Driving in Australia - Car Hire

Hello

If I hire a car in Australia;

1. Do I just need my two part licence (photo and paper)?

2. Any recommendations for a company or portal to use?

3. Any gotchas over insurances etc?

Thx

Paul

Paul.

Re 1. I have never been asked for the paper part but always take it "just in case" so would suggest you do the same. y)

Re 2. When I have needed a car I have used Budget, but only because, when I have looked, they have been cheaper. y)

And I hope you have sorted your E-visitor visas. ?|

Paul.

Re 1. I have never been asked for the paper part but always take it "just in case" so would suggest you do the same. y)

Re 2. When I have needed a car I have used Budget, but only because, when I have looked, they have been cheaper. y)

And I hope you have sorted your E-visitor visas. ?|

David

Thanks. Thank you also for reminding me about the e-visitor visas. I seem to recall that they were done by the TA when we booked, but have taken the precaution of checking again and I have found the confirmation.

I've been asked once for both ( in Cairns) many moons ago. For my last two OZ jaunts I've rented solely from Hertz as the Amex Plat discount and insurance benefit have made all other providers much more expensive.
I've used Red Spot and Budget in the past without issue though .
A few words of warning - watch the speed restrictions ( some areas use ariel drones !!!) and also toll roads ( often leading to airports). Also beware driving at night in rural areas - Kangaroos are not averse to hopping out in front of you :0 .
Have a fab time .
DL

I use Hertz and only ever needed the card license.
Another warning about speed restrictions. They vary from state to state but beware the unmarked car standing at the side of a long straight with a guy (plain clothes) relaxing against the side door - and a camera pointing out the window.

I echo what DL and Bill S have said.....I have never seen as many traffic police and speed cameras as in my trips around OZ. I wondered what the appropriate polite collective noun was. I could think of one or two less polite. ):

Also be aware Paul, that the Australian police do random breath testing. At any time of day, they will pull up by the side of the road, stop all cars and breath test all drivers. Their BAC is less than ours...0.05 gm of alcohol per 100ml of blood as opposed to our 0.08. So watch out when you visit the Hunter Valley wineries.

I usually run a dummy booking with most of the car hire companies as we prefer to get a convertible whilst in Australia; the locals think we're loonies exposing ourselves to the sun. Book well in advance because it's not uncommon to find individuals turning up at airport car hire desks to find that there are no cars available,

Remember, also, that there is a surcharge on collection of cars from the airport and if you are going to use a toll road you will need to access the internet to pre-pay.

You might consider an annual CDW insurance policy if you travel regularly as that can reduce your hire car insurance dramatically.

Do check the car for dents and scratches on collection and again the next day; photograph and phone the car hire desk if you find something you missed after being on an aircraft for an eternity.

I echo the points already made about random breath testing (I've been stopped once), speed limits, police and dusk/night driving; adult kangaroos are large.

Also there are quite a number of fixed point cameras and average speed cameras in use across Australia, and the speed limit is vigorously enforced.

If you're tempted to use a radar detector, keep it low on the windscreen and, if stopped, get it off the windscreen fast as they are illegal except in Western Australia (I travel with a Valentine One).

Thanks all for the pointers.

The car is for the trip to the Hunter Valley :w but as they (intentionall) drive on the same side of the road as us MrsPJH is happy to share designated driver status ("another diet coke? Why not!") and we plan to do at least one day of taking an organised tour.

Now to start double checking everything and begin thinking about packing...

Thanks all for the pointers.

The car is for the trip to the Hunter Valley :w but as they (intentionall) drive on the same side of the road as us MrsPJH is happy to share designated driver status ("another diet coke? Why not!") and we plan to do at least one day of taking an organised tour.

Now to start double checking everything and begin thinking about packing...

Driving in Oz is easy so Mrs PJH will be fine .
Enjoy the Hunter Valley and Oz y) .


DL


PS Don't forget to use fast track immigration / customs on arrival into SYD- the wait can be horrendous if you forget :0 . Fast track lanes are clearly marked and there are usually marshalls milling about to direct those who look like they need direction after a lengthy flight .

PS Don't forget to use fast track immigration / customs on arrival into SYD- the wait can be horrendous if you forget :0 . Fast track lanes are clearly marked and there are usually marshalls milling about to direct those who look like they need direction after a lengthy flight .

Paul, Anticipating your question, EK hand out the required fast track cards to their J and F passengers (as well as golds travelling in Y). I would imagine that Qantas do the same. y)