Driving in Melbourne

Melbourne is an easy city to drive in due to its wide thoroughfares and simple grid city plan that is well sign-posted. As well, Melbourne’s three major freeways: the West Gate, the Monash and the Tullamarine; are conveniently linked by CityLink, a non-stop expressway.

The most important rule for travellers in Australia is that you drive on the left-hand side of the road. You must also wear a seatbelt and have your licence with you when you’re driving (you’ll be fined if you don’t). A driver’s licence from home will suffice for up to three months in Australia, as long as it has photo ID and it’s for the same class of vehicle you intend to drive. If you’re staying more than three months, you’ll need to get a Victorian licence. In Victoria, the speed limit on the open road rises to 100 km/hr and, in some sections of freeway, 110 km/hr.

Hook turns
To ensure that the trams get a clear way through some intersections, drivers turning right must do so from the left-hand lane. It’s known as a hook turn and will be clearly marked if it applies to an intersection.

To make a hook turn, simply move forward in the left-hand lane and wait on the far left-hand side of the road. When the lights turn orange, and the road is cleared of oncoming traffic, make a wide turn to the right.

Because tram lines share the roads with cars, drivers have to take care. Trams stop often and passengers often have to cross in front of a line of cars to get to the pavement. Cars must always stop behind a tram when it is stationary and the doors are open to give way to passengers stepping on or getting off the tram. Failing to do so not only lands you with a hefty fine but you could easily hit someone alighting from the tram. For more information on licences and Victorian road rules, visit the Vicroads website

Parking
Melbourne has thousands of parking meters and parking lots, though in peak times (Monday-Friday) it can be hard to find space for your vehicle. Most CBD streets and inner suburban shopping strips have coin-operated meters (there are hefty fines if you let the meter expire); for parking lots, expect to pay around $5 an hour, or $10–20 daily, although some offer discounts to moviegoers and shoppers.

Car hire
Melbourne and larger regional centres have plenty of local and international car rental firms, offering a variety of vehicles and deals. The minimum age to rent a car in Victoria is generally 25 years old, however some outlets will hire cars to under 25s, although surcharges and restrictions may apply. The main rental companies are Avis Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty.