Driving in Australia

Introduction

Australia is a car-dependent country for most people outside the inner-city areas of Sydney and Melbourne. Understanding driving rules, licence transfer, and car purchasing is essential for settling in.

Driving on the Left

Australia drives on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right side of the car. If you're from the US, Canada, or Europe (excluding UK/Ireland), this will take adjustment. Take it slow: drive in quiet suburban streets before tackling highways. Most newcomers adapt within a few weeks.

Using Your Foreign Licence

All states allow you to drive on a valid foreign licence for a limited period:

• NSW: 3 months (from date of arrival) if your licence is in English. If not, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Victoria: 6 months (from date of arrival).
• Queensland: 3 months (from date of arrival).
• Western Australia: 3 months (from date of arrival).
• South Australia: 3 months (from date of arrival).
• Tasmania: 3 months.
• ACT: 3 months.
• NT: 3 months.

Important: If you've been granted a permanent visa (189, 190, 820, etc.), the clock starts from your first arrival in Australia, not the date you got your visa.

Transferring Your Licence

After the temporary period, you must transfer to an Australian driver licence. The process varies by state:

• Recognised countries: Licence holders from the UK, US (some states), Canada, Germany, France, Switzerland, and others can usually exchange their licence directly without taking the driving test. Check with your state's transport authority.
• Non-recognised countries: You'll need to pass the Knowledge Test (computer-based theory test) and the Driving Test (practical on-road test). Some states also require a Hazard Perception Test.
• Cost: Licence transfer fees range from AUD $50 — $80 per year (typically valid for 1 — 5 years).

Buying a Car

New vs Used

• Used car: For most newcomers, a 5 — 10 year old Japanese or Korean car (Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia) is ideal. Reliable, parts are cheap, and they hold value well. Budget: AUD $8,000 — $20,000.
• New car: If you have the budget, a new car gives you warranty, safety features, and peace of mind. Budget: AUD $25,000+.

Where to Buy

• Carsales.com.au: the largest marketplace
• Gumtree.com.au: private sales, more negotiation needed
• Facebook Marketplace: popular for second-hand cars
• Dealerships: More expensive but offer warranties and certification
• Government auctions: ex-government fleet cars (well-maintained, good value)

Pre-Purchase Checks

• Get a Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) check (~AUD $2) to ensure the car isn't stolen or has outstanding finance.
• Have a mechanic inspect the car (AUD $150 — $300).
• Check the registration expiry and service history.

Car Registration (Rego)

Every vehicle on Australian roads must be registered with the state transport authority. Registration includes:

• Registration fee: Varies by state, typically AUD $300 — $800 per year for a standard car.
• Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance: Included in your rego (or separate, depending on state). Covers injury to other people in an accident. Typically AUD $400 — $700 per year.
• Green slip / Motor Accident Levy: NSW-specific term for CTP insurance.

Car Insurance

Beyond CTP (which is mandatory), you should consider:

• Third Party Property Damage: Covers damage you cause to someone else's car or property. Costs ~AUD $300 — $600/year.
• Third Party, Fire & Theft: Adds fire and theft cover for your own car. ~AUD $400 — $800/year.
• Comprehensive: Covers damage to your car AND the other car. ~AUD $700 — $2,000/year. Highly recommended for newer cars.

Insurance providers: AAMI, GIO, Allianz, NRMA (NSW), RACV (VIC), RACQ (QLD), RAC (WA), Budget Direct, Youi.

Road Rules You Should Know

• Speed limits: Built-up areas: 50 km/h. Highways: 100 — 110 km/h. School zones: 40 km/h during school hours (usually 8 — 9:30am and 2:30 — 4pm).
• Speed cameras: Fixed and mobile speed cameras are common. Fines start at AUD $300+.
• Drink driving: BAC limit is 0.05% for full licence holders. Zero for learner and provisional drivers. Random breath testing is common.
• Mobile phones: Strictly prohibited while driving (even at red lights). Fines are AUD $500+ and 5 demerit points.
• Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers. Fine for not wearing one: AUD $400+.
• Roundabouts: Give way to vehicles already on the roundabout. Indicate left when exiting.
• Hook turns: Unique to Melbourne: from the right lane, you pull left to turn right. Watch for signs.
• U-turns: Legal unless signed otherwise, except in NSW where they're generally prohibited in Sydney CBD.

Tolls

Major cities have toll roads (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane). You need an electronic tag or pass:

• Sydney: E-Toll (or Linkt) tag required for M2, M4, M5, M7, Cross City Tunnel, Eastern Distributor, Harbour Bridge/Tunnel (free at night).
• Melbourne: CityLink and EastLink toll roads: get a Linkt tag.
• Brisbane: Legacy Way, Clem7, Airport Link: Linkt tag works.

Without a tag, you can pay online within 3 days, but there's a service fee.

State Transport Authorities

• NSW: Service NSW: service.nsw.gov.au
• VIC: VicRoads: vicroads.vic.gov.au
• QLD: Queensland Department of Transport: qld.gov.au/transport
• WA: Department of Transport: transport.wa.gov.au
• SA: Service SA: service.sa.gov.au
• TAS: Service Tasmania: transport.tas.gov.au
• ACT: Access Canberra: accesscanberra.act.gov.au
• NT: Department of Infrastructure: nt.gov.au/driving