Driving licence

Visitors over 18 may drive in Australia if they hold a valid driving licence from their home country and if they are driving the class of vehicle which they are licensed to drive. You must have the licence with you at all times when driving.

An International Drivers Permit is not sufficient by itself and must be accompanied by a valid driving licence. If you’re spending longer than half a year there, you should bring along an International Drivers Permit or apply for an Australian driver’s licence.

Car rental

Renting a car is a good option if you want to explore a particular region thoroughly on your own. You’ll need a credit card to rent a car, which you should book before you travel. There may an age limit for renting certain vehicles, like MPVs and luxury sedans.

The big car rental companies may be more expensive, but offer advantages. They have branches nationwide, offer airport pick-up and drop-off points and long-distance one-way rentals.

Speed limits

On country roads and highways the usual speed limit is between 100 and 110kmh, unless otherwise indicated. The national default urban speed limit is 50kmh.

All speed limits are clearly marked and all states operate sophisticated speed detection equipment. Any fine incurred in Australia is the responsibility of the driver. If the driver is a foreigner, the fine will be mailed to their home country address.

Driving in Melbourne

If you plan to drive in Melbourne, watch out for the peculiar “hook turn”. Certain intersections in the city centre will have a sign that says “right turn on left only”. That means you have to keep on the leftmost lane to make a right turn. Although it’s confusing, it makes sense as hook turns prevent trams from being held up in traffic.

Instead of turning right from the right lane, you should get into the left lane and cross three-quarters­ of the intersection and then stop, indicating to turn right, until you have a green light in the direction you are turning.  

Driving in the Outback

Road trains are a common sight in the Outback, particularly in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. These 50m-long trailers can’t stop as quickly as a regular car, so keep out of their way. When overtaking a road train, make sure you allow plenty of room ahead.

When driving at night, look out for wildlife that may stray onto the road as animals are attracted by car lights. Collisions with kangaroos can cause substantial damage to your vehicle.