Driving Driving in Australia is an experience… I make no apologies for telling you that the driving here is terrible – especially if you are coming from the UK where you will find the differences to be immensely frustrating. The desire to communicate this fact was one of the very reasons for establishing the Travelling Doctors service

Appreciating that I am making a sweeping generalisation you will find drivers here to be fairly aggressive. Based on my personal experience, here are some observations

• Undertaking is perfectly legal and generally accepted as normal practice.
• Don’t flash your lights – it’s seen as aggressive (like your horn). If someone flashes at you it does not mean "proceed." Also if you are driving along the along the open road and someone flashes you in opposite direction it is usually to let you know there is traffic cop around around the corner.
• Don’t expect people to let you in… they won’t
• Always give way to pedestrians at lights and Pedestrian Crossings as people will just walk onto the road
• Australia has some of the biggest trucks you will ever see and they don’t hang about. They will match your pace AND attempt to overtake you on the open road if they think you will slow them down. My Tip… LET THEM
• Police cars have radar attached externally to patrol cars. They can clock your speed when they are stationary or moving and travelling in the same direction or towards you. Usually the first thing you know you been booked is when you get an envelope through the post!!
• Speed cameras are used throughout Australia. In NSW you get 3 warning signs leading up to stationary speed camera but there are no markings on the road so make sure you observe the signs!
• School Zones VERY IMPORTANT: During certain hours around the start and finish of school, speed on roads immediately surrounding schools is reduced to 40km/h (30mp/h). These zones are often patrolled and many doctors have been caught out. You have been warned!!
• Drink Driving laws in Australia are strict. Random Breath Testing is common place in Australia and you will be stopped often. If you are in a crash and are taken to hospital you will have to give a blood sample – it’s the law. Best advice… if you are drinking – Don’t drive (or as they say here – “If you drink & drive, you’re a BLOODY IDIOT”).
• Double Demerit Points If you are booked for an offence on a public holiday then you receive double demerit points!! There are always plenty of illuminated signs on the freeways to let you know the when this will occur.