Rambi

That supports the pattern I've detected.

Those that got their licence off the back of a cornflake packet (i.e. straight swap) are those most likely to complain about Aussie driving standards.

Sally Simpson

It was all the questions on who has right of way that did it. I'm just too polite!

What pattern is that then?

paulry

How did you get your licence?

Rambi

I sat a test. When I passed they exchanged my existing licence.

Sally Simpson

I sat a test to get my UK driving licence, why would I need to do another one here?

Where did you learn to drive originally? If you were required to sit another test to be licensed here, then obviously Australia does not consider the standard to be adequate where you come from.

I don't just complain about Aussie drivers anyway, I would complain about all people who drive like idiots, especially in the wet!

paulry

Now I understand why it's a bit of an ongoing issue for you. In which country did you originally pass your test?

Alfresco

bump

Rambi

UK (apparently the standard is really crap there ). Not sure what the "ongoing issue" is?


I get the impression that I'm causing some irritation with this observation. It's just an observation. When they changed from a test to a straight swap I thought there would be quite a few people driving around who didn't know the local rules. And it has panned out that way.

The rules are not that different to the UK but there are some differences. How many here know that if you are pulling out of a T-junction you're supposed to give way to a pedestrian crossing the main road? Overtaking on the left. I hear people complain about that one on a frequent basis. It's allowed in the rules under a defined set of conditions. Not just when traffic is "queuing".

paulry

No your irritation has been noticed - that's all. How long did it take you to pass your Aussie test?

Rambi

No irritation on my part. Just funny seeing people complaining when they're not au fait with the local rules.

About 30 mins.

paulry

Perhaps a complementary rules of the road book would be a good accompaniment to the straight licence swap? I myself have read through the book but only because eldest has it in preparation for his road ready test.

cresta57

When we arrived testing was still mandatory in Qld. Yes I'm also aware of giving way to pedestrians when turning. It irks though that in many cases those pedestrians are on a red light at their crossing point, yet still wander across without a care.
It's not just the driving that is bad the pedestrians are a worry as well

bcworld

But that rule also stands in the UK.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAn...code/DG_069858

206

•turning at road junctions; give way to pedestrians who are already crossing the road into which you are turning

...so if people are following the UK rules they should be sweet in that case!

I've actually found it's 'the locals' who are unaware of that rule. Pointed it out to my ex once who had just blasted the horn at some poor pedestrian who happened to be on the road. Didn't believe me, neither did some others.

When people give their negative observations of drivers I don't think they're complaining about people yielding to pedestrians...they're talking about tailgating, purposely closing gaps to prevent other cars changing lanes and general aggression. The middle one of those is something I really feel is a local trait, I can't explain it and I'm sure it's not due to some local rule I'm not aware of...I hope not anyway!

Pollyana

I often get people revving their engines and inching forward when I'm crossing on a green light and they are turning left. The worst junction is the entry to the tunnel contsruction site at work. They turn left out of the construction site onto the main road, directly across a pedestrian crossing and its quite normal to have a huge truck inching forwards towards me as I'm crossing the road on a green light. They figure that cos they are bigger than the pedestrians they can get away with it, and often they do - many times the trucks have just rolled over the crossing and we're stuck waiting for it to change the next time - with 4 minutes between green lights thats a real pain.

paulry

Hate to disagree with you but I've found the middle one to be very London as well.