Skip to content
Road rules abroad

Australia → United Kingdom

Driving in the UK when you know Australia

Differences first, worst-to-get-wrong first. Rules that match are folded away at the bottom.

What to check before you drive in the UK

These are the key destination rules to check first. The comparison below shows every verified difference. Follow local signs and instructions on the road.

Which side of the road do you drive on in the UK?
In the UK you drive on the left.
What is the speed limit in the UK?
70 mph on motorways, 70 mph on dual carriageways, 60 mph on country roads and 30 mph in towns and cities. Those are the national default limits, which apply where no sign says otherwise.
What is the drink driving limit in the UK?
The legal limit in the UK is 80 mg/100ml. England and Wales. Scotland uses a lower limit.
What do you have to carry in your car in the UK?
Nothing. The UK requires no equipment by law.

Read the full driving rules in the UK and the required car equipment in the UK .

Looking to rent a car? Rental agencies often have there own rules on driving ages and equipment, make sure you check with them before you travel.
We earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you. How we make money.

What's different (1)

Emergency number

Good to know
Australia · home000112 also works from mobile phones and reaches the same service.Checked 3 Aug 2026
UK · destination999112 also works and reaches the same service.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Known on one side only (38)

Speed limit on the motorway

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination70 mphChecked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Speed limit on country roads

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South Wales100 km/h — about 62 mphThe default outside built-up areas where no sign is posted. Motorways are signed up to 110.Checked 3 Aug 2026
UK · destination60 mphSingle carriageway roads.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Speed limit in towns and cities

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South Wales50 km/h — about 31 mphThe default in built-up areas where no sign is posted. School zones are 40.Checked 3 Aug 2026
UK · destination30 mphEngland and Scotland. Wales uses 20 mph as the default in built-up areas.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Wales20 mphThe default in built-up areas. Some roads are signed back up to 30.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

How much alcohol you may have in your blood

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South Wales0.05 % BAC — about 50 mg/100mlUnder 0.05 for a full (unrestricted) licence. NSW sets three limits by licence type and vehicle class, not one.Checked 19 Aug 2026
UK · destination80 mg/100mlEngland and Wales. Scotland uses a lower limit.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Scotland50 mg/100mlChecked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Whether you need an International Driving Permit

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South WalesDepends on where your licence is fromA current overseas licence in English is accepted on its own. A licence not in English needs an English translation or an International Driving Permit.Checked 3 Aug 2026
UK · destinationNot requiredA full foreign licence is accepted on its own for visits.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

What you must carry in the car

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destinationNothing — no equipment is legally requiredNothing is legally required. Drivers arriving from most of continental Europe expect a triangle and a vest to be compulsory here; they are not.Checked 20 Aug 2026 · official source

Speed limit on a dual carriageway

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination70 mphChecked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Speed limit when towing a trailer or caravan

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination
  • Motorway — 60 mph
  • Dual carriageway — 60 mph
  • Country roads — 50 mph
Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Alcohol limit for drivers who passed their test recently

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South Wales0 % BACZero for learner, P1 and P2 drivers. It also applies to a visiting driver holding an overseas or interstate learner or provisional licence, so the limit follows the licence you arrived on rather than your age.Checked 19 Aug 2026
UK · destinationNot yet verified

Youngest age you may drive

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South Wales17 yearsThe P1 provisional licence, which is the first one you may drive on alone. A learner licence comes at 16, but only with a full licence holder beside you. P1 drivers must not exceed 90 km/h.Checked 16 Aug 2026
Queensland17 yearsThe P1 provisional licence, which is the first one you may drive on alone. A learner licence comes at 16, but only with a supervisor.Checked 16 Aug 2026
Western Australia17 yearsSet by regulation 15(1)(a) of the Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Regulations 2014, which puts the minimum age to hold a driver's licence at 17. A learner's permit comes at 16.Checked 16 Aug 2026
UK · destination17 yearsChecked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Holding a phone while driving

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South WalesNot allowedTouching the phone at all is illegal while driving, including at lights.Checked 3 Aug 2026
UK · destinationNot allowedApplies to holding any device that can send or receive data, even at a red light.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Turning at a red light

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South WalesOnly where a sign allows itOnly at intersections with a "left turn on red permitted after stopping" sign, after a complete stop, giving way to traffic from the right.Checked 3 Aug 2026
UK · destinationNot allowedRed means stop for every direction. A separate green arrow is the only exception.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Who must wear a seatbelt

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destinationEveryone, in every seatA seatbelt must be worn in any seat that has one.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Age below which a child needs a child seat

