What side of the road do Australians drive on?
If you’re planning a road trip in Australia, one of the most important points to remember is that in Australia everyone drives on the left-hand side of the road.
Read on to find out more.
Unlike 66% of the world’s population, Australians abide by left-hand traffic laws. That also means the steering wheels in vehicles are on the right-hand side, so the driver is closer to the centre of the road. Other countries that drive on the left include New Zealand, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
Points to remember when driving on the left
If you wish to drive in Australia in a rental car, keep in mind that if you’re used to driving on the right side of the road, everything is basically mirrored. Here are our top five things to remember when setting off (on the left-hand side of the road):
Watch out for roundabouts. Just as you’ll be driving on the left, roundabouts will rotate to the left. You’ll also exit on the left. However, be mindful that you’ll need to give way to any traffic coming from your right before entering the roundabout.
Turning right at an intersection will require crossing the intersection, and oftentimes where traffic lights are present, you will need to wait for the right-hand arrow to turn green. There are also intersections where right-hand turns won’t be allowed at all.
If the intersection has stop signs instead of traffic lights, you’ll need to give way to any cars on your right before moving through, as well as any cars whose path you’ll be driving across.
When approaching a pedestrian crossing, you’ll want to check on your left, then right, to account for which curb you are closest to.
If you’re not in the car and you find yourself at a pedestrian crossing, make sure to look right first, then left, before crossing.
It might take a little getting used to, and if you have any questions before heading out on your journey, be sure to ask at the car rental desk. Safe (left-hand) travels!
