 | | | | | Australia
General Driving Information
Directions, Restrictions and Rules, Safety, Motorists' Forum |  |  | | Overview |  | | General Info
Australia has over 556,000 miles of highways that can take you all over this continent nation. From Sydney on the east coast to Perth on the west there is plenty to see along the Australian roadways. Requirements
To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. The maximum age to rent with some suppliers is 75 years old. Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and passengers. Speed Limits
Speed limits in Australia are as follows: City 35mph/60kph Highways 68mph/110kph Rules of the Road
In Australia, cars drive on the left hand side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car. Fuel
Fuel stations are plentiful and open varied hours depending on location. Most stations accept international credit cards. Fuel tends to cost more in country areas. Tolls
There is a toll to cross the Sydney Harbor Bridge and also tolls on some of the highways exiting Brisbane. These tolls cost about US$1 - US$2, however alternate routes are available to avoid these tolls. Parking
Parking lots and meters are common in major Australian cities. You may park at a meter for up to 2 hours. | | Car Rental Restrictions | | General Information
There are restrictions on certain vehicles traveling to Northern Territories, Western Australia and Tasmania. Cars are not allowed to travel on the ferries. Restricted Countries
Vehicles may not be driven outside Australia and travel on ferries is prohibited. Travel to New Zealand (and to Tasmania) is not allowed. One-Way Rentals
Domestic one-way rentals are available between select rental locations in Australia. Some rentals have return fees of US$170 - US$450 and minimum rental lengths may apply. | | Useful Terms | | ATM - hole-in-the-wall
Battery - battery or accumulator
Breakdown lane - emergency stopping lane
Convertible top - hood
Dashboard - dashboard or dash
Fender - wing or fender
Glove compartment - glove box
Car hood - bonnet
Muffler - muffler
Outlet - power point
Overpass - flyover or overpass
Oil pan - sump
Parking lot - car park
Rotary - roundabout
Sedan - saloon or sedan
Tire - tyre
Traffic jam - tail back or traffic jam
Trailer - caravan
Truck - lorry or truck
Trunk - boot
Tractor-trailer - semi trailer
Very large truck - juggernaut or road trains
Windshield - windscreen | | General Driving and Safety Tips | The first thing you may notice when driving in a foreign country is that the roadway signs are different. In many countries, the speed limit is posted in kilometers, and warnings will be written in the country's native language. Sometimes, speed limits are not posted at all, and drivers will travel much faster than the driver is accustomed to traveling. Depending on what part of the world you are driving in, you may find that travellers drive on the left-hand side of the road and that the steering wheel is located on the right-hand side of the car.
Check to see if the country where you will be driving requires mandatory equipment in the vehicle. Frequent mandatory items include: first aid kit, reflective warning triangle, reflective vest, spare fuses and light bulbs, fire extinguisher.
It may be wise to practice driving in a less populated area before you try to drive in a foreign city at rush hour.
Know your route of travel.
Chart your course of travel before you take to the road, and keep a good map with you.
Always have at least one-half tank of gas.
Make sure that the lights, signals, horn, and brakes work properly.
Avoid driving after dark, especially in rural areas.
Always park in places that have good lighting.
Always use safety belts. Some countries have penalties for violation of seat belt laws.
After exiting or entering the car, lock the doors.
In many countries, driving while under the influence is a very serious crime that could result in severe criminal penalties. Never drink and drive.
Avoid riding motorcycles. If you do ride a motorcycle, make sure you wear a helmet.
Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry your IDP and your both, the National and the International, driver's license with you at all times.
Look at maps and plan your route thoroughly. Check for online maps and route planning systems.
Research the roads you’ll take. You’ll especially want to know if you’ll be traveling through areas of major road construction. Ensure the maps you are using are up-to-date. Check the roads before you go!Make estimates of travel times along the route, so you’ll have an idea when you’ll be at certain points on your trip. This will help you to plan rest and meal stops. It will also help you plan to avoid traveling through a major city or area of road construction during rush hour.Get the car checked, especially the filters, belts, fluid levels and have the oil changed. Don’t wait until the last minute, it may take time to get an appointment and parts may need to be ordered. You also want some time to drive around town and make sure that whatever they fixed stays fixed.Check the condition of your wiper blades.
Check the operation of your turn signals, brake lights as well as the high and low beams.
Examine the tread on your tires.
Make sure your car is prepared for the weather it will encounter on your trip.
Today, many cars have alloy wheels instead of hubcaps. These wheels usually have a lock to prevent them from being stolen. If you have a car with wheel locks, make sure you know where the key is stored (often with the jack). Otherwise, a flat tire will become a major problem since you won't be able to get the wheel off the car.
Get your car cleaned. You’ll feel better in a clean car.Pack an emergency kit in your car. Include motion sickness medication if anyone in your group suffers from it. Remove any items from the car that you won’t need on your trip.Prepare some on road entertainment for your trip. Include games and CDs of music and/or audio books.
Check your plates, registration and insurance information to make sure they are all valid. Be sure to place your insurance company’s emergency contact number in your car.Check your insurance for expiration dates and coverage for your automobile.
Safety First
Seat Belts: No matter where you are driving, it is imperative that you wear your seat belt. Almost all countries this is a strict law, but aside from that seatbelts are there to save your life, so make use of them.
Avoid the temptation of road rage. Honking and yelling at the drivers around you is probably more likely to make someone get out their tire iron than to help get traffic moving. Be patient.
Drive carefully and slowly in wet and windy weather. If possible, stop and wait for the weather to settle down.
Fully service your car before leaving and ensure everything is running correctly. Local Regulations
It is wise to learn in advance the rules and regulations of the country to which you are traveling. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than they are at home. Exercise good judgment and remember that some countries have a "zero tolerance" policy with severe penalties for those driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Drug violations, firearms possession, photography of government or military installations, and antiques purchases are frequent cause of detention by local authorities. | | |
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