Do cars drive on the right in Australia?

No, cars do not drive on the right in Australia. Australia drives on the left-hand side of the road, which is the same as the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, India and about 30% of the world. This means the steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the car, you drive on the left lane, and you overtake on the right. Roundabouts go clockwise, and you give way to the right. For visitors from countries that drive on the right like the USA, Europe and China, this can be confusing, especially at intersections and roundabouts. The left-hand driving rule applies to all states and territories including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, ACT and Northern Territory. It applies to all vehicles including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and bicycles. Pedestrians also generally keep left on footpaths. If you are visiting Australia and renting a car, you will be given a right-hand drive car and you must drive on the left. International drivers can drive on their overseas licence for up to 3 to 6 months depending on state, but must obey left-side driving. Police strictly enforce wrong-side driving as a serious offence. The reason Australia drives on the left is historical, inherited from British colonial rule in 1788, and has continued because changing to right-hand driving would cost billions in road signage and vehicle compliance. All road signs, traffic lights and road markings are set up for left-side driving.