If you’re traveling to Australia and planning to rent a car, this guide gives the practical, legal, and safety information you actually need  fast. You’ll learn what documents to bring (including when you need an International Driving Permit), how to handle left side driving, key road rules and signage, insurance and toll traps, plus special advice for city driving, long highway stretches and remote Outback trips. 

Driving basics you must know

• Drive on the left; driver sits on the right. If that’s new to you, take a short, low traffic practice drive first.

• Roundabouts: Give way to traffic already on the roundabout (from the right). Signal when leaving.

• Speed limits: Urban areas typically 50 km/h; regional roads and highways 80–110 km/h always obey posted signs.

• Seat belts: Mandatory for everyone; driver is responsible for children’s restraints.

Practical driving tips and on road etiquette

• Use indicators early and clearly.

• Don’t cut off trucks; give extra space when overtaking large vehicles or road trains in remote areas.

• On roundabouts, choose the correct lane before entering don’t change lanes within the roundabout.

If you’re nervous driving on the left:

• Practice in a quiet suburb or large parking lot.

• Let a local passenger help with navigation and lane positioning.

Avoid night driving in rural areas due to wildlife and unlit roads.

Insurance, excess, and roadside assistance

What rental usually includes: Basic third party liability; damage to the rental often covered only if you accept Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or excess reduction.

Options to consider:

• CDW / excess reduction from the rental company to lower your financial exposure.

• Third party insurers that cover rental excess compare carefully for tyres, glass, underbody, and off road exclusions.

• Roadside assistance (often optional) highly recommended for remote travel.

Important checks:

• Confirm whether insurance allows driving on unsealed roads or in the Outback (most policies exclude this).

• Understand age limits and extra fees for young drivers.

Types of roads and what to watch for

City driving:

• Watch tram tracks (Melbourne), bus lanes, and clear parking signs.

• Use paid parking apps and obey parking time limits fines are enforced.

Regional and rural roads:

• Expect narrow single lane bridges, sudden speed limit changes, and long distances between towns.

• Keep fuel topped up service stations can be far apart.

Highways and long distance drives:

• Fatigue is a major risk stop every 1.5–2 hours, share driving if possible.

The Outback:

• Unsealed roads can be rough; 4WD recommended for many tracks.

• Carry water, food, spare tyres, maps (offline), and a satellite/PLB if going very remote.

• Let someone know your route and ETA; mobile coverage is often unreliable.

Wildlife

• Kangaroos and wallabies are most active at dawn and dusk reduce speed and stay vigilant.

Tolls, fines and legal traps

Tolls:

• Many toll roads are cashless. Rental companies may charge tolls plus admin fees; ask how tolls are managed at pickup.

Fines:

• Speed cameras, red light cameras, phone and seatbelt violations are enforced and attract large fines.

• You are responsible for fines incurred during your rental period  rental companies can pass costs to your card, often with an admin charge.

Legal reminders:

• Always carry your license and passport when driving.

• Respect local road laws; ignorance of signage is not an excuse.

What rental companies check at pickup

• Documents: Original license, passport and International Driving Permit also known as International Driving License if required.

• License history: Most companies prefer drivers who’ve held a license for more than 12 months.

• Age rules: Under 25 or over 75 may face surcharges or restrictions.

• Credit card: Major card in driver’s name for security deposit.

• Extras and options: Child seats, GPS, additional driver fees, pre paid toll accounts ask and confirm rates in writing.

Returning the car (final steps)

• Fill the tank if your rental requires it (or confirm pre pay fuel terms).

• Walk around the car and photograph any marks with timestamps.

• Get a final receipt that confirms fuel level and return time.

• Check your card for any pending tolls or admin charges (these can appear after return).

Emergency numbers and resources

• Emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 000.

• Keep the rental company’s emergency and roadside numbers handy.

• If involved in an accident: 

  • Ensure safety first: Move to a safe place if possible.

  • Call emergency services if anyone is injured.

  • Exchange details with other drivers and take photos of damage and scene.

  • Notify the rental company promptly.

Quick checklist

• Valid national driver’s license (original).

• International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English.

• Passport (as ID).

• Credit card in driver’s name for deposit.

• Rental confirmation, insurance info, emergency phone numbers.

• Photo evidence of car condition when you pick up and return.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

• Bring an International Permit if your domestic license is not in English many rental agencies and police prefer or require it because it translates your license.

• If your license is in English (e.g., USA, UK, Canada), you can usually drive for a short period on your home license, but always carry your passport too.

• Get an International Driving Permit in your home country before you travel they’re quick to obtain and inexpensive.

How to Obtain an IDP

Applying for an International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a straightforward process that allows you to legally drive in foreign countries. Here's how you can obtain one:

• Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining an International Driver's Permit. Requirements may but the most important one is that you must have your national or local driver's license issued by your county or state of origin, and it should be valid.

• Complete Application: Obtain the necessary application form from following the next link: https://internationalpermit.com/pages/apply-for-the-international-driving-permit

• Pay Fees: Pay the required fees for processing your IDP application. Fees may vary depending on the issuing authority and processing time.

• Submit Application: Submit your completed application form along with any supporting documents following their specific instructions.

• Receive IDP: Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your International Driver's Permit.

Remember to carry both your international driving permit and your original driver's license whenever you're behind the wheel. Double-check that your details match those on your valid driver's license to avoid any discrepancies. Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the necessary documents, submit them to the licensing authority along with any applicable fees.

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Cost of an International Driver's Permit

The costs of obtaining an International Driver's Permit are the following:

1 YEAR VALIDITY: USD 39,99
2 YEARS VALIDITY: USD 54,99
3 YEARS VALIDITY: USD 69,99

USA SHIPPING
USPS 6-10 DAYS: FREE
EXPRESS 3-4 DAYS : USD 15
OVERNIGHT 2-3 DAYS: USD 35

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL 4-8 DAYS : USD 29.99

As of 2025

Before applying for an IDP, it's essential to check the fee schedule on the official website https://internationalpermit.com/pages/pricing-for-the-international-driving-permit

Conclusion

Driving in Australia is an incredible way to see the country from coastal highways to sweeping Outback routes but it also requires preparation and respect for local laws. Bring the right documents (International Driving Permit also known as International Driving License; if your license isn’t in English), practice left side driving in low traffic areas if needed, choose insurance and roadside assistance that fit your itinerary, and plan for long distances and wildlife if you head outside cities. Follow the practical tips above, and your rental driving experience will be safer, less stressful, and far more enjoyable.