Driving overseas

Overseas driving

Get together some information on speed limits and road rules for the country that you are visiting – check out the internet or the country’s embassy or consulate.

Familiarise yourself before you leave as, in most countries, on the spot fines are imposed for breaches.

Which side of the road?

As in Australia, you must drive on the left side of the road in the following countries: 

Asia: Indonesia, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal and Brunei. 

Oceania: Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Tonga, Solomon Islands and Fiji. 

Indian Ocean: Seychelles, Mauritius. 

Europe: Cyprus, Malta, Channel Islands, Ireland and United Kingdom. 

Africa: South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Somalia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, and Malawi. 

South America, Central America and the Caribbean: Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Christopher, St Helena, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent, Falkland Islands, Suriname, Guyana, Tobago, Trinidad.

Tips and information

• In Greece children under the age of 10 are not permitted to travel in the front seat. 
• In Belgium it is legal to overtake on both sides, on some roads. 
• In some countries, it is compulsory for all vehicles to carry a first aid kit. 
• In Portugal you must carry some form of photographic identification.
• In some countries it is compulsory to carry a fire extinguisher.
• In some countries it is compulsory for all vehicles to carry a warning triangle. 
• Seat belts, if fitted, should always be used while driving.
• If hiring a car, get any information available from the hire company on road rules and regulations specific to that country.
• If you plan to borrow a car from a friend overseas, you will need to carry a letter of authorisation to drive the vehicle and also arrange adequate insurance cover. 
• Discuss the route you plan to take with the car hire people and ask their advice on what you should see and do. They will probably have lots of information on hand.
• Check with the local tourist information centre for details of places to visit, how to get there and accommodation.
• Don't use cruise control on icy roads. 
• Keep the headlights on low beam when driving in falling snow. 
• In bad weather, stay on major roads, as minor roads will be last to be cleared of flooding or snow.
• In situations of heavy snow and ice, it may be necessary to use snow chains.
• Don’t forget your international driving permit.