Do Australians drive on the left?

Yes. Australians drive on the left side of the road nationwide, with the driver seated on the right side of the vehicle and a general “keep left unless overtaking” rule on multi-lane roads. This left-side convention shapes how roundabouts, turns at traffic lights, overtaking, and road signage work across all states and territories.

How Australia’s left-side driving works and why it matters

Australia follows the left-hand traffic system inherited from British road practice. The convention is uniform across the country—from New South Wales and Victoria to Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. For visitors, the most noticeable differences include entering roundabouts clockwise, yielding to the right, using the right-hand side of the car to steer, and gauging lane position from the opposite side compared to right-hand-traffic countries.

The rules that define left-side driving in Australia

Below are the core rules and driving norms that flow from Australia’s left-hand traffic system and affect everyday travel for residents and visitors alike.

• Keep left: On two-way roads, keep left at all times; on multi-lane roads, keep left unless overtaking (where signed or mandated).
• Roundabouts: Travel clockwise and give way to vehicles already in the roundabout, especially those approaching from your right. Indicate left to exit.
• Turns at red lights: No turning on red unless a specific sign permits a “left turn on red after stopping” at that intersection.
• Speed limits: Signed and enforced. Defaults typically include 50 km/h in built-up areas (40 km/h in school zones and some shopping strips), 100–110 km/h on many rural highways and freeways, and up to 130 km/h on some Northern Territory highways.
• Seat belts and child restraints: Seat belts are compulsory for every occupant. Approved child restraints are required according to age/size (commonly up to at least seven years).
• Drink and drug driving: Strict enforcement with random testing. The legal blood alcohol limit for fully licensed drivers is 0.05; lower or zero limits apply to learner/provisional drivers.
• Mobile phones: Handheld use is illegal. In most jurisdictions, phones must be in a cradle for permitted touch or used entirely hands-free; camera and messaging functions while driving are prohibited.
• Cyclists and pedestrians: Minimum safe passing laws generally require at least 1.0 m when overtaking cyclists at ≤60 km/h and 1.5 m above 60 km/h. Always give way to pedestrians at marked crossings.
• Emergency vehicles: Pull over and give way to lights and sirens; slow down when passing stationary emergency or roadside assistance vehicles as required by local “move over/slow down” laws.
• Parking: Park in the direction of travel where required and obey local time limits, meter rules, and curb markings.

Together, these principles frame the practical experience of driving on the left and are strongly enforced through fixed and mobile cameras, police patrols, and roadside operations.

State and city nuances worth knowing

Speed and enforcement differences

Maximum speed limits vary: most states and territories top out at 110 km/h on certain freeways or rural roads, while the Northern Territory has signed 130 km/h limits on some highways. Speed enforcement is rigorous nationwide, with point-to-point (average speed) cameras increasingly common on major corridors.

Tolls and urban travel

Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have extensive electronic toll networks. Most rental vehicles use e-tags or number-plate billing; drivers can also set up temporary online passes. Signage and lane guidance will keep you to the left with clear advanced exit markers, but plan your route to avoid last-minute lane changes.

Trams and hook turns (Melbourne)

Melbourne’s central city has “hook turns” at signed intersections to keep right-turning cars clear of tram tracks. To make a right turn, you wait in the far-left lane within the marked box and complete the turn when the cross-traffic light turns green.

Remote-area realities

In regional and outback areas, wildlife (kangaroos, wombats, emus) is most active at dawn/dusk; large “road trains” require long passing distances; and unsealed roads demand lower speeds. Left-side lane discipline remains crucial on narrow shoulders and single-lane bridges.

Visitor checklist: adjusting to the left

If you usually drive on the right, these practical steps can help you acclimatize quickly and safely to Australia’s left-side system.

1. Take a moment before departure: Review mirrors, seating, and wiper/indicator placements (they may be reversed from what you’re used to).
2. Rehearse lane position: Keep the car centered by tracking the left lane line; remind yourself the driver should be “near the centerline.”
3. Use roundabouts deliberately: Yield to the right, enter when safe, and signal left as you exit.
4. Plan routes and rests: Fatigue and jet lag are major risks—schedule breaks every two hours and avoid night driving in rural areas.
5. Mind school zones and cameras: Slow to signed limits during operational times; expect speed and red-light cameras in cities and towns.
6. Know the fuel and signage: Distances and speeds are in kilometers; petrol is labeled 91/95/98 (RON) and diesel is widely available.
7. Respect roadside hazards: Give road trains ample space; never swerve suddenly for wildlife at high speed; slow down and pass cautiously.
8. Understand your rental agreement: Check tolling arrangements, insurance coverage on unsealed roads, and any mileage or location restrictions.