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South Wales7 yearsUnder 7 needs an approved restraint for their age and size; 4 to 7 a forward-facing seat or booster.Checked 3 Aug 2026
UK · destination12 yearsUntil age 12 or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Height below which a child needs a child seat

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination135 cmUntil 135 cm tall or age 12, whichever comes first.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

What the lines and painted kerbs mean

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination
  • Double yellow line — no parking. No waiting at any time, even without an upright sign.
  • Single yellow line — no parking during signed hours. The hours are on nearby time plates, not on the road.
  • Double red line — no stopping. Red routes. No stopping at any time.
  • Single red line — no stopping. Red routes. Applies during the times shown on nearby signs.
  • White zigzag line — no stopping. Marks the approach to a pedestrian crossing.
Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Winter tyres

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destinationNot requiredChecked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Helmets on a motorbike or scooter

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South WalesRequired for rider and passengerThe law requires all motorcycle riders and their pillion or sidecar passengers to wear an approved helmet. It must meet AS/NZS 1698 or UN ECE Regulation 22 and carry the compliance mark.Checked 2 Sep 2026
QueenslandRequired for rider and passengerAll motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet that meets AS1698, AS/NZS1698 or UN ECE 22.05 or 22.06.Checked 2 Sep 2026
Western AustraliaRequired for rider and passengerRegulation 244 of the Road Traffic Code 2000: a motorcycle, including a moped, must not be ridden unless the rider wears an approved helmet, and any passenger must wear one too.Checked 2 Sep 2026
UK · destinationRequired for rider and passengerRider and passenger. The helmet must meet an approved standard and be fastened. Sikhs wearing a turban are exempt.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Largest motorbike or scooter you may ride on a car licence

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South WalesNone — you need a motorcycle licenceYou need a rider licence to use any motorcycle, trike or motor scooter on NSW roads. The page gives no engine size below which a car licence is enough, and does not say whether overseas licences differ.Checked 2 Sep 2026
Queensland
  • Engine up to 50 cc
  • Top speed up to 50 km/h
A class C car licence covers a moped: an internal combustion engine of at most 50 mL (the page's unit, equal to 50 cc) or an electric motor, and in either case a manufacturer's top rated speed of at most 50 km/h. The page gives no power figure for the electric version. On a car licence you must not carry a passenger. The page does not say whether overseas licences get the same allowance.Checked 2 Sep 2026
Western Australia
  • Engine up to 50 cc
  • Top speed up to 50 km/h
An unrestricted C class licence also authorises R-N mopeds: a motorcycle designed not to be capable of exceeding 50 km/h that either has an engine of at most 50 cc or is not powered by a piston engine. The speed limit applies to both; the engine limit only to piston engines, and the page gives no power figure for the electric version. It does not say whether interstate or overseas licences get the same allowance.Checked 2 Sep 2026
UK · destination
  • Engine up to 50 cc
A full car licence lets you ride a moped up to this engine size without L plates or a moped test. If you passed your car test on or after 1 February 2001 you must first complete a compulsory basic training (CBT) course. Anything larger needs CBT and the motorcycle tests. The Highway Code's Annex 2 defines the two-wheeled moped class by a maximum design speed of 45 km/h (28 mph) rather than by engine size; that figure is not on the page cited here. Stated for licences issued in Great Britain; the source does not say whether foreign car licences get the same allowance.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

What a rider must wear or carry

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South Wales
  • Gloves
  • High-visibility vest
Only for learner and provisional riders. Learner riders must wear an approved hi-vis vest or jacket. Learner, P1 and P2 riders must wear approved protective gloves from 1 July 2026. The page sets no gear rule for full licence holders.Checked 2 Sep 2026
UK · destinationNothing beyond a helmetNo law requires protective clothing beyond the helmet. Eye protection is advised, and if worn it must meet an approved standard.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

How you pay for motorways

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination
  • Toll booths
  • City charges
Almost all motorways are free. The M6 Toll and several bridges and tunnels charge. London and Durham charge to drive in the city centre.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Alcohol limit for professional drivers

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South Wales0.02 % BACUnder 0.02 for vehicles over 13.9 tonnes gross vehicle mass, vehicles carrying dangerous goods, and public vehicles such as taxis and buses.Checked 19 Aug 2026
UK · destinationNot yet verified

How long you may drive on your own licence

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South Wales6 monthsAs a temporary overseas visitor. After that, a NSW visitor licence is needed.Checked 3 Aug 2026
UK · destination12 monthsCounted from when you last entered Great Britain.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

