Car Rental Australia
Driving licences and permits must be carried at all times while in charge of a motor vehicle. Overseas driving licences held by bona-fide tourists and valid for the class of vehicle being driven are recognised (usually up to a maximum period of one year) throughout Australia. In some States and Territories it is necessary for visitors to present their licence to the motor vehicle registration authority on arrival.

International Driving Permits (IDP) held by bona-fide tourists are recognised in all Australian States and Territories and are preferred with national licences. In Victoria, overseas visitors are permitted to drive on their IDP provided they do not reside in that State for a continuous period of three months or more.

Please note that Foreign insurance policies are not valid in Australia. Therefore, third party insurance is compulsory.

Before you go pretending you're Crocodile Dundee, check with the rental agency regarding off-road driving. Some companies will have policies regarding off-roading. Rental agencies reserve the right to restrict vehicle movement to certain areas. Some companies might even have specially tailored and maintained rugged performance vehicles if you want an adventure holiday.

General Information About Australia
Region: Pacific Ocean
Population: 19,606,300 September 2002
Capital: Canberra
Climate: Generally arid to semi-arid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north.
Languages: English, indigenous languages, various languages spoken by immigrant communities
Currency: 1 Australian Dollar (A$) = 100 cents
National Holiday: Australia Day, 26 January (1788)
Major Cities:Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Some Driving Laws In Australia
In Australia you drive on the left side of the road. Seat belts are compulsory. Motorist speed is regulated with camera and radar detection systems. If you are using a car hire and you are caught speeding, the offense will be sent to the car hire company, and you will be charged the traffic infringement fine via the car hire company. Drinking and driving is illegal and strictly enforced. Random blood alcohol testings is performed in all Australian states and penalties range from severe fines to imprisonment.

Driving is regulated by the States and Territories. It is in your best interest to contact the government of the area you are visiting to acquire further information on the local driving laws.

Road Conditions As Stated By The U.S Bureau Of Consular Affairs
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good

Speed Limits

Rural Areas	60 km/h
Highways	100-110 km/h

Types Of Roads
Primary roads: major roads linking the States and Territories, together with those serving the principal centres of population and industry within them.
Secondary roads: secondary routes include those which facilitate the carriage of produce from farms and mines, forest roads serving tourist resorts, and most streets in cities and towns.

Driving Tips In The Rural Areas Of Australia
Be very care of the following:

• Potholes and rough surfaces
• Soft or broken road edges
• Single lane bridges
• Road surfaces changing without notice
• Livestock or wildlife crossing the road - did you know that Australia is the world's number one exporter of mutton? Watch out for those wooly sheep.
• Very large trucks (road trains)
• Loose stones
• Wet roads

Roadside Assistance Numbers
Australian Automobile Association
216 Northbourne Avenue
Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: (02) 6247 7311 (within Australia)

More information about your Rental Car in Australia