It is holiday seasons in here and many are getting out of city for holidays at their favorite destination. Australia and New Zealand is the nearest getaway land with plenty adventures to offer us. Driving around Australia and New Zealand is one best way to see the vast land.
Driving in Australia is a great way to see the country especially if you don’t’ want to be tied to a fixed itinerary. Here’s how to get started:
Driving License
Visitors over 18 years may drive in Australia if they hold a valid driving license from their home country and if they are driving the class of vehicle which they are licensed to drive. You must have the license with you at all times while driving.
An international Drivers Permit is not sufficient by itself and must be accompanied by a valid driving license. If you’re spending longer than half a year there, you should bring along an international drivers permit or apply for an Australian driver’s license.
Car Rental
Renting a car is a good option if you want to explore a particular region thoroughly on your own. You’ll need a credit card to rent a car which you should book before you travel. There may be an age limit for renting certain vehicles, like Moves and luxury sedans. The big car rental companies may be more expensive, but offer advantages. They have branches nationwide, offer airport pick-up and drop-off points and long-distance one way rentals.
Speed limits
On country roads and highways the usual speed limit is between 100 and 110 kHz, unless otherwise indicated. The national default urban speed limit is 50km per hour.
All speed limits are clearly marked and all states operate sophisticated speed detection equipment. Any fine incurred in Australia is the responsibility of the driver. If the driver is a foreigner, the fine will be mailed to their home country address.
Driving in Melbourne
If you plan to drive in Melbourne, watch out for the peculiar “hook turn”. Certain intersections in the city centre will have a sign that says “right turn on left only”. That means you have to keep on the leftmost lane to make a right turn. Although it’s confusing, it makes sense as hook turns prevent trams from being held up in traffic.
Instead of turning right from the right lane, you should get into left lane and cross three-quarters of the intersection and then stop, indicating to turn right, until you have a green light in the direction you are turning.
Driving License
Visitors over 18 years may drive in Australia if they hold a valid driving license from their home country and if they are driving the class of vehicle which they are licensed to drive. You must have the license with you at all times while driving.
An international Drivers Permit is not sufficient by itself and must be accompanied by a valid driving license. If you’re spending longer than half a year there, you should bring along an international drivers permit or apply for an Australian driver’s license.
Car Rental
Renting a car is a good option if you want to explore a particular region thoroughly on your own. You’ll need a credit card to rent a car which you should book before you travel. There may be an age limit for renting certain vehicles, like Moves and luxury sedans. The big car rental companies may be more expensive, but offer advantages. They have branches nationwide, offer airport pick-up and drop-off points and long-distance one way rentals.
Speed limits
On country roads and highways the usual speed limit is between 100 and 110 kHz, unless otherwise indicated. The national default urban speed limit is 50km per hour.
All speed limits are clearly marked and all states operate sophisticated speed detection equipment. Any fine incurred in Australia is the responsibility of the driver. If the driver is a foreigner, the fine will be mailed to their home country address.
Driving in Melbourne
If you plan to drive in Melbourne, watch out for the peculiar “hook turn”. Certain intersections in the city centre will have a sign that says “right turn on left only”. That means you have to keep on the leftmost lane to make a right turn. Although it’s confusing, it makes sense as hook turns prevent trams from being held up in traffic.
Instead of turning right from the right lane, you should get into left lane and cross three-quarters of the intersection and then stop, indicating to turn right, until you have a green light in the direction you are turning.
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