Driving In Australia Handbook

Gabby Boucher

August 14th, 2024

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10 minute read

Here is everything you need to know about driving in Australia! It can always be a little intimidating to drive in a foreign country. Maybe you don't speak the language very well, maybe the landscape is completely different from your home, or maybe you're used to driving on the opposite side of the road.

However, with a bit of courage, planning, preparation, and patience, you will get the hang of driving in Australia in no time! Driving in Australia is pretty straightforward. Most roads are sealed and in great condition and Australians take road rules very seriously so the roads are generally safe. To help put your mind at ease, we've compiled this complete guide to driving in Australia so you can feel more prepared for your adventure. 

Driving In Australia - Requirements

There are some requirements for driving in Australia that you'll have to meet before you even get behind the wheel. You may have questions like "Can I drive in Australia with a foreign licence?" or "What is the age requirement for car hire?". Whether you're hiring a car, buying a car, or just going for a quick spin in a friend's vehicle, make sure you are allowed to be driving in Australia. 

What is required to drive in Australia?

To drive in Australia, you must have a valid licence either from your home country or from Australia. If your overseas licence is not in English, you need an official translation or an international driver's licence. You also have to follow the same rules as your home licence, such as only driving the allowed class of vehicle as stated on your licence. Always have your licence on you while driving in Australia!

If you're just visiting Australia temporarily, you can legally drive on your foreign license for a certain number of months before you have to transfer it to an Australian license. The exact time varies from state to state. For example, in New South Wales you can drive on a foreign license for up to 6 months. In Queensland, it's 3 months. After the allotted time period, you have to apply for an Australian licence at a local service center. Just be sure to check the foreign licence driving requirements in each state you plan to visit. 

What is required to hire a car or campervan in Australia?

Every car hire company is different, but most of them require you to present a valid driver’s licence, a credit card for a security deposit, and a passport for ID. Your licence can be foreign, as long as it matches your passport or ID. Many hire companies require you to be at least 21 years of age, though some will let you hire a vehicle if you're at least 18. Make sure you know the requirements of each hire company because they may have their own rules. But usually you can hire a car or campervan with a valid license, a credit card, and a passport. 

Do I need a 4WD to drive in Australia?

You don't need a 4WD to drive around Australia, however there are exceptions for certain remote areas. For traversing most of the East Coast and exploring Australia's hotspots, a standard 2WD vehicle will be fine. But if you plan to venture to some more rugged areas like the Outback, a 4WD is recommended. Just research the areas you plan to visit to see what type of vehicle is recommended. 

For example, there are some common places along the East Coast where you will need a 4WD! The most famous is K'gari (Fraser Island). Because this is the world's largest sand island, you are required to have a 4WD to drive along the sandy tracks. You can hire a 4WD for your trip to the island or just book a tag-along driving tour.

Rainbow Beach is another famous spot where you'll need a 4WD if you want to drive along the beach. And if you're exploring the Daintree Rainforest north of Cairns, you can make it up to Emmagen Creek in Cape Tribulation with a 2WD. If you plan to head further north than that you need a 4WD. 

Driving In Australia - Road Rules

Once you've secured your vehicle and you're ready to hit the road, it's important to abide by the local road rules. Driving in Australia is not much different from driving anywhere else, and all the basic road rules apply. If you have a licence, you just have to apply your standard driving knowledge and you should be fine. But here are a few things to be prepared for when driving in Australia!

What side of the road do Australians drive on?

Australians drive on the left! Like most former British colonies, everything stays to the left including pedestrian traffic and bicycle traffic in addition to road traffic. If you come from a country where you drive on the right, this can be a bit confusing at first. You just have to take extra care while driving and make sure you're focused on the flow of traffic. Getting distracted can cause you to revert to your usual right-handed ways, so really try to pay attention!

Keep in mind, this also means that roundabouts flow to the left. Also, the inside of the car is reversed so the driver's seat is on the right. Your gear shift will be on the left of the driver's seat, and the turn signals and windshield wipers on the steering wheel are also reversed. Luckily, the gas and brake pedals are still the same everywhere! 

Are the road signs in kilometres or miles in Australia?

Road signs in Australia are in kilometres, not miles. Australia uses the metric system like most other countries in the world, so you'll find those standard units all around the country. This shouldn't be a problem for most people, though there are a select few countries that still prefer to use miles such as the USA. But the speedometer in Australian cars displays kilometres as well so you should be able to just match that up with the road signs. Speed limits are strictly enforced in Australia, so make sure you are never driving above the listed speed limit. 

