Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

What's that one all about? I don't remember it when I sat my test here.
We think everyone is loopy, indicating to go round the bend. Where the hell else are they going to go? and why aren't people as good at indicating when they are going to turn off the main flow of traffic? grrr!

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

I'm pretty sure that if you have a Toorak Tractor you are exempt from obeying any driving rules.

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

From my memory don't one way carriageways have a wrong way go back sign? That should be enough to suggest the general standard of driving!

Swapped jobs and homes with an Aussie a few years back - you can imagine what they thought of our country lanes!

Bezza

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

In NSW, ACT, WA & Victoria a UK Car licence holder no longer has to do any Test, all other States require a us to do a Theory Test, before getting their Australian State Licence.

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

Roundabout Rules :D They are beginning to advertise it again as so many people get it wrong :)

From the NRMA The current rule from the Queensland Transport

Who gives way at a roundabout?
A vehicle approaching a roundabout must give way to any vehicles that are already on the roundabout.

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

In WA your UK licence will be valid for 12 months if you are on a visitor visa, if you are on a permenent visa you will need to change it to a WA licence within 3 months, there are NO tests at all, costs about $85, and is done there and then at the licencing centre. :D

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

How's this meant to help?

http://www.hobbiesplus.com.au/signsp...goback0197.JPG

By the time you've read it ...... crash!

Bezza

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

They could do with doing that in the UK.

What's that indicating left when going straight across a rounabaout, thing about :rolleyes:

A :D

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

Valid for 3 months in NSW then you simply exchange it for NSW licnece, no test no theory no drama, you can purchase (I think this is right) a 1 , 3 or 5 year licence then.

Truck liceneces aren't recognised for some reason though ???

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

I don't think you can immediately buy the 5 year licence, I believe you have to have held an oz one for a number of years before they let you? A 3 year NSW one cost us $94 last year.

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

My advice is drive quite aggressively and don't let any one in turning from a junction etc, because thats how they drive here. Don't speed, because the speed cameras are invisible and they will always catch you, even if you break the limit for a second. I've been done FOUR TIMES NOW. Also learn the parking signs like your life depends on it, because your car can only be left for a couple of minutes and you will still get a ticket. I've been done THREE TIMES FOR THIS TOO. Careful with drink/drugs because the cops do regular random breath tests, too. When I was learning the driving rules handbook to take my test in Victoria (just before they relaxed the rule - bloody typical!) I didn't notice anything about turning left at red signals if it is safe, not for Victoria anyway.
I'll stop rambling on now.

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

There are a couple of strange unwritten rules when driving in OZ:

1. drive as close to the car in front of you as possible :scared:
2. stay in the outside lane for as long as you can, driving at the slowest possible speed :mad:
3. never park within a parking bay, always park over the line
4. never let another car out at a junction or slip road
5. never freely give up right of way

Sam

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

You could add to that....

When in a multistory car park don't wait for a car doing a parking maneuver. Just squeeze past and block.

When looking for a space in a multistory don’t let people leave a space or block them trying to exit. It must be easier to find a space if you block people actually in the spaces.

When approaching a roundabout don’t bother to give way and if you do make sure its at the wrong time, like if someone wants to get on from the exit to your left!

When on the number 1 pacific highway make sure you stay in the left hand lane that is about to run out for as long as possible then without looking behind to see if its safe pull out into the fast or overtaking lane.

Remember to be blissfully unaware of your surroundings and leave your cruise control on set to 10kph less than the speed limit. Now its safe to fall asleep.

Also be extra courteous to fellow road users by always speeding up to match an overtaking car.

When overtaking on a freeway do so as slowly as possible and carefully adjust your speed to 1kph faster than the car you are overtaking, take as long as you can to pass the car and ignore the cars now running up your backside.

Hoot as much as possible when you see someone else do a U turn at a set of lights that they are not supposed to. HOOT HOOT TELLING!

Save fuel by getting within 3 feet of the car in front and use his slip stream to reduce drag on your car.

Oh and one last thing always lock you car or get a fine.

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

On entering a car park with plenty of empty spaces, pick a car at random and place your car close behind it. Be prepared to wait until the owner returns from shopping and moves their vehicle, then you can nip into the space. Much easier than parking in all the empty places around......

(I kid you not, they all do it here! WHY!!!!! Good game to play if you see someone waiting for you to move - get into your car and just sit there for several minutes without moving - winds people up no end as they rev their engine, waiting to move in on that favourite space...... :rolleyes: )

Re: weird driving rules in Oz
 

The wierdest one i've discovered (not to mention most dangerous) appears to be unwritten but it goes like this.....................

Drive as close to the rear bumper of the car in front, as close to, or over the permittaed speed limit, until you have intimidated the driver in front so much that they pull over and let you past. :eek: