Leslie Massey
Australia has left-hand traffic laws, meaning that drivers need to be mindful of staying to the left of the road. This also means that the steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the car, so the driver is closer to the centre of the road. This is the opposite of countries like the US, where the driver sits on the left side of the car. Driving on the left side of the road can take some getting used to, especially when it comes to roundabouts and intersections, but it becomes easier once you're on open roads.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Driver's side of the car | Right |
| Driver's seat position | Closer to the centre of the road |
| Driving side | Left |
| Roundabouts | Clockwise direction |
| Exiting roundabouts | Left |
| Turning right at an intersection | Need to cross the intersection and wait for the right-hand arrow to turn green |
| Manual transmission | Gears changed with the left hand |
| Indicators and windscreen wipers | May be on the opposite side of the steering wheel |
| Speed limits | In kilometres |
| Mobile phone usage while driving | Illegal |
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What You'll Learn
Australians drive on the left side of the road
If you're used to driving on the right, everything will be basically mirrored. You'll need to get used to using your left hand for the gear stick in a manual car, and the indicator and wiper stalks may be reversed. You'll also have to remember to look up and to your left for the rearview mirror.
Roundabouts and intersections can be tricky, as you'll be going around them in a clockwise direction and exiting on the left. You'll need to give way to traffic coming from your right before entering a roundabout, and when turning right at an intersection, you'll often have to wait for a green right-hand arrow at the traffic lights.
It's easy to fall back into driving on the right side of the road, especially when you first start driving each day, so stay alert. One technique is to make a mantra, such as "Love the left" or "Stay left, stay left", and repeat it to yourself every time you get behind the wheel.
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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, which is known as "right-hand drive" or "right-hand side". This is the opposite of the United States and some other countries where the steering wheel is on the left. Driving in Australia means adhering to left-hand traffic laws, so the driver is closer to the centre of the road.
If you are visiting Australia and planning to rent a car, it is important to be aware of this difference. While most rental cars are automatic, you may encounter a manual vehicle, which will require you to change gears with your left hand instead of your right. Indicators and windscreen wipers may also be on the opposite side of the steering wheel than you are accustomed to, which can be confusing at first.
Roundabouts and intersections can be particularly challenging for those unfamiliar with driving on the left. When approaching a roundabout, remember that traffic moves in a clockwise direction, and you must give way to the right. At intersections, you must also give way to the right, and turning right will involve crossing oncoming traffic.
Adjusting to driving on the opposite side of the road can take some time and practice. It is recommended to start on quieter roads and gradually adjust to busier areas. Following another car through an intersection can be helpful, as well as adopting a mantra such as "stay left" to remind yourself of the correct side of the road.
Overall, while the steering wheel being on the right side of the car in Australia may initially seem challenging, with preparation and caution, it is certainly manageable for visitors accustomed to driving on the right.
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The driver is closer to the centre of the road
In Australia, the driver sits on the right-hand side of the car, meaning the steering wheel is on the right-hand side. This is known as "right-hand drive" and it means the driver is closer to the centre of the road. Australia abides by left-hand traffic laws, so drivers need to get used to driving on the left side of the road. This can be tricky for those visiting from countries that drive on the right, as everything is basically mirrored.
When driving in Australia, it's important to remember that roundabouts and intersections can be challenging, especially when turning right. Roundabouts rotate to the left, and you'll need to give way to any traffic coming from your right before entering. At intersections, you'll need to cross the intersection when turning right, and often wait for the right-hand arrow to turn green. It's also important to be extra careful when driving in car parks, as they can be congested and awkward.
To adjust to driving on the left, it can be helpful to start on quieter roads and get used to changing gears with your left hand if you're driving a manual car. Indicators and windscreen wipers may also be on the opposite side of the steering wheel, so it's easy to turn on the wipers instead of the turn signal. One technique is to create a mantra, such as "Love the left" or "Stay left, stay left", to remind yourself to stay on the left side of the road.
It's worth noting that some regions, like Adelaide, have unique driving rules. For example, in Adelaide, they drive on the right side of the road on Tuesdays and every other Saturday from 9 pm to 11 pm. So, it's always good to check the local driving rules before getting behind the wheel.
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Indicators and windscreen wipers may be on the opposite side
In Australia, vehicles are right-hand drive, meaning the steering wheel is on the right-hand side and the driver sits on the left side of the car. This is the opposite setup to that found in countries such as the United States and Canada, where the driver sits on the left side of the car.
If you are driving in Australia for the first time, it is important to be aware that some controls may be on the opposite side of the steering wheel to what you are used to. In particular, the indicators and windscreen wipers may be reversed. This can be a common cause of confusion, with drivers activating the windscreen wipers when they intend to use their turn signal, and vice versa.
To avoid this issue, it is recommended to take some time to familiarise yourself with the vehicle's controls before driving. It may also be helpful to start on quieter roads and to follow other cars at intersections. It is also important to remember that the driver should always be close to the centre of the road when driving on the left.
Additionally, roundabouts operate in a clockwise direction in Australia, so you will need to give way to the right. This can be another source of confusion for drivers accustomed to driving on the right side of the road.
Overall, while it may take some time to adjust to driving on the left side of the road and having the indicators and windscreen wipers on the opposite side, with practice and patience, it is possible to get used to the differences and safely navigate Australian roads.
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It can be tricky to drive a manual car
In Australia, cars are right-hand drive, meaning the driver sits on the right side of the car and drives on the left side of the road. Driving a manual car can be tricky, especially if you're used to driving an automatic. Manual cars have a clutch pedal and a gear stick that you use to change gears, which can be challenging to coordinate. It takes time and practice to get used to the clutch and learn how to change gears smoothly.
Learning to drive a manual car can be frustrating at first, but it's a valuable skill to have. Manual transmissions are easier to maintain and more fuel-efficient than automatics. They also give you more control over the car, which can be useful in tricky conditions such as snow, steep hills, or off-road situations. In addition, knowing how to drive a manual car gives you more options when buying a second-hand car, as you won't be limited to automatics.
One of the biggest challenges of driving a manual car is starting on a hill. It's important to use the handbrake to prevent rolling backwards until you reach the 'biting point', where the gears engage and the car starts to move forward. Another common issue is 'riding the clutch', which means keeping your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This can wear out the clutch prematurely and should be avoided.
Driving a manual car in Australia can be especially tricky for those used to driving on the right side of the road. It can be challenging to adjust to using your left hand for the gear stick and your right hand for the steering wheel. It's easy to forget and try to adjust gears with the door or turn on the wipers instead of the indicator! Practice on quiet roads and following other cars at intersections can help you get used to driving on the left.
While manual cars are becoming less common in Australia, making up only 3.5% of new vehicle sales in 2023, they still have their advantages. If you're considering learning to drive a manual, go for it! It may take some time and patience, but it will give you more confidence and flexibility as a driver.
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Frequently asked questions
The driver is on the right side of the car.
Australians drive on the left side of the road.
If you're used to driving on the right side of the road, everything will be basically mirrored. Indicators and windscreen wipers may be on the opposite side of the steering wheel than you're used to, and you'll have to get used to looking up and to your left to the windscreen mirror.
Roundabouts (traffic circles) operate in a clockwise direction, so you'll need to give way to the right. Turning right at an intersection will require crossing the intersection, and you'll often have to wait for the right-hand arrow to turn green.
Seatbelts are compulsory in Australia, and there are special rules about children's car seats and baby capsules. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, even when stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05, and police conduct random breath and drug tests on roadsides across the country.