These habits reduce the cognitive load of switching sides and help keep you in sync with local traffic patterns and enforcement.

How Australia compares: other left-driving countries

Australia is one of several countries that drive on the left, a group that spans Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.

• United Kingdom and Ireland
• New Zealand
• Japan
• India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
• South Africa and several southern African nations
• Singapore and Malaysia
• Thailand and Indonesia
• Papua New Guinea and Fiji

While the shared left-side convention aids familiarity, local laws, signage, and enforcement differ by country, so always review local rules before driving.

Bottom line

Australians drive on the left across all states and territories, with right-hand-drive vehicles, clockwise roundabouts, and strong enforcement of speed, seat-belt, and mobile phone laws. Visitors who prepare for left-side lane discipline, plan routes and breaks, and understand local rules—especially roundabouts, school zones, and tollways—tend to adapt quickly and drive safely.

Why do the British drive on the left?

The British drive on the left due to historical precedent dating back to when most people were right-handed and carried swords, keeping their weapon hand free to defend against oncoming threats on the left side of the road. This practice was formalized in law, the Highway Act of 1835, and remained in place while mainland European countries shifted to the right, often due to Napoleon’s influence. As the use of horses and carriages evolved, so did the seating arrangements, with drivers of British carriages sitting to the right of the seat to keep their right arm free for their whip, and this convention carried over to modern automobiles.
 
The historical origins of driving on the left

• Medieval practice: Before cars, people on horseback or walking often stayed to the left to keep their right hand (sword hand) free to greet oncoming people or to defend themselves against potential attacks. 
• Wagon drivers: In the 18th century, large wagons for transporting goods were common in mainland Europe, with the driver sitting on the back left horse to keep their whip hand free on the left. 
• British adaptation: In Britain, smaller horse-drawn carriages were more prevalent. To keep their whip hand free, drivers would sit on the right-hand side of the carriage, thus positioning the vehicle to the left of the road to avoid collisions. 

Formalization of the rule in the UK

• London Bridge traffic law: Opens in new tabA traffic law on London Bridge in the 18th century required vehicles to keep to the left to reduce collisions. 
• Highway Act of 1835: Opens in new tabThis law was later adopted throughout the UK, making left-hand driving mandatory. 

Contrasting European and British practice

• Napoleon’s influence: During the French Revolution, the concept of “liberty, equality, fraternity” was associated with walking on the right, and Napoleon’s conquests across Europe spread right-hand driving to many mainland countries. 
• British colonies: British colonies, such as Australia, India, and New Zealand, adopted the British practice of driving on the left. 

Why the UK did not change

• Cost and tradition: Changing from left-hand traffic to right-hand traffic is a very costly and potentially dangerous undertaking. People find it difficult to change such deeply ingrained habits, so Britain has retained its left-hand driving tradition. 
• Continued use of right-hand drive cars: The design of the cars themselves, with the steering wheel on the right-hand side for left-hand traffic, further cemented the tradition in Britain. 

Do New Zealand drive on the left?

Yes, New Zealand drives on the left-hand side of the road. This is a common characteristic of former British colonies, and it means that vehicles in New Zealand have the steering wheel on the right-hand side of the car. 
Key points to remember:

• Stay left: The fundamental rule is to always keep to the left when driving. 
• Right-hand drive vehicles: If you’re renting a car, it will have the steering wheel on the right. 
• Consider other traffic: Be mindful of road signs and the rules for roundabouts. 
• Take your time: Adjusting to driving on the left can be a significant change for those used to right-hand driving, so give yourself time to get accustomed to it. 

Is Australia left or right wheel?

Unlike 66% of the world’s population, Australians abide by left-hand traffic laws. That also means the steering wheels in vehicles are on the right-hand side, so the driver is closer to the centre of the road. Other countries that drive on the left include New Zealand, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Is Australia driving left or right?

Australia drives on the left side of the road, which is a rule also followed in the United Kingdom, India, and other former British colonies. This means that vehicles have their steering wheels on the right-hand side.
 
Key things to remember when driving in Australia:

• Keep to the left: You must stay in the left lane unless you are overtaking. 
• Overtake on the right: Pass other vehicles from the right side. 
• Right-hand drive vehicles: The driver’s seat is on the right, placing the driver closer to the center of the road. 
• Controls may be reversed: If you’re used to driving on the right, the indicator and wiper stalks might be on the opposite side of the steering wheel, but the brake and accelerator pedals are always in the same place. 
• Roundabouts: Traffic circles operate clockwise, and you must give way to traffic from the right.