia, particularly in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, and some can only be paid electronically. Many of the motorways in capital cities are toll roads, and you may need to hire an electronic tag or pass, or buy a visitor pass before you hit the road.
Finally, it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, even when stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. Alcohol and driving don't mix, and it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.05.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia drives on the left, so always stay in the left lane unless you're overtaking. The driver should always be close to the centre of the road. Roundabouts operate in a clockwise direction, so give way to the right. The speed limit in urban areas is 50 kilometres per hour unless otherwise signposted, and most other roads have a maximum speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour. Seatbelts are compulsory, and it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.
If you're learning to drive, consider finding private land to practice on, or book driving lessons during off-peak hours to avoid traffic. You can drive with a foreign driver's licence for up to three months, as long as it is in English. If not, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). After three months, you'll need to get a state driver's licence.
Australia has strict penalties for texting and driving, so connect your phone to your car to answer calls hands-free. Toll roads are common and electronically tolled. Most Australian cars have automatic transmission, but if you're driving a manual car, you'll need to change gears with your left hand. Be vigilant for wildlife, especially at night, and be aware of large trucks called "Road Trains".
Australia is a large country with isolated roads, so fuel up early to avoid running out of fuel in remote areas. Bring extra water, food, and an additional fuel source for longer trips. Driving at night can cause fatigue, so be cautious and reduce your speed.
