Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Jacqueline Regev. Jacqueline Regev is a Driving Instructor and the Founder & CEO of Bubble of Safety Driving School. With over 20 years of education experience, she specializes in encouraging people to develop their skills to become safe and courteous drivers. Jacqueline earned a Bachelor's Degree from UCLA and an MA from Chapman University. She is also pursuing a PhD from UC Santa Barbara.
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Driving in Australia, like most other western nations, is relatively easy and straightforward - most of the cars you come across are automatic transmission and the road rules are similar to other countries. An important note for foreigners, however, is that Australia, like New Zealand and the UK, drive on the left side of the road instead of the right. Read on for tips on how to navigate Australian roads as a first-timer.
Steps
Community Q&A
- QuestionI have a California driver's license. Can I drive in Australia?
Community AnswerYes, you can. - QuestionDo Indian immigrants require an Australian driver's license?
Community AnswerYes, if you become a long term or permanent citizen of Australia.
Video
Tips
- Police in Australia do not overcharge fines so, if you can, pay on the spot. If they appear behind you, pull over and listen. There is no need to excessively grovel. Indeed, calling them "Sir" is likely to make them bristle at perceived false politeness. Be open and honest. If you have a case, plead it quickly and without anger. They will usually speak to you in a short but polite way. Do not regard breath tests as a personal attack. You'll be greeted with a standard "G'day, just a random breath-test" style of greeting. It's the typically Australian way of showing mutual equality/respect by not wasting your time with "sir"/"madam" or any particular standardized rant. They'll be keen to let you go on your way and will therefore speak with shortness. It's not rudeness in the Australian sense - it's respect. Rudeness would be to speak too much and too formally and waste your time.Thanks
- Note that the speed limit is in kph. States apply different limits, but roads are clearly marked. Speed limits are strictly enforced by unmarked cars with speed cameras (see flashing of lights later).Thanks
- Australians use their horn for three reasons, and probably in this order: (1) A genuinely friendly reminder (as in "the light's turned green, you can go now!"). This beep will be a short little double-toot in most cases (2) Frustration at your impoliteness. This may be because you changed lanes too quickly or have just been really incompetent. You'll get a fair dose of the horn and, in the rear mirror, you'll see hands waving about. Usually you'll realise that you've just done something so dumb (like not going on green) that the driver behind you feels compelled to point it out (3) Most rarely, if you're changing lanes and hear a long horn, get back in the lane you are in. Someone behind you is actually scared for their life about the consequences of you going through with the move.Thanks
Warnings
- There are a lot of red light cameras in Australia so be sure to stop at a red light.Thanks
- Driving in the eastern seaboard is easy in terms of finding fuel. If driving in the west, once you're out of suburbia you should buy petrol whenever you see it. Keep that tank topped up.Thanks
- Also be cautious with speeds in Australia. Speed limits are strictly enforced, so be sure to stick to the speed limit in all suburbia areas and towns.Thanks
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