Australia is one of the countries that drives on the left-hand side of the road. So if you’ve just got your driving licence or you’ve simply never driven on the left before, we understand it might be a bit intimidating at first.
Either way, this Remitly guide to driving on the left in Australia will help you boost your confidence behind the wheel.
Understanding the basics of left-hand traffic
Driving on the left is just like driving on the right… except nearly everything is mirrored. In Australia you drive on the left-hand side of two-way roads. That means:
• If you want to pass a vehicle, overtake on the right.
- When you take a right turn, you must give way to oncoming traffic.
• When you take a left turn be sure to enter the left-hand turning lane in good time; don’t overshoot. - When you enter a roundabout, traffic will flow in a clockwise direction and you must give way to vehicles coming from your right.
- If you’re on a multi-lane motorway, the slow lanes are on the left and faster lanes on the right.
Both drivers and pedestrians must be extra-cautious when it comes to turning and crossing the street.
If you’re on foot, you should always look right (towards oncoming traffic), look left, then look right again to confirm you can proceed safely.
Remember this as a driver, too—you may wrongly assume a pedestrian is going to look toward you and see you, if you’re not used to driving on the left. So be cautious there.
If you’re with a friend, ask them to help you look out for hazards and stay on the correct side of the street.
Differences between right- and left-hand driving
When it comes to driving on the left, the general rules of the road don’t change; a green light still means “go” and a stop sign still means “stop.” Giving way and turning are where things can get tricky; if you’ve been driving on the right back home, you’ll need to override your existing instincts and learn some new patterns.
As for the vehicle itself, the biggest difference is the position of the steering wheel. When you drive on the left, the wheel (and therefore the driver) is on the right-hand side in cars made for that country. The gear stick will still, in most cars, be located towards the middle, which means you must use your left hand to switch gears. This can be especially challenging if you’re right-handed and driving a car with manual transmission.
The order of the gears stays the same, although the position of reverse might vary. Depending on the vehicle, the indicator lever and windscreen wiper controls may be opposite from what you’re used to. The controls for the windows and side mirrors will likely be on the door to the driver’s right.
The order of the pedals stays the same in any vehicle, no matter which side of the road the traffic uses. That means the accelerator pedal is all the way to the right, the brake pedal is in the centre, and the clutch is to the left. So your feet will do the same motions whether you’re driving in Australia or any other country.
Preparing mentally for the driving transition
Driving on the “wrong” side of the road can feel really strange at first, and if you’re also unfamiliar with your surroundings, it can be a lot to manage. Take some time to study the rules of the road, especially if you’re coming from a country with different signs and habits.
Be sure you’re comfortable operating your vehicle, especially if it’s a rental or you’re used to a different transmission (manual vs automatic). All of these things can free up the mental space needed to safely make the transition from right-hand driving to left-hand driving.
Essential tips for safe left-hand driving
- Drive on the left (keep the centre of the road to your right)
- Make left turns from the innermost lane, make right turns from the outermost lane
- Be especially cautious when turning right (you must yield to oncoming traffic)
- Careful when pulling back into the road after a stop
- Choose parking spots on the left whenever possible
- Opt for an automatic transmission if available
- Practise switching gears with your left hand
- Whether a driver or pedestrian, remember to look “Right, Left, Right” before crossing
- Slow down, use your indicators, and remember to breathe
Adjust your driving instincts and position
Inside the cockpit of the car you’ll be on the right side, and you’ll use your left hand to control the gears. It may be challenging to adjust to this position, but with a little time and practice you’ll feel more confident. You can help your brain and body adjust by reversing some other things in your life, too–for example, brushing your teeth with your left hand can help you get used to shifting gears with your left hand.
Practising left-side driving
Ideally you’ll get a chance to practise driving in a safe and controlled environment before you dive into rush-hour traffic in one of Australia’s major cities. One possibility is to try out a driving simulator online, or try to find some video games that feature left-hand driving as an option. That may seem silly, but it will get you used to looking out for things coming from the “wrong” direction.
If nothing else, try to take a few laps around a car park or private spot before you hit the road, if one’s available, so you can get a feel for the car and what it’s like to have so many things switched around.
Knowing which side of the road to drive on
In Australia you must always stay on the left-hand side of the road and keep the centre of the road to your right. Consider making yourself a note that says “Keep Left” and putting it somewhere visible inside the car. If you get mixed up in a moment of panic, remember the trick from primary school where the thumb and forefinger of your left hand form the letter ‘L’.
