Advice for Brits Renting a Car and Driving in Australia

Australia is around 31 times larger than the UK, so it’s understandable that renting a car and driving for the first time could be daunting. Despite the size, driving in Australia is not too different from the UK, and road trips really are the best way to truly experience each state.

The sheer size and beauty of Australia make it the ideal place for a self-drive holiday, or multiple holidays! “The Big Lap” (Australia’s Highway 1), which joins all major cities in a 15,000km loop, can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year to complete, depending on your pace and planned activities. In comparison, it would take around 15 hours to drive the 970km distance from John O’Groats ( the top of Scotland) to Land’s End (the Southern tip of England).

With so many shared similarities, from driving on the left side to overtaking on the right, Brits can easily adapt to driving in Australia and start exploring every inch.

With over 35 years of running Australia’s largest family-run car rental company, we have some awesome advice to help any Brit thinking of renting and driving here.

TL:DR Driving Tips for UK Drivers in Australia

• Adapt to driving an automatic transmission.
• Drive on the left.
• Check the speed limit per state.
• Children under 7 must be in a car seat or booster seat.
• Seat belts are mandatory.
• Drivers cannot use mobile phones.
• There are many toll roads across Australia.
• Load up on fuel at every stop if you are driving in the outback.
• Expect kangaroos, wallabies or wombats on the road, especially at dawn and dusk in remote areas.
• Never swerve to avoid wildlife. Instead, beep your horn and brake if it is safe to do so.

What are the rules for renting a car in Australia?

Renting a car in Australia is highly accessible, with rental car options at every major city and most rural airports. Here’s everything you should know so there are no bumps in the road:

• Minimum age: Most car rental companies in Australia have a minimum driver age of 25, with a few offering car rentals for drivers 21 and over. Redspot is one of the few companies to have a minimum age policy of 21, and we welcome young UK drivers! Those under 25 will pay a daily surcharge on their car rental fee, and will have a choice ofmedium-sized sedans and hatchbacks.
• Maximum age: Like in the UK, the Australian government does not impose a standardised maximum age limit for car rentals, but some companies may impose their own upper limit. All car rental companies require senior drivers to have a full, valid licence, and some may ask for a recent doctor’s certification.
  At Redspot, age is just a number. We have no upper limit and only require a full, valid driver’s licence.
• Credit card: You will need to carry your physical credit card to hire a car in Australia; most companies cannot accept a digital card to take your deposit.
• Licence: A fully valid UK driver’s licence, written in English, is required to rent a car in Australia. Although digital versions are growing in popularity in the UK, you will still need to carry your physical card to show at pick up in Australia.
• Additional proof of ID: Some car rental companies will require you to bring an additional document with proof of your address, so it’s always best to bring this with you on your trip. These documents include utility bills, bank or credit card statements and driver’s licenses.
• Insurance: In Australia, it is government-mandated for all car rental companies to have basic insurance included in the price of your rental car.
• Fuel tank: Generally, you will pick up your hire car with a full tank of petrol or a full battery and must return it in the same condition. For ease, some car rental companies, like Redspot, offer fueling services for pre-paid fuel. Meaning, you don’t have to worry about finding a servo stop on your way back to the branch.
• Pick up: Usual pick-up times fall within business hours, with extended opening hours for airport locations. Many Redspot branches offer out-of-hours pick-up services to accommodate your desired rental time.
• Drop off: You will need to clean your rental car of any rubbish and personal belongings before dropping off. Some car rental companies, like Redspot, offer an out-of-office drop-off box at many branches so you can return at any time.
• Airport shuttle bus: In Australia, many car rental companies may have “off-airport locations” in which you will be picked up in a shuttle bus and taken to the car hire branch. Redspot proudly has many airport branches within the airport, so you can easily go from luggage to key collection.
• One-way rentals: Bear in mind that Australia is a large country, and it takes longer than you may think to drive between states or cities. Many car hire companies offer one-way rentals so you can maximise your trip and not have to stress about a return trip. Note that there may be a one-way car rental fee added to your rental quote to account for the time needed to return your car to its original branch. In some remote outback locations, like in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, one-way rentals may not be available as it’s harder to restock cars in these locations.

Will I be charged in GBP or AUD for a hire car in Australia?

You will be charged AUD for your hire car, even if you book from the UK. This includes booking a car hire directly from the branch. Use a currency converter to view your quote in GBP and gain a comprehensive overview of your hiring costs. 

