What's the driving like in Australia?

Question

I've come to New Zealand from the UK, and frankly, I am horrified by the driving here. People are screeching around corners they know nothing about at speeds that will surely kill them and anything they encounter there, should there be anything, and they just fly down the residential streets at speeds I'd be scared to do on divided motorways (and I lived in Germany for 13 years and know what it's like to travel at 200km/h).
I'm planning to visit Sydney in two weeks.
Do I need to bring tranquilizers and blindfolding gear and take a cab, or do you reckon I'll be OK with a rental car?

Answer 1

We are all stark bonkers on the roads. So much so that the death rate on Australian roads is among the lowest in the world.

Don't even think of speeding in Melbourne, Canberra or Sydney, there are speed cameras all over the place. In Melbourne there is no margin for error, Sydney cuts you a little slack. There is not a lot of lane discipline on multi-lane highways, you often get the bushie or pensioner or whatever tooling up the inside lane at 10kph less than the rest of the traffic.

There are crazy rules about signaling on roundabouts, in most cases by the time your turn signals start to work you are out of the roundabout. Most people very sensibly ignore them unless the roundabout is physically large.

If you see a car on your right at an intersection signaling a left turn, don't assume the driver is going to turn left. The driver might be a dozy b@stard and left it on. When you see the front wheels change direction then you know that they are actually going to turn. I have had three near misses from this in the past few years so I'm suspicious now. Bloody f%ckwits.

Some people in very small towns, both pedestrian and driver do not have a lot of road sense.

Answer 2

I drive in Sydney every now and then and I must admit it is quite chaotic, drivers are aggressive and you can't leave a car length in front of you for safety because two cars will try to pull into it immediately.
The only other places I have driven before are the south island of NZ, which is ok if you let the hoons past, and the UK.
London is much worse than Sydney and they drive a lot faster there.

For the exception of Sydney, where there is so much development the roads change on a daily basis, the signage in Australia is exceptional. Some foreign drivers say there is so many signs that they get confused.

Unfortunately our public transport system ain't all it's cracked up to be so if you have to drive I recommend red bull or espresso coffee not tranquilizers.

Answer 3

First: Driving in a big city like Sydney you need a good Co-pilot (reading the map, watching for signs, etc) if you're not familiar with the location. Going there just by yourself I'd strongly recommend using public transportation.

Second: Comparing the countries I'm most familiar with driving in myself are (from worst to most harmless):
Great Britain
Germany & France
USA
Canada
Australia - sorry, Aussie-mates for lowest ranking in aggressive driving style ;-)

If you have some experience in London or Paris, driving in Sydney and Melbourne is rather a pleasure. But as I said before: Going by car in an unknown city, a good Co-Pilot is what you need, and not any tranquilizers.

Answer 4

Sydney drivers are aware of other road users. They might seem aggressive but what they are doing is expecting you to be aware of them. If I signal that I want to change lanes and give you adequate warning, I expect you to let me do it. This is a consequence of the Harbour Bridge. Everyone getting onto the bridge has to merge with other lanes of traffic. The standard pattern is left lane, right lane and everyone knows this. Apart from some idiots, which you will find anywhere, Sydney drivers are better than most. (If you go to Adelaide, they will not let you change lanes there, it gets quite scary).

Generally on the major roads in Sydney, use the middle lane if there are three and the left lane if there are two if you don't know your way about. When you see the sign for your turn-off, use your indictors to tell the other drivers your intentions and you will find they will let you do it. Otherwise obey speed limits, speeders are usually caught, don't run red ights - there are red light cameras, and don't use your mobile phone while driving - even if everyone round you is doing so.

Answer 5

I know what you are saying about NZ drivers - I lived there for many years. I don't think I knew one person that actually used their indicators for turning.

Only been to Sydney via stop overs at the airport so can't offer any advice on driving in Sydney

Have a great trip though

Answer 6

Hi well having driven in many different countries around the world and learning to drive [born] in Australia driving around Australia is just like all other places .Know where your going be patient,know the local road rules,obey them and take it easy and avoid driving at night.If in doubt catch a train/bus and let someone else do the driving

Answer 7

Bring your tranquilizers if you're driving in Sydney.

Answer 8

for Sydney cab drivers you will need to bring tranquilizers and blindfold

Answer 9

during the day the drivers are pretty civilised but the nuttos are out at night!!!

Answer 10

Really? Sounds like Australia..................Mad Max here, bring ya harness.