Australian Citizens Rights Article

Driving in Australia

Many people who visit Australia often have inquiries regarding driving in Australia. It is often considered legal to hold a Driver’s License in your State and participate in driving activities in Australia. Many people purchase an International Driver’s License in order to drive in countries other than their own. It is important that you understand that this particular Driver’s License does not mean that you are able to drive in Australia. If you have an English one, you may drive in Australia. If you do not, further requirements may need to be met in order to drive on the roads of Australia.

When you get to Australia, you will realize that locals drive on the left hand side of the road. If you come from the United State of America, and other places that drive on the right hand side of the road, this is something that you will be required to get used to. It is important that you always keep in mind to drive on the left hand side of the road in Australia. Many people benefit from having someone who is native to Australia ride with them as a constant reminder to driver in the correct lane until they get used to it.

Another thing that you may find odd if you are coming from the United States is that the driver sits on the right hand side of the vehicle. In the United States, the driver sits on the left hand side of the vehicle. This will definitely take some getting used to. If you are not used to the cars and the driving conditions in Australia, you should consider taking lessons, having a local ride with you, practicing, and/or taking other forms of transportation that is offered in Australia.

There are many important terms and concepts that you should learn when planning to drive in Australia. The first term refers to putting gas in your vehicle. While Americans often say that they need gas, Australians refer to it as “petrol”. Also, Americans normally refer to the back end of a vehicle as a “trunk”; Australians refer to this as the “boot”. In Australia, a trunk is on an elephant and gas is something you get when you swallow too much air or eat the wrong foods.

There are certain traffic rules and regulations that you should know prior to driving in Australia. The following represents some of the most common for people new to Australia:

1) If you are going to be driving slower than the majority of the traffic, you should stay in the left lane. 2) The vehicle on the right of you has the right of way if at an intersection with a stop sign, unless road signs specify otherwise. 3) It is not custom to beep your horn unless there is an issue at hand that requires you to do so. 4) If you are taking a prescription medication, or you have been drinking, it is illegal to drive in Australia. 5) It is the law that if you drive, or ride, in Australia, that you use your seatbelts.