UK driver’s licence rules for Australia

British tourists can generally drive in Australia on their UK licence, as long as the licence is not suspended or cancelled. UK permanent visa holders or those who plan to stay indefinitely must convert to an Australian licence within 3 months of arrival.

It’s essential to note that some driver’s licence rules differ from state to state, so it’s always beneficial to research the regulations before travelling interstate.

Country-wide rules:

• You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Australia, as UK licences are accepted.
• Your UK driver’s licence should be in English.
• Your licence must be a current and valid licence (i.e. not expired or suspended).
• Typically, you must carry your physical driver’s licence with you. 

Different road rules in the UK vs Australia

Australia and the UK have very similar core road rules. For example, both countries drive on the left-hand side, utilise roundabouts, and all road signs are in English.

However, Australia operates a state-by-state rule system, whereas the UK rules are nationwide. It’s always wise to check state rules before driving into a new region.

In general, the main differences are:

Rule	UK	Australia	Notes on Similarities and Differences
Driving Side	Drive on the left side of the road.	Drive on the left side of the road.	Same driving side, so UK drivers find this familiar in Australia.
Speed Limits	Motorways: 70 mph (approx. 112 km/h)	Highways/freeways: Typically 100-110 km/h (62-68 mph)	Speed limits in Australia differ by units but are broadly similar in range for major roads.
	City or residential roads: Usually 30-40 mph (48-64 km/h)	Urban areas: Usually 50 km/h, sometimes 40 km/h zones (24-31 mph).	Urban limits are a little slower in Australia.
Alcohol Limits	Full licence: 0.08% BAC (UK except Scotland 0.05%)	Full licence: 0.05% BAC for full licence holders	Australia has a lower general blood alcohol limit (BAC) limit for full licence holders.
	Young drivers: Zero tolerance for those under 18-20, depending on the region.	Learner: Strict zero tolerance for learner and provisional drivers.	Both have strict 0% alcohol restrictions for young or learner drivers.
Alcohol Testing	The UK do not perform random alcohol testing; drivers are asked to do breathalysers if there is a reasonable suspicion.	Australian police regularly conduct random breath testing (RBT), and drivers may be stopped at any time.	The BAC limit can be tested at any time in Australia.
Licensing System	Learner licences pass to a full driving licence after passing a theory and practical test.It could take anywhere from a few months to a few years to progress from learner to full licence, depending on the frequency of driving lessons.	1.Learner licences must complete a theory test and log a set amount of driving practice hours (differs per state).2.Must pass a practical test to progress to a P1 provisional licence.3.After around 12 months, drivers move to a P2 licence.4.After around 2 years, drivers can progress to a full licence.It could take anywhere between 2 and 4 years to progress to a full licence, depending on the state rules.	Both have graduated systems, but Australia explicitly subdivides provisional stages with driver restrictions for each stage. It generally takes longer for an Australian driver to receive a full licence compared to a UK driver.
P Plates use	P plates are optional for newly licensed drivers.	Drivers on P1 provisional licences must display Red P plates, then Green P plates for P2 provisional licences.	Australia uses two levels of P plates with different restrictions.
Speed Cameras	Frequent but less often pre-warned. There is no legal requirement to signpost speed signs.	Speed cameras usually have warning signs, and most states require signposts.	Australia is more likely to have official warning signs before speed cameras.
Roundabouts	Common and larger. Priority given to traffic from the right, unless signs or traffic lights indicate otherwise.	Common and smaller. Priority is given to traffic already on the roundabout.	Roundabouts are used in both, but have some priority rule differences.
Road Signs	UK and European specific signage and imperial units (miles for speed). Signs are mostly in English, with bilingual signs in Wales and Scotland.	A mix of metric signage (km for speed) and some unique Australian variants.	Both use similar shapes and colours for road signs. Speed signs will differ, and there will be variants in warnings (e.g., wildlife warning).
Road Markings	White lines separate traffic lanes; yellow lines for no stopping and parking restrictions.	White lines separate traffic lanes; yellow lines indicate no stopping.	Similar colour coding, but precise meanings of lines can vary by state in Australia.
Mobile Phone Use	Hands-free only while driving.	Hands-free only while driving, strict fines for handheld.Fines differ per state but can reach over $1,000 in Queensland.	Similar strict regulations on mobile phone use while driving.
Seat Belt Laws	Mandatory for drivers and passengers.	Mandatory for drivers and passengers.	Same requirement; both enforce seatbelt use universally.
Road Terrain	A mix of urban, rural, and motorways, often narrower, winding country roads.	Vast open highways and rural roads, some narrow and winding, especially in remote areas.	Australia has more expansive and remote terrain; both have narrow rural roads.
Fuel Types	Petrol, diesel common; increasing electric vehicles	Petrol, diesel are common; also increasing electric vehicles	Similar fuel types and a growing focus on electric vehicles.
Transmission	Manual transmission cars are more common in the UK than Australia. Automatic is becoming more popular, especially for Hybrids and EVs (BBC).	Automatic transmission is widely taught and used in Australia. The majority of car rentals will have a fleet of automatic cars.	Australia mostly uses automatic transmission in cars.
Animal Hazards	Deer and livestock in rural areas.	Kangaroos, wombats, and livestock in rural/outback areas.	Wildlife hazard warnings are species-specific to each country. It is much more common to see Australian wildlife on the road.

