Mentioned below are the details on the rules and regulations of obtaining a drivers license in the different cities of australia. Newly licensed drivers licence government of nova scotia. Australia has some fantastic roads through spectacular scenery. The problem is that the driver often wants to look at the scenery along with the passengers and this takes the drivers eyes from the road. In some states this applies for children up to 7 years old. Many great destinations in australia are only accessible by car. Learn about the information stored on your licence and how the classes. Driver licence rules for new nt residents and visiting.
This information is also available in the road users handbook. The road rules are a framework for safe and efficient movement of traffic on nsw roads. You can access the full text of the nsw road rules on the nsw legislation website. Before driving, familiarize yourself with the traffic rules in australia, which. In the 1957 movie theyre a weird mob, nio cullotta said, there is no better way of life in the world than that of the australian. Pages 90 to 96 road rules for cyclists welcome the drivers handbook provides an overview of the road rules and the laws for drivers licences and registering a vehicle in south australia. Drivers in australia require a valid drivers licence. Select the link of the state or territory you will be driving in, to find out what the laws. Official information british people moving to and living in australia need to know, including residency, healthcare and driving. Its a way to experience the wideopen spaces and magnificent natural scenery, and there are so many destinations that can only be experienced by car. The same mobile phone rules also apply as they would as a learner driver. Not only will this help you decide if you qualify to rent a car in australia, but also whether or not it is a feasible option for your trip. According to researchers, each time a driver writes and sends a text, his or her eyes are off the road for an average of 4. Icbcs learner and new driver restrictions bc driving blog.
But although cars operate the same way in all countries, most tourists may be thrown off when driving in australia due to how different the traffic rules here are. How to drive in australia with an overseas licence sbs. Follow our guide to australias road rules and regulations to make your selfdrive holiday in australia safer and more enjoyable. A handbook for western australian road users handbook produced by the department of transport explains the main rules which apply to all road users and must be read and understood if you want to pass the learners test and hold a wa learners permit. If you hold a probationary or provisional drivers licence, your blood alcohol level must be zero when driving. Australia, officially the commonwealth of australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the australian continent, the island of tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous and australia has very serious penalties if you are caught doing so. With this knowledge, your trip has a much better chance of being fun and adventure without accidents or.
Rules for learner drivers learner licence driver licence licence. For info about general australian driving rules, see our guide to australian driving laws for travelers and expats. The issue of driver licenses, alongside the regulation and enforcement of road use, are all managed by state and territory governments as no australia wide licensing scheme exist, rules for the issue of licenses vary by jurisdiction. Before driving, familiarize yourself with the traffic rules in australia, which vary from state to state. Be supervised at all times by the holder of a full not learner or provisional australian driver licence. A quick howto on understanding road rules in every australian state and territory. Driving in australia is an experience to be savoured.
What are the rules and regulations for obtaining an. Important social rules in australia convict creations. Rules are different if you are a visitor or a permanent resident. Road rules for learner and p plate drivers around australia. South australias p plate laws are among the more relaxed provisional driver regulations in australia, with no p plate displays required for p2 drivers, and novice drivers permitted to drive manual vehicles if they obtain their license in an automatic. Remind your teen that its their job to watch the road when driving, and no one else can do it for him. In addition the type of drivers licence held by the driver, along with any history of repeated offences will also determine the nature of. This is a synopsis of pertinent points, not a definitive or authoritative text on road traffic regulations.
No matter where youre going in the country, though, youll have to get used to driving on the left side of the road. The handbook also explains the australian road rules which are used in each state and territory of australia. A handbook for western australian road users summary. Driver licences in australia refer to the official permit required for a person to legally drive a. So, if you plan to drive across the land down under, here are some of the rules you need to get used to. Your western australian drivers licence may include restrictions and conditions that are represented by codes on the back of your licence. Rules for learner driving learner logbook driver education and defensive driving courses steps from a learner to a provisional licence driver tests, book or reschedule a test hazard perception test for p1 licence holders test vehicle requirements driving schoolslearning to drive about queensland driver licence cards. Newly licensed drivers licence is valid for 5 years, and can be renewed. If the vehicle you plan to drive with uber meets your citys requirements, the next step is to arrange a vehicle inspection to confirm it is roadworthy.
The information contained within this handbook has been prepared to help you become better informed about road safety, road rules, drivers and licensing and vehicle registration. Do your bit by learning the road rules you can take our tourist road rules quiz here. If youre driving slowly getting used to the traffic the lane for you is the leftmost lane if. If you are planning on driving while you are in australia, you will need to follow australian driving rules and ensure you have an appropriate drivers licence. As no australiawide licensing scheme exist, rules for the issue of licenses vary by. You can drive with a foreign english language licence for three months. Victorian drivers should keep in mind that the penalties may differ depending on the type of drink driving offence committed, the occasion of the offence as well as the drivers age. The issue of driver licenses, alongside the regulation and enforcement of road use, are all managed by state and territory governments as no australiawide licensing scheme exist, rules for the issue of licenses vary by jurisdiction. Most australians are aware of what it is like to drive in sydney and other capital cities, so this web page is written entirely with the international visitor in mind.
