If you take a look at our Australian East Coast road trip and our West Coast Australia Road Trip guides you will need to know the facts about driving in Australia. We have outlined them for you here.
From state to state the laws range regarding minimum driving age from 16.5 years-old to the full 18. And yes, you can drive on a UK driving licence as well as always having your passport on you for ID. Likewise, the age for being able to rent a car ranges from 18 to over-25s.
A seatbelt must be worn by both driver and passengers at all times and there are particular guidelines for child safety.
Different states have varied speed limits but :
- Built-up areas are approximately 30mph
- Rural areas up to 60mph
- Freeways 80mph
There are four main types of motor vehicle insurance. Take out car insurance in either:
- Compulsory Third Party
- Third-Party property
- Third-Party Fire and Theft
- Comprehensive
When overtaking:
- Overtake only when you have a clear view of approaching traffic.
- Overtake with sufficient space.
- Signal when overtaking.
- Never exceed the legal speed limit to overtake another vehicle.
When parking, observe the following signs:
- No Stopping, where motorists may only stop due to the traffic conditions; for example, queuing for traffic lights
- No Standing, where motorists may not park a car unless they remain in the vehicle and for no more than three minutes
- No Parking, where motorists must not leave the vehicle unattended. Picking up and dropping off permitted if done within two minutes.
Do not get horny with your horn except in an emergency, better to flash your headlights.
Currently, there are 16 toll roads operating in Australia (Table 1) with a total length of 241 km. Most of these toll roads involve some form of Public Private Partnership (PPP). Of the 16, eight are in NSW, two in Victoria and six in Queensland. In terms of road length, NSW accounts for 41 percent, Victoria 25 percent and Queensland 34 percent.
Triple Zero (000) is Australia’s main emergency service number. You should call 000 if you need urgent help from police, fire or ambulance services.
Telstra answers calls to the emergency service numbers 000 and 112 and transfers the call, and information about your location, to the emergency service you request.
You should only call 000 when:
- Someone is seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help
- Your life or property is being threatened
- You have just witnessed a serious accident or crime
If a situation is not urgent, you should look up the number of your local police, fire or ambulance service.
Fuel is currently approximately $2 per litre with almost all accepting credit cards as well as cash or pay as you go. While for electric vehicles there are plenty of charging points for the green option of driving.
Like in the UK using mobile phones whilst driving is strictly prohibited.
Drink driving is at a low of 0.05% blood alcohol limit. As in the UK there is zero tolerance to any class of illegal drug whilst driving.
Many of your journeys will be very long hours and you must take two spare tires with you as well as:
- Food
- Water
- Fuel
- Warm clothing
And be aware of where there are petrol stations on your journey
If you do bump into a kangaroo or other animal stop the car and see there are babies and if so contact the authorities.
Be aware of the intense heat in summer and flooding.
So you are now all set to take that leap and go down under without tears.
Driving in Australia FAQs
Yes, to drive or hire a car in Australia, you will need a valid international driving permit. UK licences are valid too.
Australians drive on the left hand side of the road.
Driving in remote areas and into the Bush in Australia always carries with it some risks. If you plan to do this, make sure you have a spare tyre, tools, water, food, extra clothing and fuel. The distances between settlements in some parts of Australia are huge so be prepared!
You will often see kangaroos, emus and wombats on the side or indeed the middle of the road in Australia. Take care not to collide and keep your eyes open!