Re: Automatic cars
 

Only if you have not held a full driving license for 3 years or over.

So guess the OP would have to have "P" plates, and test after a year.

At least that's the way it works in NSW.

Re: Automatic cars
 

In my experience, yes. But not hugely. Bought an automatic over here on the advice of Australians and after reading this forum, best thing I did. Always drove a manual in the UK, but really appreciated having an automatic when we were last in the UK and we hired a manual rental car.

Re: Automatic cars
 

Completely agree Chels - Automatics are the best! I hadn't driven one until I came here but am dreading using my dads manual when I go back to the UK in a few weeks.

I can't for the life of me understand why most European cars are still manual - life is so much easier in an automatic :confused:

Re: Automatic cars
 

Absolutely true, Automatic is darn better than the manual one. Here in Japan most cars are automatic and it is hard to find the manual one unless you are on off road or sport cars.

Re: Automatic cars
 

I bought an automatic car in Perth this year..i didn't think it was any more expensive than a manual...i found the petrol or diesel engines differed in price.
As for driving test, No i didn't have to take any kind of test, but i have been driving for 18 years, so not sure if you are a new driver!!!

I prefer manuals anyday :)

Re: Automatic cars
 

Lucky you Lord Pom, we only have a Rickshaw. ;)

Re: Automatic cars
 

What they have cars in oz too! :eek: :D

Re: Automatic cars
 

Definitely no test in VIC Jen, just swap them over, takes 15 mins so I'm told.

:beer:

Buzzy

Re: Automatic cars
 

The autos are becoming more popular - just wish more would come out with 5 or 6 speed rather than 4. Still cant get over how Ford had a 3 speed only a few years back.

Auto in a small car is still almost non existant.

Re: Automatic cars
 

Hyunda Getz, the most popular small car here, is sold with auto.

Re: Automatic cars
 

Thats why it never made my list then :D may be a good car but my mum has one ;)

Re: Automatic cars
 

Bought a Toyota Echo recently. Looked at lots of them (all 2nd hand, mostly around 6 years old) and the norm was definitly automatic rather than manual. I wasn't that fussed, but the best value one I found (based on age, condition and milage) was automatic.

Re: Automatic cars
 

Remember that you can get away with not having the change your licence from the UK one - I lived in Oz for 2.5 years and never changed at all. That way, if you get nicked for speeding, which is far too easy in Vic and even QLD, then no points on the licence, just a fine and I'd take that every day I could. It seems to be fairly normal for ex-pats as well.

As for an automatic being better than a manual - eh? If you cannot be bothered to change gears, sure, but a well driven manual will always be better than an automatic as the driver knows when to change gears. That's not so say all manuals are well driven, but thank heavens they make performance manuals. An auto would just bore the pants off me, particularly in Aus where driving standards are worse than the UK and the draconian and pathetic speed limits make driving far more boring.

Re: Automatic cars
 

QLD law (and most other states) requires you change your license over.

You will get away with right up until you have an accident and then the insurance company determines you were unlicensed at the time so no insurance :scared:

WW

Re: Automatic cars
 

do you still have to wind the engine over with that big handle thingy at the front of the car ?