Driving Licences
In WA you can use your UK licence for three months from the date of entry into the country. After that you will need to apply for an Australian licence. You can now transfer your UK license to an Australian license without having to do a test - all that is required are new photos, and of course your UK license! Driving licenses generally cost $35 per annum, or you can pay for the licence to run for longer periods of 3 or 5 years at a higher cost.

These fees are subject to continuing change and can be located at the learners site below. You can also download a version of the test from www.learners.wa.gov.au.


Speed Limits

Driving in Australia is very similar to driving in the UK (i.e. we drive on the left side of the road, and all cars are right-hand drive. The speed limits however are slightly different - generally slower:

40km per hour speed limit applies around schools at the start & end of the school day.
50km per hour speed limit applies in residential areas in towns & cities.
60km per hour in other residential and commercial zones.
70 or 80km per hour on dual carriageways
100km (or indicated) speed limit applies on most open roads and freeways.
110km per hour is the maximum speed allowed in WA and usually applies to country/bush roads


Road safety
It is compulsory for every person in a vehicle to wear a seat beat in Australia. An "on the spot" fine is issued to the driver if anyone in the vehicle is not wearing a seatbelt – and 3 demerit points on the driver's license.

It is a criminal offence in all Australian states and territories to drive a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol. The maximum legal blood alcohol level is .05 for private drivers, Zero if you are driving a coach or multi passenger vehicle.

''Booze buses'' are a West Australian police tactic to combat drink driving. Roadblocks are randomly set up where you must stop if directed, and be breathalysed. If you are over the limit, you will be charged. Adjoining roads are also patrolled by police to catch escaping drink drivers, so there is really no escaping a booze bus!


Car Rentals

Australia has all the major international car rental companies offering packages with your flight. However, some of the best deals can be found at a local, reputable car rental company. "Poms in Perth" can personally recommend Drivewest Car rentals who are known for their quality service and competitive rates. Their rates are always negotiable depending on the season. Click here to veiw their range of vehicles.



Buying a Car
If you can afford to purchase a new car, the savings are considerable compared to the UK, however used car savings are even greater. Buying from a dealer is always safer as it is a legal requirement to provide a warranty on all major parts.

Vehicles priced at $2000.01- $3999.99: 2 months warranty or 3000 km whichever occurs first
Vehicles priced at $4000.00 - or more : 3 months warranty or 5000 km whichever occurs first
Details are available from www.docep.wa.gov.au/default_cp.asp?id=cp&menu=menu_cp

All of the usual checks need to be taken when purchasing a car, however the RAC provide independent vehicle checks for a fee www.rac.com.au


Car Insurance & Road Tax (Rego)
All vehicles in WA are required to have a Licence Tax. This includes cars, motorcycles, trailers, caravans, trucks & buses. The Licence is payable in 6 or 12 month fees and is higher if you use the vehicle for business use.

This Licence also gives you a Third Party Insurance cover; therefore the law requires no extra insurance cover. However it is highly recommended that Fully Comprehensive cover be purchased to cover occupants, vehicles, fire & theft.

MOT
There is no equivalent to an annual MOT test in WA, however if you are stopped by the Police and they find that the vehicle is faulty in any way (tyres, lights etc.) you will be required to take the vehicle for a test to get a certificate of safety.

If you do not renew the Licence Tax on any vehicle and allow continuous cover, you will then be required to take the vehicle for a safety test to regain the licence plates and a vehicle safety certificate.

Fuel

Petrol prices vary from about $1.45 per litre upwards, Diesel from $1.80 upwards. Current fuel prices can be found here
Prices are cheapest mid-week in Perth. In rural areas, expect to pay more for fuel.