Western Australia Drivers Licence

While cars operate in a similar way all over the world, the differences between traveling on the right and left side of the road can really throw a driver off. To add more confusion into the mix, driving a car from a right-handed driver’s seat when you’re accustomed to driving from the left seat is even harder to acclimate to.

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If you're planning a trip to Australia, many great destinations are only accessible by car, so you'll need to get used to these differences if you plan to drive across the country.

Driving Requirements

Valid English driver's license or an International Driving Permit
A minimum of compulsory third party personal (CTP) car insurance

Rules of the Road

The information provided on the status of your Western Australian driver's licence is only current as at the time and date of response. Even though the Department of Transport's records may indicate that your driver’s licence is valid, there may be outstanding or current sanctions against your licence applied by the Department of Justice that may render your licence invalid. Motorbike License Requirements – Western Australia (WA) R-E class (R class with an E restriction): A motorbike between 100c-250cc with a clutch. You must be at least 16 years old to obtain your learners permit. R class: A motorbike over 250cc. You must have held an R-E class license for at least 1 year. Driving In Australia Driving In Australia How to convert your New Zealand driver's license to an Australian one. Converting Your NZ License. You must convert your license within 3 months of arriving. After this time, it is illegal to drive on your NZ license as a resident of Australia. Each question has three possible answers. Choose the most correct of the answers. To find out more about the Hazard Perception Test, WA Dept. Of Transport locations, fees and opening times, vehicle registration or other official services, visit our Western Australia Driver’s Licence FAQ page. If your driver's licence has been disqualified in another state or territory, this disqualification will also be recognised in Western Australia. Similarly, if you are disqualified from holding a driver's licence in WA, the disqualification will apply to any driver's licence you have from anywhere else in Australia.

Before driving, familiarize yourself with the traffic rules in Australia, which vary from state to state. No matter where you're going in the country, though, you'll have to get used to driving on the left-hand side of the road instead of the right. However, there are also several other unique rules and recommendations for driving in Australia.

Driving on the left side of the road: Other than understanding that Australian drivers always stick to the left side of the road, foreign drivers must remember to stay on that left side after they’ve turned left or right.
Right-sided driver's seats: Most Australian cars are fitted with right-sided driver’s seats, and this might be difficult for foreign drivers to get used to in addition to the reversed road position. To help become accustomed to sitting on this side, remember that the oncoming traffic will be coming on the side of your right shoulder.

Automatic transmission: Many Australian cars are now equipped with an automatic transmission instead of stick shift gears, which should make things more simple and allow you to concentrate more efficiently.
Driver's license: International travelers are permitted to drive in Australia with a foreign driver’s license for up to three months, provided that the license is in English. If a driver’s license does not have a photo, drivers are required to carry another form of formal photo identification with them.

Slow lane: When driving on two-lane (or more) roads, slower-moving vehicles are required to stay in the leftmost lane. The right lane should only be used for passing.
Speed limits: Residential and city speed limits are typically between 50 and 60 kilometers per hour (31 to 35 miles per hour) while country roads and highways have speed limits between 100 and 110 km/hr (62 to 68 mph).
Drinking and driving: It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in Australia if your blood-alcohol level is above .05 percent.

U-turns: Unless there is a sign posted permitting a U-turn at an intersection, it is illegal to make one except in Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.
Left on red: Unless there is a sign permitting it, it is illegal to make a left turn at a red light across the country.
Fuel: Outside of major urban areas, gas stations are sporadic and far apart. Additionally, many rural gas stations are closed late at night, in the early morning, and sometimes even on Sundays.
In case of an emergency: The police must be contacted in the event of an accident involving injury or death; the Australian emergency number is 000. Each state and territory has its own roadside assistance group you can contact in the event of an automobile breakdown (detailed below).

Roadside Assistance by Region

In Australia, separate motoring groups operate roadside assistance programs in each of the territories and states of the country.

In order to access these services in the event of a breakdown, though, you'll have to purchase an annual membership to the motoring group of your choice. Fortunately, each group has reciprocal arrangements with the others, so you'll only need to purchase one to enjoy the benefits across the country.

New South Wales and ACT: NRMA
Northern Territory: AANT
Queensland: RACQ
South Australia: RAA
Tasmania: RACT
Victoria: RACV
Western Australia: RAC

Driving in the Outback

While most rental companies do not allow their vehicles to be taken on unsealed gravel roads found in the Outback, but if you purchase a vehicle for a longer trip or rent from specific agencies, you may be able to enjoy a unique outing in the remote regions of Australia during your trip.

However, it's important to prepare for your journey by fueling up (and potentially bringing extra fuel) before you set out into the desert. Additionally, since temperatures can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in the daytime, you'll need to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and make sure your vehicle is able to withstand extreme heat.

Don't expect your cell phone to work when traveling in the Outback since cell phone tours are only found around rural towns and urban populations. If you plan to spend significant time exploring the region, though, you may want to purchase or rent a satellite phone, which can typically get reception anywhere in the world.