Once you get on the road, here are some australian traffic rules to remember. If your licence is not in english, you need to get an international driving permit from the automobile. In addition to driving on the lefthand side of the road and giving way to all oncoming traffic from the right, you must adhere to the speed limit at all times and not drive under the influence of alcohol. Seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers at all times, and it is the drivers responsibility to ensure this is the case. The driver s handbook provides an overview of the road rules and the laws for driver s licences and registering a vehicle in south australia the information contained within this handbook has been prepared to help you become better informed about road safety, road rules, drivers and licensing and vehicle registration. A guide to australian road safety, rules and regulations to make your driving holiday in australia safer and more enjoyable. Licence types, classes and conditions transport and motoring. This article is a basic primer to driving in australia for overseas visitors. It will also help new residents wondering whether they can drive in australia as a foreigner. Ensure the vehicle you are instructing in has l plates displayed at all time. A drivers license is an official document, often plastic and the size of a credit card, permitting a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles, such as a motorcycle, car, truck, or bus on a public road most american jurisdictions issue a driver license but some a drivers license, which is conversationally american english.
Under nsw road rules, you can cross a dividing line to enter or leave a property or road by the shortest route. There are 4 main reasons why people fail their driving test in australia. Driver licences in australia refer to the official permit required for a person to legally drive a motor vehicle in australia. Valid drivers license in english or an international driving permit. The drivers handbook provides an overview of the road rules and the laws for drivers licences and registering a vehicle in south australia. Western australia perth queensland brisbane northern territory darwin south australia adelaide tasmania hobart there you have it. The holder of a new zealand drivers licence will generally be allowed to drive in australia without having to obtain an international drivers licence. Other rules listed on the credentialing form include administrative rules. You must be 17 years of age to hold a drivers licence in australia and you must know the important fact that the 100 on a speed sign refers to kilometres per hour. New driver sign condition for class 7l, 8l, 7 and 8 licences. Seatbelts are mandatory in australia, so dont forget to use them. Be aware of the rules for novice drivers includes l and p platers. Novice drivers must comply with a number of restrictions whilst developing the skills required to become safe drivers.
The responsibility for the regulation and enforcement. However, there are also several other unique rules and recommendations for driving in australia. The information given in this section is a guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice. The colleges have adopted a basic set of safety rules which all drivers must agree to as part of the credentialing process. Australian driving rules, considerations and road conditions.
Larry rivera is a sydneybased writer, journalist, and editor who has covered the city and its surroundings since 1997. There are specific rules and regulations for getting a drivers license in australia that varies depending on the location where you are at. Either way, the rules for driving in australia are different to the rules in other countries, and theyre very strictly enforced. If your overseas licence is in a language other than english, and the type of vehicle you are authorised to drive cannot be easily recognised, you will also need to carry an. The state also offers two routes to obtaining a p1 license. In australia, cars are righthanddrive and people drive on the left of the road. It pays to know the driving rules in australia first before booking your flight and ride in australia.
All the driving rules in australia you need to know. All road users have a right to use our roads including pedestrians, cyclists. If youre driving slowly getting used to the traffic the lane for you is the leftmost lane if there is more than one lane in the direction. Advise your passengers of the same to avoid getting into trouble with the traffic police. A drivers licence is required in australia before a person is permitted to drive a motor vehicle of any description on a road in australia. The department will send out a renewal notice before your licence expires.
An lplate is a square plate bearing a sansserif letter l, for learner, which must be affixed to. It is the largest country in oceania and the worlds sixthlargest country by total area. Learner drivers can only have 2 passengers in the car. P1 and learner drivers cant have more than one passenger under 21 in the car between the hours of 11pm and 5am, unless. As a supervisor of a novice driver, you are subject to the same alcohol and drug driving provisions that would apply if you were. See our travel advice for australia for uptodate information on. In australia, you are not permitted to drive a car if your blood alcohol level is 0.
If you wish to drive in australia, you must hold a. If you want to drive in australia youll need to drive on the left hand side. Driving with an overseas licence australian government. You must be at least 21 years of age to rent a car.
This post explains the laws about overseas visitors wanting to drive here, and who can drive in australia with a foreign license. Tough new nsw road safety rules introduced premier gladys berejiklians new road safety plan will crack down on speeding, drink and drugdriving, driver distraction and fatigue to make nsw roads. Restrictions and conditions department of transport. Eligible delivery partners who hold a temporary visa and a valid full overseas drivers licence will be able to deliver via car, motorbike or scooter if they meet all other requirements. Drink driving laws in australia dont go over the limit. New zealands road rules are very similar to those in australia. Driver agreement to terms, conditions, rules and regulations. Driver licence rules for new nt residents and visiting drivers you can drive on your interstate or overseas licence in the northern territory nt for up to three months. So be sure to let the department know if you change your address. While most people are aware of the standard rules of our roads. However as each state in australia have slightly different rules towards international drivers and slightly different road rules, it is very important to check with the. Before setting off you should make sure you are well prepared for the australian driving experience. Children and babies must be restrained in an approved car or booster seats.
Tough new nsw road safety rules introduced sbs news. Before you rent a car in australia, acquaint yourself with laws and requirements for renting, or hiring, a car. From december 3, uber eats will welcome the use of overseas drivers licences in melbourne, brisbane and canberra. Safe driving tips and driving rules in australia for tourists. There is a consistent set of road rules across australia. You should also take into account the general driving considerations listed below.