Are you planning on surveying the sights of Melbourne from the air-conditioned comfort of a car hire? If so, deciding where to get your Melbourne car rental when you arrive in our beautiful city is just the first step. There are also a few more things it’s important for New Zealand visitors to consider if they want to use a vehicle during their visit across the ditch.

Driver’s licence

Kiwis can generally use their New Zealand driver’s licences in Australia, provided they haven’t expired or been suspended. This is only for the first three months of your visit, though – if you’re planning on staying longer, you’ll probably have to apply for an Australian driver’s licence in the state or territory you’re living in.

Road rules

When visiting any country, it’s important to take a look at the road rules and familiarise yourself with any that may be different from your own. While both Aussies and Kiwis drive on the same side of the road, there are a few car tricks – such as the delightful hook turn – that you might want to read up on before you have to perform them in real life.

The Victorian government’s VicRoads website has videos and an easy-to-use guide on Victoria’s road rules.

Toll roads

Blue signs with gold lettering mean one thing in Melbourne: toll road ahead. Gone, however, are the days of throwing change at toll road operators as you drive past – all tolls are collected via electronic tags now.

If you’re planning on frequenting toll roads while visiting Melbourne, purchase a Melbourne Pass online. Tolls will be automatically charged to your chosen credit card when you drive past a toll point, leaving you free to focus on where you’re heading. This pass will last for up to 30 days, and can be renewed for a further 30 days if necessary.