Understanding Australian road rules
Staying on the correct side of the road is not the only way to stay safe. Make sure you’re up to speed on Australia’s road rules and regulations before you get behind the wheel. And of course, obey the speed limits, which are conveniently painted on the surface of many motorways in Australia.
Driving in Australia is similar to driving in mainland Europe apart from the direction of traffic. However, you might encounter some Aussie-specific vocabulary (like a “ute” being a pick-up truck, for example) and a more car-oriented culture due to the vast distances between Australia’s major cities.
If you’re coming from the USA, you might encounter some unfamiliar features like roundabouts. But the biggest difference for most drivers will be the fact that you’re on the left.
Building confidence behind the wheel
Being a confident driver in Australia starts before you even put the keys in the ignition. Reduce your stress straight away by knowing the route to your destination, confirming your vehicle is in good condition and you’re familiar with how it drives, and that you have the right documents for driving in Australia. This will help you keep your mind on the road.
How to avoid drifting to the left while driving
It’s natural to drift a bit when you’re adjusting to driving in Australia. If there’s traffic, you can use the vehicle in front of you to help you stay aligned—keep yourself in line with the driver’s seat of the car in front of you.
Helpful habits for left-hand driving
- Place a note on the dashboard to remind yourself to Stay Left
- Drive slowly and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination
- Avoid peak travel times
- Turn off the radio and avoid distractions
- Use technology to help you navigate if you can do so safely
- Lower your windows if you can—it’ll help you feel more in touch with your surroundings
Maybe the most important tip is to stay calm and recognise that you might make a few small mistakes while you get used to it. If you’re on a longer trip, take some breaks to give yourself some time to relax if you’ve got a bit stressed.
Whether you’re aiming to become an Australian resident or simply planning a visit, there are plenty of resources to inspire a road trip and help you map out an Aussie adventure. A little preparation can go a long way to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving holiday—especially in a country as huge as Australia.
Preparing for a road trip
Before you hit the motorway, be sure you’ve got your documents in order (licence, valid ID, insurance) and check if there are any special requirements if your licence is from a country other than Australia. For example, as a visitor you might need an International Driving Permit.
If you secure Permanent Residence, you’ll have to apply for an Australian driver’s licence (or convert your own) after a while—this will vary by state.
Safety tips for long-distance driving
Get your body fuelled up with a good night’s sleep, a proper meal, and a cup of tea or coffee to keep you alert. But avoid eating anything overly heavy which could make you sleepy, and absolutely skip alcohol or anything else that could affect your judgement and reactions. Plan to stop at least every two hours to rest and reset.
Before you start motoring, map out your route and download it to your phone in case you lose your connection. Speaking of phones, be sure to put yours away while you’re actually driving—it’s an offence to use mobile phones while operating a vehicle in Australia.
If you have a passenger, ask them to remind you to stay on the correct side of the road from time to time. And most of all, relax and enjoy your Australian adventure!
Embrace the learning curve
When you’re adjusting to driving on the left, it might remind you of when you were a teenager in driving school, out on the road with an instructor for the first time, nervously hoping not to get into a “bingle.”
People might honk at you, they might get upset if you’re going slowly, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Stay relaxed and focused, use your indicators, and try to enjoy the experience.
And don’t forget to laugh when you end up trying to get into the passenger side of the car as a driver!
FAQs
How to adapt to left-hand drive?
Take a few minutes to get oriented before you start driving and remember nearly everything will be mirrored. You’ll sit on the right side of the car and drive on the left side of the road. You’ll use your left hand to operate the gearbox.
The pedals don’t change position, though, so your feet do the same things. Be especially alert when turning right or pulling into traffic after a stop—this is when most accidents happen.
How do I remember to drive on the left side of the road?
Make yourself a note to “Keep Left” or remember the mantra “Left-to-Left,” which means you turn from the left lane into the left lane. If you have a passenger, ask them to remind you to stay left every time you turn or pull into traffic.
How to practise left side driving?
The best way to practise driving on the left is to find an empty car park or quiet road where you can get used to everything without the stress of traffic. You can also use technology to your advantage, as there are left-hand driving simulators available online that offer you an immersive experience before you actually hit the highway.
Do I need an Australian driver’s licence?
If you’re a visitor, the short answer is no. If you’re a new resident, you can still use your overseas licence for three months (in some states it’s six months). If you’re a longer-term resident, you’ll have to convert your licence to an Australian one.