Tiawamutu

We need some advice/reassurance or just the truth really

Me and hubby are hoping to emigrate to Perth early next year, but neither of us can drive yet!

Is this a major thing, or do you think we would be able to manage, and maybe learn when we get over there?

I know the train service is pretty good around Perth itself.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Tiawamutu

bump

Merlot

If Perth is like other cities such as Sydney, I would say no worries at all.

M

Tiawamutu

Thanks Merlot

Where do you get all those avatars???

Merlot

Shameless plus for someone's site

http://www.nutrocker.co.uk/animatedgifs.html

M

Shellfish

You can do without driving but it is a big country, with a lot to see and driving is often the quickest and easiest way of getting around. Some places are only accessible by car. I would recommend getting some driving lessons and giving it a whirl. The driving test (in Melbourne) is not bad at all, pretty straight forward.

Good luck with whatever you decide

Megalania

Take a crash course?

pandya_m

In addition to what you said, Getting a driving licence is as imp as getting your passport. So be prepared to get one when you land here. You can get away with all not with driving licecen, since you wont make 100 points w/o Driving licence.
I have already got a driving licence from India, but I need to attend Computer test and Hazard test and later a practicle test with examiner.
I have registered for Comp. Test and Hazard test tommorw at 11:00(Karma needed)). They say its not tough, but good no of people could not clear first time. Am I right ABCDiamond...
Dont think just do it over, its a must and you have to
Good Luck.

Mummy

We spent 4 months in Perth when we went there for a working holiday, and had no car. We got around on the public transport just fine. Obviously it depends where you live, but I guess if you don't drive then a good public transport route is going to be high on your list of priorities.

A driving licence is the most comonly used form of ID though - not sure what you could use in its place other than carry your passport around. Need to show ID for all sorts of things, like posting stuff abroad for example.

If you are considering learning to drive, I would say do it before you get here as the learning to drive experience over here is a long drawn out process.

Del Boy

A driving licence is the most comonly used form of ID though - not sure what you could use in its place other than carry your passport around. Need to show ID for all sorts of things, like posting stuff abroad for example.


Without a licence, you'd need an 18+ card for ID. Even the missus's gran has one and she's definately over 18 to even a casual observer.

aussie73

If you live in one of the Capital Cities in OZ like Perth, Sydney, Melbourne etc you don't need a car, the public transport system is good enough to take you wherever you need to go, however if you live in the country or a rural area you need a car to get anywhere as there is little or no public transport.

LindyLoo

The car is king here, sorry to inform you.

We were without a car when we got here, and it became a bit of a nightmare getting buses to work, getting to the shops and just trying to explore the place.

Been in all the major cities, and unless you are working in the city centre (central business district CBD), public transport in wasn't that great.

My hubbie learned to drive before he got here and would definitely recommend it. Plus everyone drives automatic cars - it's just like driving a dodgem

Tiawamutu

Thanks very much everyone for you thoughts

I did take about 15-20 lessons three years ago. Then we went and bought our first house, and the lessons went out of the window.

I suppose I might not take so long to learn this time, and it may be best to get it over and done with

Good luck Karma needed I think :scared:

Three Legs

I think you'll struggle personally...

Perth is spread over a vast area and the car is a must as far as I am concerned.

Get some lessons in quick smart.

Tiawamutu

Wish I had 3 legs like you....I'm sure it would be much easier to drive!