Getting Around Melbourne

Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road in Australia. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers. The speed limit in urban areas is usually 60km/h. Freeways usually have a limit of between 100 and 110 km/h.

The minimum driving age is 17. Provided that your driving license is in English and that you can prove you are a tourist, there is no need for an additional permit when driving in Victoria (and so Melbourne). If the license is not in English, then you must carry a translation with you. It is required that you carry your license as well as your passport with you at all times when driving.

Melbourne is famous for it's hook turns, where, on roads that have tram tracks going through the middle of it, and you see the "Right Turn from Left Only" sign (as in the picture), in order to turn right, you must get in the furthest left lane (with your right indicator on), wait in front of the cross-road traffic until they get their green light, and then turn right.

Strange, nonetheless, something to get your mind around. Once you do get used to things, driving in Melbourne isn't too difficult. Much of the metropolitan areas consists of streets forming grids, making it easy to navigate and find your way around. However, it's always an idea to get a copy of a street directory if you are not used to the roads.

Hook turn intersections are mostly found in the Melbourne CBD and some in South Melbourne.

Blood Alcohol level limit is 0.05% and severe penalties are handed out for exceeding this limit if you are breath tested at one of many random breath test check points throughout Australia. Radar cameras are also used extensively by the police to check speed.