Driving rules and getting an Australian licence

Australia drives on the left. Cars are right-hand drive.

Speed limits (broad)

• School zones — 40 km/h during school hours.
• Built-up areas — 50 km/h default.
• Open country roads — 100 km/h default.
• Highways and motorways — 100–110 km/h (some sections in NT up to 130 km/h).
• Always look for signs — some Sydney suburbs have 40 km/h "high pedestrian areas".

The big rules

• Seat belts: compulsory, all seats, all the time. Children in appropriate restraints up to age 7 (varies by state).
• Mobile phones: no use while driving except hands-free, even at red lights.
• Drink driving: 0.05 BAC fully licensed; 0.00 for learners and provisional drivers.
• Drug driving: most states test for THC, methamphetamine and MDMA at random stops.
• Right-of-way: at unsigned T-intersections and roundabouts, give way to the right.
• Roundabouts: indicate as you exit, give way to vehicles already in the roundabout from your right.

Cameras everywhere

• Speed cameras — fixed, mobile, average-speed (point-to-point on highways).
• Red light cameras — at many CBD intersections.
• Mobile phone detection cameras — operating in NSW, VIC, QLD and other states. They photograph the driver and detect phone use.

Demerit points

• Each state runs a demerit-point system. Most full licences allow up to 12 points before suspension; learner and provisional drivers have lower thresholds.
• Demerit points can apply to overseas licences in most states.

Getting an Australian licence

We covered this in driver's licence by state. To restate the essentials:

• You can usually drive on your overseas licence as a temporary resident.
• Once you become a PR or citizen, you must convert within 3–6 months (varies by state).
• "Recognised country" lists determine whether you need to sit a test.
• The road rules booklet for your state is the practical-test bible.