Now that you’ve booked an affordable car from Alpha’s Melbourne office,it is important that you acquaint yourself with the road rules before getting behind the wheel and out on the road.
Victoria and, in particular, Melbourne, have a few little quirks that are unique to the road rules of the rest of Australia.
If you are a visitor from overseas there is much to learn about driving in Australia.
Tips for the Overseas Traveller
In Australia we drive on the left hand side of the road and always keep left unless overtaking. The driver sits on the right hand side of the car.
If you were used to it being the other way around such as in the United States and parts of Europe, it would be a good idea to take it slowly around a nice quiet block until you get the feel of the brake and accelerator pedals, indicators, washers and the like.
This may be obvious, but when overtaking always go to the right of the vehicle you wish to pass.
When negotiating a roundabout you travel in a clockwise direction and always exit to the left.
Seatbelts must be worn by the driver and all passengers when the vehicle is moving. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure all passengers are wearing their seatbelts. Alpha Car Hire are able to supply you with the appropriate child restraints.
Tips for the Victorian Visitor
As previously mentioned, there are some rules unique to Melbourne that must be adhered to.
One of these rules relates to driver behaviour near trams. Melbourne is lucky enough to have a tram passenger service still in use. These trams run along the centre of the roads. Due to passengers getting on and off in the middle of the road a tram must have right of way at all times.
A driver may only pass a tram on the left hand side and must never drive past the rear of a stopped tram, that is, a driver must stop at the rear of the tram for maximum passenger safety, unless directed by a uniformed tram employee that it is safe to pass.
The other quirky rule is the hook turn. These turns relate to a right turn being negotiated at some intersections where a tram operates. These intersections are clearly marked. To negotiate a turn such as this you must start from the far left hand lane.