Whether you are thinking about daily commute or a long road trip here is everything you need to know about driving in Australia.
First things first, you must have a valid driver’s licence to drive in Australia. You are also expected to carry it at all times while driving. International students & workers can drive in Australia with their home country licence, given it is valid.
What do I do if my license is not written in English?
If your license is not written in English, you will need to carry an English translation of it or obtain a new driving license from Australia.
How long can I drive with my home country license and how do I obtain a valid Australian Driving License?
Rules on driving differ from state to state in Australia. In most states & territories except Northern Territory you can drive with an overseas licence. However, some states require you to carry an International Licence along with your current foreign licence. Once again, it should be a valid and active document.
To obtain an Australian Driving License you need to get the following right:
- You must be 18 years of age or above.
- You need to pay the licence and test fees.
- You should book a rider license test and you have to pass this computer-based Driving Knowledge Test (DKT) and obtain a learner's licence (L plate).
- You have to pass an eyesight test.
- You should have a minimum of 120 hours driving practice.
- You should pass the driving test to obtain a Red P.
For each state the rules may vary, so here are the links to the latest information regarding each state and their regulations,
| State | Resource |
|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/1581 |
| New South Wales | https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/index.html |
| Northern Territory | https://nt.gov.au/driving/driverlicence/get-your-licence/get-your-driver-licence/ |
| Queensland | www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Licensing/Getting-a-licence.aspx |
| South Australia | https://www.mylicence.sa.gov.au/home |
| Tasmania | https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/novice |
| Victoria | https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/your-ls/get-your-ls |
| Western Australia | https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/my-drivers-licence.asp |
Drivers must go through three stages to get a permanent driver's license in Australia - though it may vary between states and territories (as does the cost). The first stage is acquiring a learner's permit, then you progress to a restricted, provisional or probationary license and finally followed by the final receipt of a full driver's license. Newly licensed drivers are required by law to display P-plates for varying lengths of time.
How do I pass Parallel Parking?
To pass parallel parking you should not hit another vehicle or hit the curb forcefully. It is fine to touch the curb, but not roll over it.
Can I drive immediately after passing the test but without the license in hand?
It will take up to three weeks for you to receive the driving license once you pass the test, but you can start driving immediately after you pass the test.
Does Australia follow right hand side driving?
No. Australians drive on the left-hand side like most of the British colony countries. So, if you are from one of the South Asian or South East Asian countries you don’t have to worry at all. Australians follow your same system and they also follow the metric system of distances and speed. Vehicles in Australia are all right-hand drive vehicles, with 70% of them having automatic transmission.
