Road Rules and License Requirements
When hiring a car in Australia it is important to be aware and follow the road rules and regulations. Large penalties can apply for breaking road rules, and you may be denied at pick up if you do not hold the necessary licenses. Beyond the legal requirements below, our safety tips for car hire travel cover the practical side of driving in Australia.
If travelling on an overseas license not in English, you will need to have either a certified English translation or an international driver permit. If your license is in English, you may still be required to hold an international driver permit however this varies between car hire providers. DriveNow always recommend travelling with an international driver permit to avoid any unnecessary stress on the collection day or during your travel.
Road Rules by State
- Victoria: https://transport.vic.gov.au/
- New South Wales: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driving-nsw
- Queensland: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/driving
- South Australia: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/roads-and-traffic/australian-road-rules
- Northern Territory: https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/new-nt-residents-and-visitors/driver-licence-rules-for-new-nt-residents-and-visiting-drivers
- Western Australia: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/index.asp
- Tasmania: https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/road_safety_and_rules
- ACT: http://accesscanberra.act.gov.au/driving-transport-and-parking/traffic-and-parking/road-rules
Certified Translations and International Driver Permits
Certified translations can be obtained online through several websites. When making your decision please make sure the provider is fully NAATI accredited and Certified. RACV, RACQ and other automobile associations also provide translation services.
International driver permits (IDP) or international driver’s licenses generally need to be obtained before departing your home country. Processing times will depend on the provider, so we recommend obtaining the IDP 1-3 months in advance
Other Things to Consider
During Your Trip
- Australian Road Rules & Vehicle Requirements for Hire Cars
- Car Hire Safety Tips for Driving in Australia
- Driving with Wildlife on Australian Roads: Safety Guide
- Earning Reward Points on Car Hire Bookings
- Hire Car Breakdowns & Accidents: What to Do
- Hiring Electric Vehicles in Australia: What to Know
- On-Airport vs Off-Airport Car Hire: Pros & Cons
- Parking a Hire Car in Australia: Rules, Fees & Tips
- Petrol & Refuelling Policies for Car Hire in Australia
- Taking Hire Cars on Ferries in Australia
- Toll Roads in Australia: Charges & Hire Car E-Tags