Are there any strange road rules in Australia?

Every country has its quirks when it comes to road rules, and Australia is no different. That said, you will find all the standard road rules in Australia that should apply everywhere. Here are some of the most strictly enforced road rules that you'll find in Australia:

• You must always wear a seatbelt
• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Obey the speed limit at all times
• You're not allowed to use mobile phones while driving

It's also important to note that Australia has cameras scattered all over the roads. Even if there are no police around, you can still get a fine for speeding or using your phone if you're caught on camera. So you really have to obey the rules at all times! Another road rule that may catch some foreigners off guard is that you have to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle! You can get a fine for cycling without a helmet, so strap one on just to be safe. 

Driving In Australia - Safety Tips

In addition to general road rules, there are some other safety precautions you may want to take when driving in Australia. Compared to many countries around the world, the roads in Australia are in great condition. Traffic isn't too hectic, citizens obey the strict road rules, and everything runs relatively smoothly. But you still want to be vigilant and prepared for anything that might happen on the road!

Australian wildlife on the road

One of the main obstacles drivers face in Australia is wildlife. Iconic Aussie animals like kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, or dingos are beloved creatures but they can be dangerous while driving. Kangaroos especially love to hop out onto the road and they can seriously scare drivers and damage the car or themselves. 

If you're wondering what to do if you see a kangaroo on the road while driving in Australia, just slow down as much as possible. Try not to swerve because you could go off the road and make it worse. Australian wildlife is most active during dawn and dusk, so drive extra slowly at those times just in case. Avoid driving at night because it can be harder to spot wildlife. If you do see an animal, slow down significantly and just let the animal pass safely.

If you accidentally hit an animal or see an accident, you can report injured wildlife to the WIRES Rescue Office at 1300 094 737.

Road conditions and weather

Though most roads are in great shape around Australia, severe weather can affect road conditions and make driving difficult. Make sure you plan ahead and check the local weather alerts before embarking on a road trip. Natural disasters such as wildfires, cyclones, and flooding can cause road closures and make driving more dangerous. Though these events are rare, you never know what could happen and it's always a good idea to be cautious. If severe weather is in the forecast, consider rescheduling your road trip. 

Navigation and maps for driving in Australia

It's relatively easy to get around Australia as there is widespread internet coverage and most destinations are on maps. Whether you use Google Maps, Maps.me, or some other type of navigation system, you shouldn't have any trouble finding your destinations. However, it is always a good idea to have maps downloaded offline just in case you lose service. A good old-fashioned paper map never hurts either!

If you are using your phone for navigation, remember that you are not allowed to have your phone in your hand while driving. Tasmania has taken it a step further and outlawed phones for maps even if they are mounted up on the dashboard. Using a navigation system in the car itself is preferred, otherwise you can still get away with a smartphone mount in most states. Or travel with a buddy so they can give you directions while driving in Australia. Also make sure you pack a car charger so you can find your way without worrying about your phone dying. 

Driving in rural and remote areas

If you are heading to very remote areas around Australia, you'll want to take even more precautions to stay safe. Cell phone reception and shops or services may be limited so you'll want to make sure you're stocked up on everything you may need. Always carry extra tires, recovery gear, fuel, food, and water just in case you get stuck. If you're hiring a car or campervan, they should supply all the necessary gear for you. 

If you are tackling a long drive, make sure you take time to rest as well. Rest areas are common around Australia and they usually pop up next to the road every 100km or so. Don't drive tired and always pull over to ensure you can rest up for the next leg of the drive. 

Emergencies

If you do have an emergency on the road in Australia, dial 000. This is the universal emergency phone number for Australia, and help will be on the way if you need it. For a less urgent issue, such as a vehicle breakdown, you can call roadside assistance. Any hire vehicle or campervan should have information about the preferred roadside assistance in the glove box. Aussies are so friendly as well that you may be able to get help from a local if you just need some extra fuel or a jumpstart. 

Is it worth driving in Australia?

Yes, it's definitely worth driving in Australia! You can explore more of the local landscapes and culture by exploring on a road trip. Whether you're hiring a car for a day trip or you're adventuring along the entire East Coast in a campervan, you're sure to have the adventure of a lifetime! If you follow all of these safety tips you should have a seamless road trip around Australia. It's a very safe country to visit with great infrastructure and strict regulations that keep everything running smoothly. 

Looking to hire a campervan while exploring Australia? Live chat with our local travel agents and we'll let you know the best deals!

Our travel itineraries can also be modified to travel by campervan instead of bus pass, so just let us know how you prefer to get around Australia!