Welcome to Australia! You’ve made a brilliant choice to explore this vast and beautiful country. Renting a car is, without a doubt, the best way to discover its hidden gems, from stunning coastlines to charming country towns. But if it’s your first time hiring a vehicle here, you probably have a few questions. As local travel experts, we’ve put together the essential guide to ensure your Aussie road trip is smooth, safe and unforgettable from the moment you pick up the keys.
✔️ The Essentials: What You’ll Need at the Counter
Let’s start with the basics. To ensure a smooth pickup, have a few key things ready.
- Your Driver’s Licence: All drivers must have a full, unrestricted driver’s licence that they have held for at least 12 months. Unfortunately, we cannot accept learner permits or provisional licences (P1 or P2).
- International Drivers: If your licence is not in English, you must present it with either an official English translation or a valid International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Digital Licences: We happily accept official digital driver’s licences from Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, as long as they can be verified on the government app at the time of collection.
- Age Requirements: The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21, but for young adventurers out there, we’re letting you know that a ‘young driver surcharge’ applies to all drivers aged between 21 and 24.
- Credit Card: A valid credit card in the name of the primary driver is required to cover the security bond.
- Proof of Address (Local Renters): If you live within 50km of the rental branch, you will also need to provide a valid proof of address (like a utility bill) along with your licence.
✔️ Hitting the Road: Key Australian Driving Rules
Once you’re behind the wheel, there are a few key rules to remember.
1. We Drive on the Left! This is the most important one. In Australia, we drive on the left-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the right side of the car. If you’re used to driving on the right, take a few minutes in a quiet car park to get comfortable before hitting major roads.
2. Understanding Speed Limits Speed limits are clearly signposted and strictly enforced. As a general guide:
- 50 km/h in residential and built-up areas.
- 100 or 110 km/h on highways and freeways.
- 40 km/h in school zones during specified morning and afternoon times.
3. Navigating Toll Roads Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane use electronic toll roads. All our rental vehicles are fitted with an electronic e-tag, so you don’t need to worry about setting up your own account. Tolls are automatically registered, and we handle the payment for a small administration fee.
✨ Important Tip: Please do not add our vehicle to your personal toll account, as this can result in you being charged twice.
✔️ Making Your Rental Experience Seamless
A little planning goes a long way.
- Choosing the Right Vehicle: Think about your itinerary. A compact car is perfect for city driving, while a larger SUV is better for family trips with more luggage. For big projects, a versatile Ute is the ideal choice.
- Understand Your Protection: Standard rentals include basic liability protection. We always recommend reading up on the options to reduce your excess for greater peace of mind on the road.
- The Airport Pickup Process: Arriving at a new airport can be daunting. Familiarise yourself with the process beforehand by checking out our step-by-step pickup guides for major locations like Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport, and the Gold Coast Airport.
🏖️ You’re Ready for an Aussie Adventure
Renting a car in Australia is a straightforward process and the rewards are endless. By keeping these key points in mind, you’ll be well-prepared for an incredible road trip.
If you have any more questions, our friendly local team is always here to help. Welcome to Australia and enjoy the drive!