When you must switch your headlights on

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destinationNot requiredHeadlights are required at night and when visibility is seriously reduced.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Hands-free phone calls

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South WalesAllowed, with restrictionsFull licence holders may use a cradle or hands-free. Learner and provisional drivers may not use a phone at all.Checked 3 Aug 2026
UK · destinationAllowedThe phone must be in a holder or fully hands-free, and must not block your view.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Who has priority at a roundabout

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destinationTraffic already on the roundabout goes firstGive way to traffic approaching from your right, unless signs say otherwise.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Parking on the pavement

Varies by region
Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destinationNo single national answer:
EnglandAllowedExcept London, where it is banned. Discouraged everywhere, and obstructing the pavement can be fined.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
ScotlandNot allowedChecked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
WalesAllowedDiscouraged, and obstructing the pavement can be fined.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Parking facing against the traffic

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destinationAllowedBy day only. At night you must not park facing against the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

How far you must park from a junction or crossing

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination
  • A junction — 10 m
Advisory rather than a fixed law, except where markings say otherwise.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Youngest age you may ride the smallest class of scooter

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South Wales17 yearsNSW has no separate moped licence. The P1 rider licence is the first one you may ride on alone. It needs age 17 and 3 months on a learner rider licence, which starts at 16 years 9 months.Checked 2 Sep 2026
Queensland17 yearsQueensland has no moped licence. A moped may be ridden on a class C car licence, whose P1 stage starts at 17. The RE motorcycle licence needs a car licence already held for a year, so it cannot come earlier.Checked 2 Sep 2026
Western Australia16 yearsRegulation 15(1)(b) of the Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Regulations 2014 sets 16 for a moped licence, which is class R endorsed N. A moped learner's permit comes at 15 years 6 months.Checked 2 Sep 2026
UK · destination16 yearsCategory AM. CBT, a theory test and a practical test are needed for a full moped licence.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Riding between lanes of slow traffic

Varies by region
Australia · homeNo single national answer:
New South WalesAllowed, with restrictionsOnly fully licensed riders, and only below 30 km/h through stopped or slow traffic. Not next to the kerb, next to parked vehicles or in school zones. Passing traffic at over 30 km/h is lane splitting, which is an offence.Checked 2 Sep 2026
QueenslandAllowed, with restrictionsOnly open (full) licence holders, at 30 km/h or less, between stopped or slow vehicles going the same way. Not in school zones during school hours, not where a no filtering sign applies, and not between a vehicle and the kerb.Checked 2 Sep 2026
Western AustraliaAllowed, with restrictionsLegal since 2021 at 30 km/h or less, between lanes of stopped or slow traffic going the same way. Not for learner permit holders. Not where the speed limit is 40 km/h or less, in school zones, at crossings, beside the kerb or parked cars, in bicycle or bus lanes, next to heavy vehicles, or on roundabouts.Checked 2 Sep 2026
UK · destinationAllowedNo law bans filtering. The Highway Code tells riders to take care and keep their speed low when filtering in slow-moving traffic, and tells drivers to expect it.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Smallest motorbike allowed on the motorway

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination
  • Engine at least 50 cc
  • Power at least 4 kW
The rule is set by engine size, not vehicle class: riders of motorcycles under 50 cc (4 kW) must not use motorways, so a machine of exactly 50 cc is allowed. The Highway Code gives the power figure in brackets as the equivalent of the engine size rather than as a separate test. Riders holding only a provisional motorcycle licence must not use motorways either.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Headlights on a motorbike in daytime

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destinationNot requiredDipped headlights in daylight are advised to make the rider easier to see, but they are not required.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Low-emission zones

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destinationIn many citiesLondon has its own ultra low emission zone. Clean air zones operate in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Tyneside, and Scottish cities have separate low emission zones. Most only charge vehicles that miss emissions standards.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Congestion charges

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destinationIn some citiesLondon and Durham.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Whether police can fine you on the spot

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destinationYes — visitors must pay at the roadsideFixed penalties are normally paid later, not at the roadside. A driver who cannot give a UK address must pay a deposit on the spot.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

What you should carry, but do not have to

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination
  • Warning triangle
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • High-visibility vest
Advised, not required. One motorway exception is worth knowing: do not set a warning triangle out on a motorway hard shoulder — get behind the barrier instead.Checked 20 Aug 2026 · official source

Typical fines

Australia · homeNot yet verified
UK · destination
  • Holding a phone — fine from 200 GBP, 6 points (Drivers who passed their test within the last 2 years lose their licence instead.)
Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Same in both (2)