Search Car Hire
Click on one of the options below to view more information:
A full valid driver's licence is required for a minimum of 1 year. An international drivers licence is required for all foreign licence holders that are not in English.
Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check terms & conditions when making an enquiry or booking.
General driving rules, laws and regulations in Australia:
Whilst there are no laws regarding equipment you must carry with you in the vehicle; it is important to make sure you are prepared for whatever driving conditions you may endure.
Children under the age of seven must be seated in the back seats of the vehicle in either a booster seat or child restraint seat.
Speeding is taken seriously in Australia, if caught heavy fines apply, loss of licence/vehicle and possible imprisonment. Speed Cameras are used throughout Australia to catch speeding motorists.
Australia has strict laws about drinking alcohol and driving. Police in Australia have the authority to stop any vehicle and conduct a breath test with the driver. Full licence holders in Australia have a legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.05 g/100ml. Provisional and Learner licences have a zero BAC level. The best advice when driving is to have a zero BAC level. Police will also perform regular roadside Random Breath Testing (RBT) of drivers in metropolitan and rural areas.
The use and possession of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited; heavy fines apply and possible imprisonment.
Tolls are found along the eastern states of Australia; New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. Tolls are mainly collected electronically by an electronic tag (E-Tag) fitted to the front window screen, which debits the fee from the toll holders account when passing the toll collection point. Temporary passes can be purchased, or you can go online or call after using the toll and advise your vehicle registration.
Fee's may vary in price depending on either the time of the day, distance travelled or size of vehicle.
Australian Road Signs are in English and are quite easy to understand. Motorists must obey all road signs.
There are many various forms of parking in Australia, both paid and free parking exist. Parking within the cities are mostly timed and attract a fee, while in the suburbs and rural areas parking is free but may be timed. Be sure to check signage before leaving your vehicle.
For traveling through the Australian snow fields you may need some extra information and equipment.
The Outback is filled with lots of space but few people and services, so there may be a substantial amount of time before anyone will pass you should you break down. It’s a desert after all and during peak summer months temperatures can reach 45°C (113°F) and over 50°C (122°F). Always carry at least 10L of drinking water and additional food. Take advantage of truck stops and roadhouses for an overnight stay or simply pull over to take a nap if you feel drowsy.
All information provided is to be used as a guide only. Distances and time may very according to the route taken. The information shown on this page may have changed since the date of publication. Please refer to the countries local tourist office for up-to-date advice. Last updated: November 2016