Road rules in Australia
If you come from a country where you drive on the opposite side of the road to Australia it's sometimes helpful to have a companion drive with you to ensure you both take note of traffic conditions and signs until you are more familiar with driving on the left side of the road. A handy is not to think of it as the other side of the road, bu to think that the "white line" (or centre dividing line on the road) is on your side as the driver, just as it is in all countries. It is recommended that you take one or two driving lessons in Australia before you begin to drive here on your own.
What to do if you buy a car
Owning a car
a. Registration: Any motor vehicle you own must be registered before you drive it on the road. You must register it in your name and provide the State car registration board with your driver's license details and your residential address in Australia.
b. Insurance: It is a recommended that you have car insurance if you own a car, this will protect you if you have an accident that is your fault as it will help pay for any damage you may have caused to your car or another car.
c. Mobile phones and Driving: Operating a mobile phone while driving makes you nine times more likely to be killed in a collision. Police actively target the use of mobile phones by motorists. Fines are considerable and demerit points penalties do apply.
d. Demerit Points Scheme: The Demerit Points Scheme is a national program that allocates penalty points (demerits) for a range of driving offences. The scheme is designed to encourage safe and responsible driving. Different offences have a different number of demerit points. A complete list of all offences, demerit points and fines can be downloaded from the related links section, http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/
a. Registration: Any motor vehicle you own must be registered before you drive it on the road. You must register it in your name and provide the State car registration board with your driver's license details and your residential address in Australia.
b. Insurance: It is a recommended that you have car insurance if you own a car, this will protect you if you have an accident that is your fault as it will help pay for any damage you may have caused to your car or another car.
c. Mobile phones and Driving: Operating a mobile phone while driving makes you nine times more likely to be killed in a collision. Police actively target the use of mobile phones by motorists. Fines are considerable and demerit points penalties do apply.
d. Demerit Points Scheme: The Demerit Points Scheme is a national program that allocates penalty points (demerits) for a range of driving offences. The scheme is designed to encourage safe and responsible driving. Different offences have a different number of demerit points. A complete list of all offences, demerit points and fines can be downloaded from the related links section, http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/
Licence requirements
As a temporary overseas visitor, if you hold a current driver licence from another country, you are allowed to drive in NSW on your overseas licence as long as:
- you remain a temporary overseas visitor
- your overseas license remains current
- you have not been disqualified from driving in NSW or elsewhere and
- you have not had your license suspended or cancelled or you visiting driver privileges withdrawn.
You are not required to obtain a NSW licence if you comply with these conditions and can continue to prove your genuine visitor status to NSW Police if required.
Note 1: If you are a licence holder from New Zealand, you must obtain a NSW driver licence within three months of residing in NSW or you must stop driving.
Note 2: Australian citizens who reside overseas and are not permanent residents of Australia are allowed to drive in NSW on a current overseas licence as an international visitor. There is no need to apply for the issue or renewal of a NSW licence.
When driving in NSW you must carry your overseas driver licence. Your licence must be written in English or, if the licence is not in English, you must either carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit
- you remain a temporary overseas visitor
- your overseas license remains current
- you have not been disqualified from driving in NSW or elsewhere and
- you have not had your license suspended or cancelled or you visiting driver privileges withdrawn.
You are not required to obtain a NSW licence if you comply with these conditions and can continue to prove your genuine visitor status to NSW Police if required.
Note 1: If you are a licence holder from New Zealand, you must obtain a NSW driver licence within three months of residing in NSW or you must stop driving.
Note 2: Australian citizens who reside overseas and are not permanent residents of Australia are allowed to drive in NSW on a current overseas licence as an international visitor. There is no need to apply for the issue or renewal of a NSW licence.
When driving in NSW you must carry your overseas driver licence. Your licence must be written in English or, if the licence is not in English, you must either carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit
Car Hire Australia
There are a range of car hire operators in Australia with a choice of easily accessible pick-up and drop-off locations. Reputable companies include:
- Avis Car Hire avis.com.cu; 136 333
- Budget Rent a Car budget.com.au 1300 362 848
- Thrifty Car Rental thrifty.com.au 1300 367 227
Source: Roads and Traffic Authority, NSW, July 2012
