A very common question asked by tourists and exchange students is: can I drive in Australia? Check out how Australian laws work and what you need to do to get a driver's license.
Sometimes getting around by car makes everything more practical - driving a vehicle, after all, gives you the autonomy to visit different places and travel. A very common question among tourists and exchange students is: is it allowed to drive in Australia? Here are four tips for getting a driver's license in Australia.
1. Watch out for the car: the steering is on the other side!
First of all, it's always good to remember: unlike in Brazil and other countries, the steering wheel is on the right in Australian vehicles, just as it is in England.
That's why it's a good idea to take practical driving lessons. If you're driving as a tourist (see below), start practicing at low speeds and in quiet places to get used to the change.
2. Get an official translation of your driver's license
If you're going to Australia as a tourist, you can drive with your driver's license, as long as it's valid. But beware: you will need to present a valid sworn translation into English - and for this you need to hire the services of a sworn translator before boarding.
Another option is to get a international driver's licenseThe International Driving Permit is valid all over the world.
3. If you live in Australia, you need to get an Australian driver's license
Having an extended visa in Australia, for work or study, means that you will need to obtain an official Australian driver's license. The good news is that anyone over the age of 16 can start the process.
There's no need to be in such a hurry: most Australian states allow you to drive around the country. three months with your driver's license, along with a sworn translation.
In Victoria, for example, you can use it for up to six months. However, after this period, it is mandatory to present an Australian driver's license.
The step-by-step process to obtain the document is similar to the Brazilian stages: it involves theoretical and practical lessons. But once your license is issued, there are rules that vary from state to state in Australia - check out more information below.
In general, the new driver has to go through a number of stages before he or she can get a permanent license. In the first 12 months, the document belongs to the category "learner", which is apprentice - with it, the driver must always drive accompanied by someone who already has a permanent document.
. START: Learner
. 12 months later: P1 wallet
. 12 months later: P2 wallet
. 24 months later
- ARRIVAL: Full license
Then the provisional license (called P1)With it, the driver can drive alone, but there are several restrictions, such as a lower speed limit and a maximum of 4 penalty points.
After another 12 months, the driver receives the P2 licenseIt's also a great way to get a new car, which loosens the restrictions a bit (you're entitled to a higher speed limit, for example). After 24 months (whew!), you finally get the permanent driver's license, a full license.
Check out the Australian government's website for all the rules for these stages.
4. Pay attention to the laws of each state in Australia
Unlike in Brazil, the laws in Australia can vary from state to state. That's why it's important to research the rules in the region where you'll be living.
Check out the links below for directions to Australia's main states:
Need more information about getting your driver's license in Australia? Talk to the experts at Good Day!
