melbournestars

Are you an expatriate? A backpacker, huh? Maybe it's just a tourist visiting Australia? If so, you might find yourself driving in Australia at some point. You could buy a car during your down-to-under period, or (if you're smart) enter a car-sharing program like GoGet, which lets you use cars at no expense or hassle of owning one.

Anyway, the laws for driving in Australia are distinct from those in other countries and are strictly followed.

In Australia, we're on the left.

If you want to go to Australia, you're going to have to drive to the left. This is a big difference for most of you (as seen on the map below, blue is left, red is right) and you will find when you get in the car that it is in the opposite direction. This is the only distinction between driving school Niddrie in Australia and driving abroad, the simple mechanics are all the same. It's probably not going to take long to get used to it, but we highly recommend going around a car park before you go out on the route.

Always have your license in hand

It's a must. If you wish to drive safely, you must have a valid driver's license and take it with you any time you go. When a police department member wants you to see it, you must show it to them.

Distance is measured in kilometres and not in miles.

Unlike driving to the left, Australia is the same as much of the world when it comes to distance calculation. Australian drivers use kilometres to measure distance and kilometres per hour (km/h) to measure speed. Any analysis in Australia is made using a metric scale, except for the maritime and aeronautical industries and old drill bits.

So whether you're coming from the United States, even if you're a backpacker or an expatriate from the United Kingdom, I'm sorry (well, sorry not sorry). Welcome to the future, the rest of the planet just enjoys it.

Fasten the seat belt

In Australia, seat belts are mandatory; everybody in the car must wear one, without exception! Not only are seat belts one of the safest ways to keep you safe in your vehicle, if you're spotted by someone who doesn't have one in your car, but you're also positive to get hit with a huge fine. You might also forfeit the right to travel to Australia