Do Australians Drive on the Left or Right Side of the Road?
3 Answers
In Australia, the driver's seat is on the right side, and vehicles drive on the left side of the road. This is because Australia is part of the Commonwealth, and island-influenced countries led by the UK generally drive on the left. In addition to driving on the left, Australia has the following two driving customs: Vehicles Yield to Pedestrians: Australian traffic philosophy holds that pedestrians are the most vulnerable and easily injured party in the entire traffic system. Therefore, vehicles must always prioritize pedestrian safety. Vehicles Yield to Other Vehicles: Apart from yielding to pedestrians, drivers should also pay attention to the safety of non-motorized vehicles. Australians are fond of sports, and it's common to see fitness enthusiasts cycling on the streets. Hence, while driving, one must always be mindful of these cyclists, especially when turning or changing lanes, allowing cyclists to pass first.
I've lived in Australia for decades, and as a local, we drive on the left side of the road, a practice influenced by British history that has become a daily habit. When driving, the steering wheel is on the right, and traffic flows on the left, so I pay extra attention to the right side at intersections because pedestrians or vehicles might suddenly appear. For new drivers or tourists, this might feel unfamiliar, especially when navigating curves and adjusting to the line of sight. I remember once helping a foreign friend rent a car, and he nearly forgot the direction, resulting in an emergency stop at an intersection—thankfully, no accident occurred. I recommend that anyone planning to drive in Australia familiarize themselves with local rules beforehand, such as overtaking from the right and parking with the front of the car facing left. This ensures not only safety but also helps avoid traffic fines. In short, driving on the left keeps the roads more orderly and reduces the risk of accidents.
As a frequent traveler and backpacker, I also experienced left-hand driving during my trip to Australia. Initially, I was a bit nervous coming from a right-hand driving country, but I adapted after just two days of driving. The rental car company gave me a detailed briefing on the rules: in Australia, you drive on the left, so you need to check the mirrors more carefully when turning. I remember driving along the Gold Coast, where the navigation app kept reminding me to stay left, which felt very considerate. For tourists, I recommend practicing on quiet roads first and avoiding peak hours. Additionally, pedestrians also walk on the left, which made it easier for me to see cars coming from the right when crossing the road. Safety first—once you adapt, the scenery is stunning, but never get distracted by your phone, and always remember the correct side. Overall, the experience was quite relaxed, and Australia’s road signs are clear—just take some extra time to get familiar.
