If you're planning to rent a car in Australia, you will need to have a driver's licence that is printed in English. If your licence is in another language, you will need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your licence from your country of residence

The steering wheel in Australia is located on the right hand side of the car, so the gear stick and other instruments will feel reversed if you come from Europe or the U.S.A. where the steering wheel is on the left hand side. This will take some time getting used to, though most Australian cars have automatic transmission versus manual (or stick shift) gears.

To avoid fatal injuries and accidents we’ll give you a short course on Driving in Australia.

1. Stay left!

Most accidents happen on more isolated and windy roads where it’s easy to forget what side you’re driving on. A simple tip is to always make sure you, as driver sitting on the right hand side, are:

• always situated closest to the middle of the road, and
• you have oncoming traffic passing on your driver’s side.

2. “Animal crossing” signs are not just a novelty tourist item

Be vigilant for Australian wildlife, particularly at night as many of Australian native animals are nocturnal. Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, emus and some bird life are more active early in the morning and in the evening when the temperature cools.

3. Use of Foreign Licences

As an international visitor, you are able to drive in Australia with your foreign licence for three months, so long as that licence is in English. If your licence is not in English, you will need to attain an International Drivers Permit (IDP) from your home country to use in Australia. If your foreign licence does not have a photo, carry a formal photo identification with you such as a passport.

4. Pass on the Right, Stay Left

When driving on multi-lane roads, highways and freeways in Australia, always keep left unless overtaking. Fines can apply for cars violating this rule in most states.

5. Service stations

Most Service Stations are all self-service. You will need to fill your car up with fuel, and then go into the Service Station to pay in person. This is unlike the United States or European gas station where you are able to pay at the gas pump with a credit card.

Outer roads will typically have speed limits of between 90 km / hour and 110 km / hour. Be conservative and use your judgement to drive at a speed you are comfortabl