Driving Licenses

In WA those who have obtained a permanent residency visa can use their overseas license for three months from the date of entry. After that you will need to apply for an Australian license, which requires you to pay a licence transfer fee, the computer based theory test has now been abolished. A one year driving license will cost $70-$80 for a car for the first year and $35 for every year after that. You can pay for the license to run for longer periods of 3 or 5 years at a higher cost.
These fees are subject to continuing change and can be located at the learners site below.
You can also download a version of the theory test for new drivers from http://www.learners.wa.gov.au.

Speed Limits (drive on the left in Australia)
40 klm per hour speed limit applies around schools at the start & end of the school day.
50 klm per hour speed limit applies in residential areas in towns & cities.
60 klm per hour in other residential and commercial zones.
100 klm (or indicated) speed limit applies on most open roads and freeways.

SPEEDING IN AUSTRALIA IS BIG BUSINESS. BE AWARE THAT SPEED CAMERAS ARE EVERYWHERE & THEY ARE MOVED REGULARLY. THEY CAN BE HIDDEN IN THE CENTRAL RESERVATION, BEHIND BUS STOPS, ABSOLUTELY ANYWHERE.YOU WILL NOT SEE A POLICE CAR NEAR THE MAJORITY OF CAMERAS AS THE OPERATION IS RUN BY A PRIVATE COMPANY ON BEHALF OF THE POLICE FORCE. THESE CAMERAS ARE CALLED MULTIOVAS & OPERATE 24 HOURS.BE AWARE.

Road Safety
It is compulsory for every person in a vehicle to wear a seat beat.
An "on the spot" fine is issued to the driver if anyone in the vehicle is not wearing a seatbelt.
It is a criminal offence in all Australian states and territories to drive a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol.
The maximum legal blood alcohol level is .05% for private drivers,
Zero percent (0%) if you are driving a coach or multi passenger vehicle.

''Booze busses'' are a West Australian police tactic to combat drink driving.
Roadblocks are set up where you must stop if directed, and breathalysed. If you are over the limit, you will be charged. Adjoining roads are also patrolled by police to catch escaping drink drivers.

Car Rentals
Australia has all of the major international car rental companies offering package deals with your flight. However some of the best deals can found at local dealerships. If you do rent locally be aware of the strict bond/deposit that is required to hire the vehicle.
A thorough inspection of the vehicle will take place before you drive away and upon your return. Any small paint chip can cause the bond to be lost as the small print clearly states the terms & conditions. Be aware of where you park and any clumsy shopper with a wayward trolley.Check out the links to find car hire websites.

Buying a Car (WA Only)
If you can afford to purchase a new car, the savings are considerable compared to Europe, however used car savings are even greater.
Buying from a dealer is always safer as it is a legal requirement to provide a warranty on all major parts.

Vehicles priced at $2000.01- $3999.99: 2 months warranty or 3000 km whichever occurs first
Vehicles priced at $4000.00 - or more : 3 months warranty or 5000 km whichever occurs first
Details available from;
http://www.docep.wa.gov.au/default_cp.asp?id=cp&menu=menu_cp

All of the usual checks need to taken when purchasing a car, however the RAC provide independent vehicle checks for a fee.
http://www.rac.com.au/

Car Insurance & Road Tax (Reggo)
All Vehicles in WA are eligible for a License Tax. This includes cars, motorcycles, trailers, caravans, trucks & buses.
The License is payable in 6 or 12 month fees and is higher if you use the vehicle for business use.
This License also gives you a Third Party Insurance cover; therefore the law requires no extra insurance cover.
However it is highly recommended that Fully Comprehensive cover be purchased to cover occupants, vehicles, fire & theft.
The RAC offer very competitive rates in all areas of insurance, vehicle, home & roadside assistance.(link above)

MOT
The annual MOT does not exist in WA, however if you are stopped by the Police and they find that the vehicle is faulty in any way (tyres, lights etc.) you will be required to take the vehicle for a test to get a certificate of safety. Also
If you do not renew the License Tax on any vehicle to allow continuous cover, you will then be eligible to take the vehicle for a safety test to regain the license plates and a vehicle safety certificate.

Petrol
Petrol prices vary from about 85 cents per litre upwards.
Prices are cheapest mid- week in Perth.
In rural areas the price can be well over $1 per litre.