Understanding Australian parking signs

Australian parking signs are notoriously hard to understand, even for Australians. Many British tourists and expats comment on the confusing parking signs and take a while to fully understand each rule.

Before you start driving in Australia, and especially in busy cities like Sydney and Brisbane, try to get your head around our parking signs so you don’t rack up any fines.

Brits must also note that parking is generally quite strict in many cities, compared to the UK. For instance, it is illegal to park in the opposite direction to oncoming traffic on a 2 way street. Cars must always park in the direction of travel or risk a heavy fine.

To help you get your head around parking signs, so you can park safely, we have broken down a typical parking sign. In general, when the letters are in green, they mean:

• P: You can park.
• Number: The number of hours you can park.
• Meter: You must pay to park for the number of hours permitted.
• No Meter: If the sign has no “meter”, then you can park for free for the hours permitted.
• Time: This is the time this rule is applied for. So if it states 1P, 12 noon – 9:30pm, Monday – Friday, then you are able to park here for 1 hour only between the hours of 12pm and 9:30pm between Monday and Friday. Any time out of this, including Saturday and Sunday, there is no restriction on the amount of time you can park here.
• Arrow: The direction you are allowed to park. There will usually be another sign or road marking confirming where this parking rule ends.

If the sign is red, the rules could mean:

• Loading: This is a loading zone intended for business owners only, such as tradies, restaurant deliveries and shop stock unloading. If you are not loading or unloading anything, then you should not park in this zone, as you may get fined.
• Time: This is the time this rule is applied for. So if it states 6:30am – 8:30pm, Monday – Friday, then you are unable to park here during these hours, unless you are a business loading your vehicle. Outside of these time zones, no restrictions apply, and you can park here.
• NO STOPPING: At any time, you should not park here.
• Arrow: The direction the rule applies to. There will usually be another sign or road marking confirming where this parking rule ends.

Getting your head around toll roads in Australia

Australia has an extensive network of toll roads compared to the UK. Generally, toll roads in the UK are few and far between and mainly seen on specific bridges or tunnels. Comparatively, most cities in Australia will have privately operated toll roads providing a faster and more convenient route to avoid busy city roads (such as the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge). Before driving in Australia, you should be aware of some key facts:

• Toll roads are completely cashless and electronically tolled.
• Fees are collected through a toll road e-tag fitted into your car or by paying online each time you use a toll road.
• Most toll roads have a fixed fee, but some operate with a charge per distance or a variable fee during peak times.
• If you fit an e-tag into a car rental, you may be accidentally charged twice through both your e-tag and the car rental company. Instead, you can pay for each toll road charge through the Linkt website or app. Redspot also offers a toll road waiver add-on, so you can pre-pay for toll roads and not worry about it on the road.

City vs Outback Driving

Let’s face it, the outback in Australia is a million miles away from any type of landscape you would find in the UK. So it’s no surprise that some of the most frequently asked questions we get are around driving in the outback. It can seem daunting to drive through such a different and vast open space, but it’s also an incredible experience that you cannot get in the UK.

The outback runs through the middle of Australia and joins South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia. It’s no wonder tourists love to experience the freedom of the open dirt road. By carefully planning and booking a reliable rental car, you can have a smooth outback road trip.

Key Differences

City driving in Australia

• Speed limits: Typically around 40-50km/h, but can be even lower near school zones.
• Traffic: Heavy, particularly in peak times, with narrow roads, traffic signals and speed cameras.
• Road conditions: Well-sealed and well-lit with clear signposts, regular passenger crossings and minimal wildlife hazards.
• Hazards: Pedestrians and cyclists are the main hazards in all cities, and the frequent traffic light stops require a high level of concentration. If you are driving in Melbourne, you should be aware of the trams, as some roads intersect with the tram lines.
• Navigation: Many cities are easy to navigate with clear signage for lane turns and roundabouts. Signal is strong in CBD areas, so you can easily use a GPS to get around.

