Need Some Info On Driving

Slaterrr · 24-02-2007, 02:47 AM

I'm taking lessons in England at the minute but i was wondering if i should take my theory and practice test in England or Australia. We're Looking to move to Queensland and i was wondering if their tests are easier or harder ect. Plus can you use a GB license over there or does it have to be a Australian one because if i took a test over here would it be a waste of money due to having to take another over there?
thanks a lot.
waiting for replys

calNgary · 24-02-2007, 10:35 AM

Hiya ,you are allowed to drive on your uk licence for 3 or 4 month not sure which ,then you can do a straight swap for a Queensland one.Unlike the uk you pay for a licence here and the max is 5yrs then you get another etc,it cost me $50 for a 5yr one last month.Driving standards are pretty bad here and i have been told the test is easier than the Uk ,,but,, if you know the Uk rules it may be better to do it there as some rules are slightly different here ,hope this helps
Cal x

Slaterrr · 24-02-2007, 07:01 PM

Alright, thats a great help, thanks a lot =]]

fatpom · 25-02-2007, 02:32 AM

The Australian test is easier - I've done both.
However, one issue I've neglected to mention on this type of question previously is that not being licensed will restrict in some cases your ability to take up work - not all areas have public transport. It depends on the type of work you're going to be doing. Many business parks or industrial parks are not served well or at all by public transport.

Busy Bee · 25-02-2007, 11:09 AM

I had a refund for the written test I took in Sept 2006. It seems that you can now get a Queensland Drivers Licence by showing your Full UK Licence. This ruling should have been so from March 2006 hence the money back for the written test. Still have to pay for the privilege though! In general driving here is a breeze compared to London!

Hope that helps
Gita

Stuju · 28-02-2007, 11:13 PM

Hi, I arrived here in oz in aug 06 in New South Wales and i have been able to obtain a australian driving licence without having to take a test of any type here (not sure if there changes from state to state) woudnt it be better for you to take your test in the uk as from what i can see and have heard you should obtain a full drivers licence here straight away.
The newly passed here (as in younger peolpe than me lol) have to become red & green p platers for several years before getting a full/proper licence which appears to take several years and they do have some tight restrictions that they have to abide by.Hope this helps a little
gizmo

Koala Konnection · 02-03-2007, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slaterrr

I'm taking lessons in England at the minute but i was wondering if i should take my theory and practice test in England or Australia. We're Looking to move to Queensland and i was wondering if their tests are easier or harder ect. Plus can you use a GB license over there or does it have to be a Australian one because if i took a test over here would it be a waste of money due to having to take another over there?
thanks a lot.
waiting for replys

I'd take the test here. People who shouldn't pass seem to. I've been told it's so easy and knowing those that have just passed who have told me this I'd have to agree with them. The road rules do differ to the UK in parts - usually the parts where cars and pedestrians and cars come into conflict... Great idea letting 'foreigners' avoid passing a simple highway code test. Needless to say it probably saves the Gov more money than they have to pay out for injury/death. Remarkable feat of stupidity, if you ask me. Why do you think it's mentioned time and time again on forums like this that the driving habits of the locals is diabolical... No one knows the rules...

Welcome to tailgate city.

Paul.

ali · 02-03-2007, 08:43 AM

I was recently in a car crash with someone (ironically) from a driving school. He thought he could cross two lanes and get onto the carriageway going in the opposite direction before I got to him... needless to say he couldn't and I crashed into him. I will find out who he worked for... so you can avoid having lessons with him

fatpom · 02-03-2007, 10:26 AM

I took driving lessons before taking my test in Aus to sort out any bad habits I assumed I'd developed. Couldn't believe some of the things this guy tried to teach me. Gave me a bollocking for stopping on Amber - said I'd wreck his car doing that. And he's correct by the way.
Tried to teach me to change lanes across an intersection. Insisted I pull up & stop over the pedestrian crossing causing pedestrians to walk around the front of the bonnet. Took exception to any kind of considerate practices such as letting other cars in even when at stand still.
The things I've seen driving in Sydney especially, would scare third world drivers

Koala Konnection · 02-03-2007, 11:20 AM

City drivers, eh? Tuh! Tuh!

I read with delight how some country bumpkin was trying to impress upon his city counterparts a reason for dipping your lights to oncoming traffic early. Without getting the tape measure out we all know when it's appropriate to do so, but this dude was suggesting we change our habits considerably.

He makes a point of dipping his 2kms in advance of an oncoming vehicle, although if he gets a chance he'll opt for 5kms! Most do, it seems.

Slaterrr, you wanna take your test in the outback. Nice long straight roads with only a dingo or roo to bump into. Can't see too many roundabouts or nasty bends causing you much of a problem there.

And then you can come to the coast and practice your tailgating skills. Get a big 4WD and light up the inside of the car in front - even on dipped lights.

Brain probably removed at birth...

Ali, you go sue girl!

P.