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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 of the major international car rental companies offering
package deals with your flight. However some of the best deals can found
at local dealerships. If you do rent locally be aware of the strict bond/deposit
that is required to hire the vehicle.
A
thorough inspection of the vehicle will take place before you drive away
and upon your return. Any small paint chip can cause the bond to be lost
as the small print clearly states in the terms & conditions. Be aware
of where you park and any clumsy shopper with a wayward trolley.
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.