Lyla Lindsey
Australia drives on the left side of the road, which means that the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. This is the opposite of driving in the US, where the steering wheel is on the left side of the car. If you're planning to drive in Australia, it's important to be aware of this difference and adjust to the right-hand drive. It can be a challenging adjustment, especially when it comes to adjusting mirrors, using turn signals, and getting used to the wrong side of the road.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Side of the road Australians drive on | Left |
| Side of the car the steering wheel is on | Right |
| Position of the driver inside the car | Left |
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What You'll Learn
Australians drive on the left side of the road
In Australia, the steering wheel is positioned on the right side of the car, which is the opposite of cars in the United States. This means that Australians drive on the left side of the road.
If you are visiting Australia and plan on renting a car, it is important to be aware of this difference. Driving on the opposite side of the road can be challenging and take some time to get used to. It can be especially difficult to adjust to driving on the left side of the road if you are from a country such as the United States, where the steering wheel is typically on the left side of the car.
In addition to the position of the steering wheel, other controls in the car may be reversed compared to what you are used to. For example, the control stalks for lights and wipers may be on the opposite side, except in some European cars. However, the pedals are typically in the same position, with the accelerator on the right, the brake on the left, and the clutch further left in manual cars.
Despite these differences, with practice and caution, it is possible to adjust to driving on the left side of the road. It is important to be aware of the unique challenges and dangers of driving in Australia, such as the presence of wildlife and the vast distances between destinations. Planning ahead and being prepared for emergencies are crucial when driving in Australia.
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The steering wheel is on the right side of the car
In Australia, the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. This is known as "right-hand drive", and it's the opposite of what drivers in the US are used to. Driving on the left side of the road can take some getting used to, especially when adjusting the seat or using the turn signal.
Australian roads can be challenging for drivers, with many rural roads requiring all-wheel drive and, in some cases, drivers needing to provide their own fuel, food, and water provisions for long stretches. Major suppliers may allow travel on an unsealed road for up to 12km to a commercial campground or major tourist attraction.
When renting a car in Australia, it is possible to drive with a foreign (English language) licence for up to three months. If your licence is not in English, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country before arriving in Australia.
It's worth noting that, historically, driving on the left side of the road made sense for feudal, violent societies as most people are right-handed. This way, swordsmen could keep their right arm nearer to their opponent and their scabbard further from them.
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The driver sits on the left side of the car
In Australia, the driver sits on the left side of the car. This means that the steering wheel is positioned on the right side of the car, or the "passenger side". This can be confusing for visitors from countries such as the US, where the driver sits on the right side of the car.
Driving on the left side of the road in Australia can take some getting used to for those visiting from countries that drive on the right. It can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when first arriving in an unfamiliar place after a long journey. It can be a challenge to adjust to using the correct side of the road, and even just remembering to get into the car on the correct side can be tricky!
In Australia, the pedals are in the same position as they are in most countries—the accelerator is on the right, the brake is in the middle, and the clutch is on the left in manual cars. The control stalks for the lights and wipers are reversed compared to some European cars, but are in the same position as in right-hand-drive cars.
Driving on the left has historical roots. In feudal times, most people travelled on the left because it was safer for sword-carrying individuals to keep to the left, with their right arm nearest their opponent and their sword scabbard furthest away.
In summary, while it may take some adjustment, visitors to Australia should be able to get used to the left-hand driving position, and the controls in the car will still be familiar.
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Australia is right-hand drive
In Australia, drivers also drive on the left-hand side of the road. This is the same as in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and many other countries that were once part of the British Empire. In the past, most people travelled on the left side of the road because it was the most sensible option for feudal, violent societies. As most people are right-handed, swordsmen preferred to keep to the left to have their right arm nearer to their opponent and their scabbard further away.
For visitors from countries with left-hand drive setups, driving in Australia can take some getting used to. One person described the feeling of driving on the opposite side of the road and in a car with the steering wheel on the 'wrong' side as like "parting your hair on the wrong side and having that crooked-head feeling all day, but with life and death safety implications". Another said that, even after getting used to driving in Australia, they would sometimes still walk up to the passenger side of their car by mistake.
If you're planning to drive in Australia, it's important to be aware of the unique challenges that the country's roads can present. Many roads in rural areas are unsealed and lack a centre divide, making accidents more likely and more deadly. It's recommended that drivers plan ahead and be prepared with provisions and the necessary skills to deal with emergencies.
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Driving orientation is the opposite of the US
Driving in Australia is the opposite of driving in the US. In Australia, the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, and drivers sit on the left side. Australians drive on the left side of the road, except in Adelaide, where they drive on the right, except on Tuesdays and between 9 pm and 11 pm every other Saturday.
This can be confusing for visitors from countries like the US, where the driving orientation is the opposite. It can take some time to get used to the different configuration, and even then, old habits may persist. For example, one person recounted how they still sometimes walk up to the passenger side of their car, and their husband once opened the door for the Uber driver by mistake.
Another challenge for visitors is adjusting to the rural roads in Australia, which can be brutal. Many roads are unsealed and lack a center divide, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Some roads require drivers to have all-wheel drive and carry their own fuel, food, and water provisions.
Despite the differences in driving orientation, the pedals in Australian cars are in the same positions as in American cars, with the accelerator on the right, the brake on the left, and the clutch further left in manual cars. However, the control stalks for lights and wipers are usually reversed, except in some European cars.
Overall, driving in Australia can take some adjustment for those accustomed to driving on the right side of the road, but with time and practice, it is possible to get used to the opposite orientation.
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Frequently asked questions
The steering wheel is on the right side of the car.
Australians drive on the left side of the road.
The pedals are where you would expect to find them in a car with the steering wheel on the left side — accelerator on the right, brake on the left, and the clutch further left for manual cars.
No, all major Australian cities including Adelaide, Brisbane, Broome, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney drive on the left side of the road.