Outback driving in Australia

• Speed limits: Typically around 100-110km/h on the main highway roads, and can be reduced to 50km/h when passing through tiny outback towns.
• Traffic: Generally low traffic, you can drive for many kilometres without seeing a single soul. Top tip: it’s customary for drivers to give a little hand wave when they pass each other on a rural outback road. Say g’day!
• Road conditions: A lot of work has been done to seal the roads in the outback, particularly on the Red Centre Way from Darwin down to Uluru. However, many outback roads are unsealed and may require a 4WD. When driving in the outback, be prepared for red dust, uneven ground and high temperatures. Roads are often unlit, and we strongly advise against driving after sundown.
• Hazards: Wildlife are the main hazard on the road in the outback, particularly at dusk or dawn. The extreme heat can be dangerous in the summer months, and sometimes a dust storm can cause the red dirt to swirl in front of the windscreen. Road trains operate in the outback and can be quite intimidating to see. Drivers should always be incredibly careful when overtaking the extra-long vehicles.
• Navigation: Signal can be poor in many outback areas, and you may not pass a road sign for many km. Always download a map for offline use or pack a paper map for extra peace of mind.
• Fuel: Petrol stations are sparse, and you may often see a sign warning “no fuel for 100 km”. It’s recommended you fill up at every fuel stop and never let your tank get low.
• Planning for the outback: Plan your route in advance so you know the terrain, stops for fuel (for both the vehicle and humans) and weather conditions. Always pack extra water, emergency gear, and reflective clothing. Consider a satellite phone for off-road driving.
• The hidden gem of outback driving: The iconic red desert of the outback is a stunning sight. However, the best part of outback driving is the quintessential Australian roadhouses in which you can get fuel, food and sometimes accommodation and live music. One of our favourites is The Daly Waters Pub between Darwin and Uluru, which offers a huge campground, food and live music most nights.

Aussie Tips

Dan Mekler founded Redspot over 35 years ago, and his family still run the company today. What he loves most about driving in Australia is the wide open roads in the outback. However, the most challenging part about driving here is the amount of wildlife that can run, or hop, out on the roads. 

“What I love most about Australia is the magnificent Australian outback. Some of Australia’s greatest attractions are its vast and beautiful outback and its wildlife. 

Dusk to dawn can be the most dangerous time of day to drive as the changing sun can make it harder to see wildlife. Animals can be confused by car headlights travelling at speed towards them.

Always keep a keen eye out for animals even during the daytime as they are unpredictable. For example, they may see an opportunity to catch prey on the other side of the road and can run across without noticing your car speeding towards them.

Take particular care when trees, vegetation and other obstacles are close to the side of the road or when there is a very narrow verge between the road and trees. Animals can often be hidden and suddenly dart out without notice. Reduce speed when the road verge narrows at the distance between the road and trees is limited.

The best place to see Australian wildlife is in a national park where animals roam free and are protected so their population density is highest. The good news is you don’t have to travel far from the city to see them as there are numerous national parks across Australia.

National parks have some great hiking trails and picnic areas where you can see animals in their natural habitat. Lakes, ponds rivers and water holes all attract animals and the best time of day to see wildlife is just as the sun rises or just before the sun sets.”

-Dan Mekler, Managing Director of Redspot.

Rely on Redspot

Australians love a road trip, and driving long distances is normalised here. Driving 100km to camp under the stars? Sweet as! Fly from Sydney to Cairns and miss out on all the beaches in between? Nah, we’ll drive it, mate!

Driving is the ultimate way to experience Australian culture, explore vast and beautiful landscapes and catch a glimpse of native wildlife up close. You don’t want to minimise this experience to the tiny view from a plane window.

Luckily, our guide to renting and driving in Australia, including top Aussie tips for British tourists and expats, should give you more confidence to tackle a classic Australian road trip.

With over 35 years on the Australian roads, Redspot has a soft spot for drivers looking to experience Australia in a rental car. That’s why we offer super quick pick-ups, a range of clean and modern cars and 24/7 roadside assistance. Let us focus on the boring bits so you can focus on making memories.

With one-way rentals, you can drive state to state without having to rush back to your pick-up location. Simply fly into any major airport, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne or Perth, and pick up a car hire from Australia’s largest family-run car rental company. Too easy!