A very common doubt among tourists and exchange program students is: can I drive in Australia? Check out how the Australian laws work and what you must do to get a driver licence
Sometimes, driving a car is more practical – this way, after all, you have the autonomy to visit different places and to travel around. A very common doubt among tourists and exchange program students is: am I allowed to drive in Australia? Below, you find four tips to get a driver licence or to drive in the country.
- Pay attention to the car: the wheel may be on the other side!
Before anything else, it is always good to remember: differently from many countries, the wheel is on the right side of Australian vehicles, just like in England.
If you live in a country where the wheel is on the left side of the car, it is a good idea to take some driving lessons. If you plan to drive as a tourist (read more about it below), you should practise your driving skills in less crowded places to get used to the wheel.
- Are you going to Australia as a tourist? Get an official translation to your licence
If you are travelling to Australia as a tourist, you can drive with your own licence, as long as it is valid. But be aware: if your licence is not in English, you will need to present, with the document, an official translation – to do so, you will need to hire the services of a translator before you travel.
Another option is to get an International Driving Permit, which is valid in all countries.
- If you live in Australia, you need to get a driver licence
To have a visa in Australia, to work or study, means that you will need to get an Australian driver licence. The good news is that people over 16 years old are allowed to start the process.
And you don’t have to hurry: the majority of Australian states allow you to drive for three months with your driver licence, with the official translation to English – in Victoria, you can use it for six months. But, after this period, you must have an Australian driver licence.
The first steps to get the document are similar to most countries: you must take theoretical and practical lessons. But, after your licence is issued, there are rules that might change from state to state – read more about it below.
In general, the new driver needs to get through some stages until they can get the definitive driver licence. During the first 12 months, the licence is in the category “learner” – with this permit, you must always drive with someone who already has the full licence.
Then, the temporary licence (which is called P1) is issued: with this one, you can drive by yourself, but there are many restrictions, like a smaller speed limit, and a maximum of 4 points of penalties.
After another 12 months, the driver gets the P2 licence, which has less restrictions (for example, you can drive a little faster). Then, after 24 months, you finally get your full licence.
Visit the Australian government website to know more about all these stages.
- Know the laws of each Aussie state
As mentioned above, the laws in Australia may change from state to state. So, it is important to know the rules of the region that you chose to live in.
Check out, in the links below, the instructions of the main Aussie states:
Do you need more information on how to get a driver licence in Australia? Get in contact with Good Day specialists!