10 Important Things to Know When Renting a Car in Australia

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Are you planning a long vacation in Australia? Rent a car to take control of your trip and see some of Australia’s most iconic sights. By renting a car in Australia, you don’t have to plan around the limited train and bus schedules. You can spend as much time as you want in national parks, bayside villages, and more. Before you hit the road, here are ten important things to remember when driving in Australia!

Can I Use My Foreign Driver’s License to Rent a Car in Australia?

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Are you planning a self-drive trip to explore Australia but worried about your driver’s license? Rest assured, you can absolutely use your driver’s license or apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) to travel on the beautiful roads of the land of kangaroos.

To ensure convenience during the driving process, make sure your driver’s license is valid, has a photo and is written in English. If your driver’s license does not meet these requirements, you need to prepare a notarized English translation or apply for an international driver’s license.

(*) Special note, in the Northern Territory of Australia, there are separate regulations on the duration of use of foreign driver’s licenses, not exceeding three consecutive months. Therefore, please check the information carefully before leaving. In addition, to ensure safety and convenience during the trip, do not forget to buy travel insurance and learn carefully about traffic laws in Australia.

Adapting to Driving on the Left in Australia

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Driving in Australia is a unique experience, but it also requires you to adapt to left-hand traffic laws. To stay safe, remember to give priority to intersections, give way at roundabouts, and always obey speed limits.

Don’t forget to buckle up and check the local traffic laws carefully. One interesting thing about driving in Australia is that you may encounter wild animals such as kangaroos or wombats. Always be careful and slow down when you see animal warning signs. With good preparation, you can completely enjoy driving in Australia safely and enjoyably.

Unique Signs When Driving in Australia (#Renting a Car in Australia)

Australia is famous for its wild natural landscapes and diverse fauna, which is also reflected in the country’s traffic sign system. When renting a car to explore the vast country of Australia, you will easily notice unique signs warning about wild animals, especially kangaroos and cows. In addition, signs about road conditions such as mobile bridges, slippery roads or railway crossings are also very common. To ensure safety, always pay attention to and comply with local traffic regulations.

Some tips for you:

• Slow down when you see animal warning signs.
• Be more alert when driving at night, when animals are often active.
• Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
• With careful preparation and a cautious spirit, you will have a safe and enjoyable journey to explore Australia.

Follow the Basic Laws When Renting a Car in Australia

Australia is one of the countries with the strictest traffic laws in the world, especially when it comes to using phones while driving and wearing seat belts. Using phones to text, make calls or watch videos while driving is completely prohibited.

States and territories in Australia impose strict fines, even using surveillance cameras to detect and punish violations. In addition, seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in the car, with high fines for violations. To ensure the safety of yourself and those around you, strictly follow these regulations when driving in Australia.

Use the Road Toll Collection System in Australia

Australia is one of the pioneering countries to apply the non-stop toll collection system on highways. Instead of stopping to pay cash at traditional toll booths, your vehicle will automatically have the fee deducted through an electronic device mounted on the vehicle or recording the vehicle’s license plate. This system not only saves time for drivers but also contributes to reducing traffic congestion.

To use this service, you can rent a car equipped with an electronic toll collection device or register for the service online. The toll will be automatically deducted from the account linked to your device or credit card. If your vehicle does not have a device, you will have a certain amount of time to pay online after passing through the toll booth.

Practice Turning Around in Roundabouts

Roundabouts are a smart traffic solution that improves traffic flow at intersections. When approaching a roundabout, slow down and yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Use your turn signals to signal your intentions, especially when exiting a roundabout.

For multi-lane roundabouts, choose the appropriate lane based on your exit point. Note that regulations regarding the use of turn signals when going straight through roundabouts may vary between states and territories. By paying attention and following the rules, you will be able to navigate roundabouts safely and efficiently.

Obey Speed ​​Limits When Driving in Australia

Speed ​​limits in Australia are flexible and vary depending on the area. While the maximum speed on freeways is usually 110 km/h, in residential areas you should slow down to 50 km/h or less.

To stay safe and comply with the rules, always pay attention to signs, adjust your speed to weather and road conditions, and use your driving aids if available. Breaking the speed limit can have serious consequences, so you should drive carefully and responsibly.

Buy Compulsory Insurance When Renting a Car in Australia

When renting a car in Australia, financial protection is extremely important. Compulsory liability insurance (CTP) is the foundation of insurance, providing financial support to injured third parties in the event of an accident.

However, to ensure comprehensive financial security, you should consider adding optional insurance packages such as collision insurance (CDW), theft insurance (TP) and hydrostatic insurance. Each insurance package will have different premiums, so carefully compare options from multiple car rental companies to find the insurance package that best suits your needs and budget.

In addition, some car rental companies also provide roadside assistance services such as tire replacement, car locking or fuel assistance. Check these packages carefully to ensure you are well supported during your trip.

Beware of Wildlife on the Road!

Australia is known for its diverse and unique fauna, however, this also means sharing the road with wildlife, especially in rural areas. Kangaroos, wombats and even camels are common sightings on the road.

To ensure the safety of both you and the animals, always slow down, especially at dawn and dusk when they are most active. If you are involved in a collision, stay calm, call the authorities and check the condition of your vehicle.

Cross the Tracks Correctly!

When driving in cities like Melbourne, Adelaide and Bendigo, it is extremely important to follow traffic regulations on tram routes. In these cities, drivers need to pay special attention to yellow road markings and traffic signs related to trams.

Generally, stopping, parking or driving on tram tracks is not allowed, unless clearly indicated. To ensure safety, always give priority to trams, reduce speed when approaching sections of road with tracks and strictly follow traffic regulations. Knowing the local traffic laws will help you avoid unnecessary trouble and have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Now that you know all the important road rules when driving in Australia, all you need to do is rent a suitable car for your epic Australian tour. Book a car online with Klook to get the best deals and choose the best car type for your trip.

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Are you looking for more top things to do in Sydney: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out at here. And Sydney travel blog — The fullest Sydney travel guide blog for a great trip to Sydney for the first-timers.