Follow
Though Australia and the UK are very much alike in driving – they both drive on the left side of the road and share most of the same rules of the road – there are some differences that will catch visitors off guard. If You are a Brit taking a holiday in your car to Australia or an Australian Taking a trip to the UK, being aware of the differences will allow you to make your way around your driving holiday there comfortably and securely.
Road Rules and Signage
Speed Limits
Australia:
- Urban areas: Typically 50 km/h
- Country roads: Generally 80-100 km/h
- Motorways/highways: Generally 100-110 km/h, some highways in the Northern Territory are 130 km/h
UK:
- Cities: 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Single carriageway roads: 60 mph (97 km/h)
- Dual carriageways and motorways: 70 mph (113 km/h)
The biggest difference is that Australia measures in kilometers per hour, and the UK measures in miles per hour for speed signs and distance signs.
Priority Rules
Australia:
- Roundabouts: Give way to traffic already on the roundabout (approaching from your right)
- Hook turns: Right turns at some intersections in Melbourne CBD are made by doing a hook turn, where you enter the left-hand lane before continuing with a right turn when the traffic light changes
UK:
- Roundabouts: The same as in Australia—give way to the right
- Mini roundabouts: Much more common in the UK than in Australia
- Box junctions: Yellow cross-hatched areas where vehicles are not allowed to stop unless turning right and waiting for oncoming traffic to clear
Signage Differences
Both countries follow the same international conventions for road signs, but there are a few noticeable differences:
Australia:
- Distance and speed in kilometers
- Supplemental warning signs for wildlife
- Road train and oversize vehicle warnings in outback regions
- Electronic signs with real-time road condition updates
UK:
- Distance and speed in miles
- Supplemental heritage and tourist direction signs
- Advance direction signs before motorway intersections
- National speed limit sign (white circle with diagonal black line)
Vehicles and Licensing
Vehicle Differences
Australia:
- More larger vehicles (4WDs, utes, SUVs)
- Bullbars/roo bars on vehicles are common in rural regions
- More diesel engines in passenger vehicles than in the UK
- More automatic transmission vehicles than in the UK
UK:
- Smaller cars owing to narrow roads and parking restrictions
- Higher percentage of manual transmission vehicles
- More diesel vehicles than the US but fewer than Australia
- Older vehicles on the road due to thorough maintenance and MOT testing
Licensing Requirements
Australia:
- Each state and territory has its own licensing authority and rules
- Graduated licensing system with Learner, Provisional, and Full licenses
- International visitors can typically drive on their foreign license for three months (variations per state)
- UK license holders can typically drive in Australia for up to three months
UK:
- Single national licensing system under DVLA
- Graduated system with Provisional and Full licenses
- International licenses valid for 12 months
- Australian license holders can drive in the UK for up to 12 months
Fuel and Service Stations
Australia
- Fuel is sold by the liter but is generally cheaper than the UK
- Service stations are extremely far apart in outback and rural areas
- Self-service is the standard; attendants do not typically pump fuel for you
- Most service stations close at night, particularly in country areas
United Kingdom
- Petrol is sold by the liter and is more expensive due to higher taxes
- Service stations are relatively close together even on motorways
- Self-service is normal
- Most stations are open 24 hours, particularly on major routes
- Motorway service stations have facilities like restaurants, shops, and motels
Traffic Enforcement and Penalties
Australia
- Speed enforcement through fixed and mobile cameras is strongly emphasized
- Random breath testing operations common on roads
- Drug testing increasingly common
- Demerit point system varies state by state
- Mobile phone use while driving strictly prohibited
United Kingdom
- Extensive network of speed cameras, including SPECS average speed systems
- Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) in widespread use
- Points on license system (12 points generally results in disqualification)
- Police officers can request breath tests if alcohol is suspected to have been consumed
- Mobile phone use while driving strictly prohibited
Unique Road Features
Australia
- Level crossings more common in rural areas
- Road trains (multi-trailer trucks) in outback areas
- Wildlife crossing signs and cattle grids
- Shared zones with trams in Melbourne and other cities
- School zones with reduced speed limits during school hours
United Kingdom
- Abundant roundabouts, including multi-lane and mini roundabouts
- “Smart motorways” with variable speed limits and active traffic management
- Congestion charging zones in London
- Bus lanes with exclusive operating hours
- Low Emission Zones where vehicles are required to meet specific emission standards
Urban Driving Differences
Australia
- Grid patterns in most CBD areas
- Trams share Melbourne roads
- Hook turns in Melbourne
- Clearways during peak hours
- Generally wider roads than in the UK
United Kingdom
- Most city centers pre-date cars, resulting in complex layouts
- Widespread one-way systems
- Congestion charges in London
- Ultra Low Emission Zones in some cities
- Resident parking zones common in urban centers
Navigation and Planning
Australia
- GPS a necessity for outback driving
- Paper maps are recommended as a backup in the event of loss of signal
- Route planning must consider fuel stops for long trips
- Seasonal conditions important (e., summer heat, northern wet season)
- Emergency gear recommended for outback travel
United Kingdom
- GPS mostly adequate throughout the country
- Real-time traffic information helpful due to congestion
- Parking in cities challenging and expensive
- Park and Ride schemes in most cities and towns
- Route planning needs to account for traffic peaks
Practical Advice for Visitors
For UK Drivers in the Australia
- Get ready for distances: Allow more time than you think you’ll need
- Plan fuel stops: Mark fuel stops on your outback driving route
- Avoid dawn and dusk driving: Native animals are most active during these times.
- Carry water: Always have enough drinking water in the vehicle
- Learn outback communication: Understand UHF radio use before venturing into remote areas
- Beware of road trains: These massive vehicles require lots of space when overtaking
For Australian Drivers in the UK
- Accustom to narrow roads: Familiarize yourself with quieter roads prior to heading into busy zones
- Master roundabouts: The UK is home to many more roundabouts than Australia
- Be mindful of speed conversion: Remember speeds are in miles per hour, not kilometers
- Prepare for toll roads: Tolls, often electronic, are on most major routes
- Investigate parking in advance: City parking is limited and expensive
- Accustom to shorter distances: Towns and services are much closer together
Legal and Insurance Considerations
Australia
- International Driving Permit may be required in addition to your UK licence
- Rental car insurance and short-term car insurance are available
- Long trip consideration: roadside assistance membership
- States have different road rules and enforcement practices
United Kingdom
- International Driving Permit not usually required for Australian licence holders
- Temporary car insurance available for visitors
- Vehicle excise duty (road tax) must be up to date on any vehicle you are driving
- Insurance is mandatory and enforced electronically
Conclusion
While both the UK and Australia are left-hand driving countries, driving in both the countries is very different due to geography, infrastructure, and domestic laws. Driving in Australia typically involves driving long stretches, avoiding wildlife, and enduring severe weather conditions, while driving in the UK involves narrow roads, dense traffic, and urban plans.
By being aware of these disparities and making plans, drivers can safely move through either country and enjoy the unique experience of each nation. Whether making a journey through the Australian outback or English countryside villages, an understanding of local road conditions and rules will make your journey not only safer but also more enjoyable.