I recently booked flights to Australia, and I am planning a road trip there from Sydney to Cairns. I just learned that they drive on the other side of the road there! Can anyone advise whether it will be easy for someone coming from the US? Do I need to do anything with my license, or will they accept my American Driver’s License? I am very nervous; I may get into an accident…
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Hi @OZ_TRAVELLER I had the same feeling about it and Australia was the first country I had to learn driving on the other side as well. I used my European drivers license and since you are only visiting I believe your US one should be fine as well. I was very nervous and there might have been a few almost accidents but it was all fine in the end. My suggestion would be to drive a bit around a parking lot or something just to get used to it and have a passenger driving with you so they at least can be your navigational assistant while you focus on the road, and handling the gear being on the other side. But honestly after two days of driving it was all fine. You got it 
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Hi @OZ_TRAVELLER ,
Your license is valid in Australia, but you will also need an International Driver’s Permit you can get it from AAA in the US.
In relation to it being difficult it really depends on how much driving experience you have. In general you get used to it after a few days.
One trick that helped me when I lived there and still helps me when I travel:
- Incoming traffic always comes from the side of the driver, regardless of whether you are diving on the left or the right
Also be aware traffic regulations in Australia are slightly different than the US, so make sure you check those as well.
Safe travels 
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Ooo I was always nervous about this and turning, and I would have to always say Left turn little turn, right turn big turn to remind myself! Hope the rhyme helps
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Hey! So I came other round, I am from Japan (driving in the left) and I drive in Canada (the right), it wasn’t too difficult! Just make sure you know the rule in Australia because it may be different from the US. If you’re renting a car in Australia normally the rental car company should have an insurance.
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The roads in Australia are pretty straightforward. Most of the journey between Sydney and Cairns will be on easy straight roads (when outside the city), like in USA , so it should be quite straight forward.
My advice, don’t try and drive through the bigger cities like Sydney and Brisbane (Cairns should be ok). If you want to visit inner city, park n the outskirts and get public transport in, as this is where you will find it the hardest to drive.
After you get north of Brisbane, most roads are dual or single carriage roads - there are often overtaking lanes, I suggest always letting people overtake you there so you can feel more relaxed without others behind you.
I think you will adjust after a few days quite easily and will be a pro by the time you reach Cairns. If you have someone else with you, a second brain and pair of eyes can help you adjust too!
Don’t stress, go at your own pace and you will love the journey - there’s nothing like road tripping across Australia and all those magical places you will see!
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