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Sydney Driving - Sydney Car Rentals, Travel to Sydney by Road, General Driving Information

(for Sydney car rental information click here)

Although a sparsely populated country, Australia has a land mass of nearly 7.7 million km2, making it the world's sixth largest country after Russia, Canada, China, the United States and Brazil. Aside from the extremes of climate and topography, the distances between major cities are large, with a drive from Melbourne to Sydney taking over 12 hours and Sydney to Brisbane around 10-12 hours.

As with drivers in the UK and Japan, Australians drive on the left. Consequently, road users are required to use the left lane on highways unless overtaking. The only exception is when a vehicle in front is signaling to turn right, or if a traffic queue on your right is moving more slowly than you are.

On a two-lane dual carriageway (for example a designated "M" route), drivers should stay in the left-hand lane, using the right-hand lane for overtaking (when it is safe to do so). On freeways, the same basic rules apply, with the middle lane or the right-hand lane also being used to overtake. However, always return to the left-hand lane when it is safe to do so. Of course, the right-hand lane should not be regarded as a fast lane!

Since 1962, is has been compulsory to wear a seatbelt. By law, seatbelts must be worn by the driver and all passengers. It is the responsibility of the person in charge of the vehicle to make sure this rule is followed. In the case of children, you must ensure that all passengers under one year old must be restrained in a suitable, approved child restraint (properly adjusted and fastened). This must occur if a seat is available and if the vehicle in which they are travelling was manufactured on or after 1 July 1976, and is a passenger car (sedan, station sedan, hatch etc), passenger car derivative (panel van), forward control passenger van (Tarago, Express or similar) or 4WD. Passengers aged one year and over, but under 16 years, must occupy a seat fitted with a seat belt or suitable child restraint. The seat belt or child restraint must be worn properly adjusted and fastened in all motor vehicles.

By law, you must stop behind the line at a junction with a 'Stop' sign and a solid white line across the road. Only move off when there's a safe gap in the traffic. At T-intersections, drivers of cars on the terminating road must give way to all vehicles approaching from either direction on the continuing road. On roundabouts, give way to traffic coming from the right.

In most States the maximum speed limit on freeways and major highways is 100 km/h (approx 62 mph) or 110 km/h (68 mph) and local limits range from 50-80 km/h. Note, however, that in built-up residential areas, the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority has introduced an urban speed limit of 50km/h (in line with the adoption of a national 50km/h default urban speed limit). Where roads are used primarily for traffic movements, they may be designated with 60 km/h limits (or higher), even in cases where some residential properties run alongside the street. Conversely, the speed limit on certain stretches of Sydney's M4 freeway have been reduced below the national norm.

As with Adelaide and Melbourne, Sydney operates a LighRail or tram network. As a rule of thumb, trams have right of way (unless indicated otherwise by signs or traffic lights) and you should give way accordingly.

For a full listing of Australian road rules, please download the following document from the Roads and Traffic Authority, NSW website: Australian Road Rules. Moreover, for overseas visitors, a specially tailored rules and regulations page is well-worth reading (in English, French, German, Chinese and Japanese).

Drink Driving
Strict drink drinking laws are enforced throughout Australia, with local police given State and Federal powers to stop drivers on a random basis for breathalyser tests. Often referred to as a "Random Breath Test" or "RBT", drivers are required to be under the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.05%. In New South Wales, the limit is zero for learner drivers (and those with a provisional licence), 0.02% for drivers of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 13.9 tonnes (as well as vehicles carrying dangerous goods or public vehicles such as taxis or buses) and 0.05% for all other drivers. Of course, abstinence is recommended, especially if you're a foreign visitor to Australia.

Driving Licence
Providing you have a valid (and full) UK driver's licence, you'll automatically be entitled to drive or rent a car in Australia without the need for an International Driving Permit (IDP). Of course, you should only ever drive/rent vehicles that correspond (in weight and type) to the classification(s) set out in your licence. For all other overseas visitors, if your car licence is not in English, then you'll need to accompany it with an official translation or IDP. As an overseas licence holder, you are permitted in New South Wales to drive for a period of up to 3 months. If you wish to drive in Australia after this time (and are eligible to stay in the country), then you must apply for an NSW (or equivalent) licence during the initial three-month period.

Fuel
Petrol is sold in litres and comes in both unleaded and lead substitute forms. Prices will vary depending upon location and in the major cities you will see price fluctuations during any given week and national holidays. Fuel is generally much cheaper than other western countries ranging from AU$0.95 to AU$1.25 per litre.

Outback Driving
For those who decide to take vehicles "off road" (i.e. onto a designated "D" road or unsealed track, you should first obtain local advice, as well as making sure that loved ones or a person in a position of authority (such as a hotel concierge) know your travel plans. If your vehicle does break down in a remote area, always stay with it. Usually, those who remain with their vehicles are located quickly and easily, so it's unwise to abandon your car at any stage. Note: if travelling across designated Aboriginal Land you'll require permission from the owners in advance. For further details, contact the relevant national parks' controlling body in each state prior to your journey.

When driving in the outback, you'll also experience extremes of climate, especially in Northern provinces. Moreover, road conditions will vary enormously, with rough, poor and potholed surfaces being commonplace. And, if that's not enough to dissuade you, then remember that local wildlife may stray on to the road. Be especially vigilant at night, when collisions with Kangaroos and other animals such as wallabies, foxes and dingoes are common place (unless, of course, you use a Shu Roo).

Road Trains
A common sight in the Outback, particularly the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, are road trains. These are multi trailer trucks up to 50 metres (170 feet) long. Always allow plenty of room as you pass in the opposite direction of a road train as the displaced air causes severe buffering. When overtaking a road train allow 1.5 kilometres (0.8 miles) of clear road.

Travelling with Children
Some journeys in Australia, especially in the Outback, are longer than those undertaken elsewhere and keeping children occupied can be a challenge. You know your children best and what keeps them happy, however you may find something below that can assist. To keep children as comfortable as possible use sunscreen blinds or curtains on the windows to reduce glare and heat. Have a well stocked first aid kit including medication for common child ailments. Include sun block and insect repellent.
Stop regularly to break the journey and visits to the toilet. Make up an activities box for the back seat with notepads, crayons, activity books etc. Headphones for tapes of stories and songs will entertain and help send tired children off to sleep.
Pack snacks and drinks. Ensure that you have a good supply of water on board.

Hitch Hikers
Hitch hiking is illegal in Australia but still a common sight. It is recommended that you do not pick up travellers that you are not acquainted with.

Driver Fatigue
Owing to the size of Australia and distances travelled driver fatigue has been the cause of 20% of all traffic accidents. Rest every two hours giving yourself a 15 minute break even when close to your destination.

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