Should You Rent or Buy a Car

Depending on the length of your stay, buying a car and reselling it at the end of your trip may be more cost-effective than renting one. Fortunately, there are a number of agencies in major cities across the country that specialize in selling to foreign drivers. Ideally, you should rent a car if you're driving in the country for less than three weeks, you should buy if you're staying for more than three months, and you can do either one if you're visiting between three weeks and three months.

Large Animals on the Road

Australia is home to a number of large wildlife including emus, camels, horses, cattle, and kangaroos, which often wander onto the roads across the country—especially in rural areas and most of the Outback. As a result, scan the sides of the road while driving and use caution when traveling through dense brush and rural areas. Also be ready to use your brakes and try to avoid swerving to miss these critters, which could cause an even bigger accident if you lose control of the vehicle.

Curfews are in effect for driving after sunset in Western Australia and the Northern Territory to avoid serious injury from collisions with large animals. If you have to travel at night, reduce your driving speed and turn on your high beams (if not facing oncoming traffic).

If you do hit an animal, stop if it is safe to do so and phone the appropriate trained wildlife rescue group, which vary by state. Try to remove any injured or deceased animal to the side of the road if it is safe to do so, then call the appropriate rescue group.

Trams in Melbourne

If you're planning on driving to the coastal capital of Victoria, Melbourne, you'll need to be aware of the extensive network of streetcars that run across the city. Drivers are sometimes permitted to drive on the tram tracks the crisscross Melbourne, which is denoted by dotted yellow lines; however, you are not permitted to make a turn from the tram track or drive on one if there is a solid yellow line beside it.

To make a right turn from the left-hand side of the road (where Australians drive) if there is a tram track present at the intersection, you will need to make what is known as a hook turn. In order to do so, signal a right-hand turn, pull into the intersection as far left as you can without entering the pedestrian crosswalk, then turn right when the light for the perpendicular roadway (you're turning right onto) changes to green. A sign will be posted if a hook turn is required at the intersection, but if you do not see one of these signs, do not make a hook turn and simply turn right from the rightmost lane.

Most people carry their driver's licence in their wallet.

But have you ever left home without it or misplaced your licence and wondered, do I need my licence on me to drive?

Well that depends on what state of Australia you're in.

Have you ever wondered if you need your licence on you to drive?

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According to the law in NSW 'a driver of a motor vehicle must not drive the vehicle unless the driver is carrying his or her driver licence'

VICTORIA

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In Victoria if you're a fully qualified driver over the age of 26, the answer is no.

But if stopped by police drivers do need to provide some form of ID, so carrying a licence is recommended.

'If you've committed any offence, you need to be able to prove who you are,' Leading Senior Constable Pat Allan from Bendigo's highway patrol unit told the Bendigo Advertiser.

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In Victoria learner drivers must always carry their licence.

The fine for failing to produce ID is $155.

In Victoria if you're a fully qualified driver over the age of 26, the answer is no

NEW SOUTH WALES

All drivers in New South Wales, all drivers must carry their licence while behind the wheel.

According to the law 'a driver of a motor vehicle must not drive the vehicle unless the driver is carrying his or her driver's licence.'

Failing to do so could see you slapped with a $110 fine.

QUEENSLAND

Queensland law is similar to Victorian Law.

According to the Queensland Department of Transport, 'if you are a provisional or learner licence holder, you must carry your licence with you when you are driving and show it to a police officer if asked.

'However, if you hold an open licence and are driving a car or riding a motorcycle, you may be given 48 hours to present your licence at a police station.'

Fines for failing to present a licence can set drivers back up to $150.

Have you ever left home without it or misplaced your licence and wondered, do I need my licence on me to drive?

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Things are a little laxer out west, where drivers do not need to carry their licence on them when behind the wheel.

Western Australian Drivers Licence

But if pulled over by WA Police and asked to identify themselves, a driver must show their licence at a police station within a 'reasonable amount of time.'

DO I NEED TO CARRY MY LICENCE?

NSW: All drivers must carry a licence at all times.

VIC: A fully qualified driver over the age of 26 does not need to carry a licence.

WA: Drivers do not need to carry their licence, but must be able to produce it if asked within a 'reasonable amount of time'.

SA: Drivers must produce their licence within 48 hours if asked by a police officer.

QLD: Drivers must produce their licence within 48 hours if asked by a police officer.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

In South Australia the law is similar to Queensland.

Drivers must produce their licences when requested by a police officer, either immediately or to a specified police station within 48 hours.

However, a person who holds a probationary licence, provisional licence or learner’s permit must carry that licence at all times.

Beware, failing to produce a licence for a police officer carries a fine of $750. If you're on a probationary licence, provisional licence or learner’s permit that escalates to a whopping $1,250.

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TASMANIA

Drivers in the capital must have their licence with them at all times.

Failing to do so will see you hit with a $50 fine.

However, officers are allowed to give discretion to people who have a good reason for not carrying their licence, such as farmers travelling short distances between fields.

NORTHERN TERRITORY