Driving in Australia

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Master Geek

#1527060 6-Apr-2016 15:29

If you're flying into the Gold Coast (OOS) airport like we usually do there are no toll roads between the airport and the Gold Coast strip. Generally pretty easy to navigate around and we've never had any issues with NZ licence or road rules.

I have holiday envy now

Kyanar

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#1527126 6-Apr-2016 16:26

Horseychick:

If you're flying into the Gold Coast (OOS) airport like we usually do there are no toll roads between the airport and the Gold Coast strip. Generally pretty easy to navigate around and we've never had any issues with NZ licence or road rules.

I have holiday envy now

I think you'll find that's OOL (Coolangatta) not OOS.

In terms of toll roads, they are quite easy to avoid if you drive into Brisbane. A quickfire list is:

Gateway Motorway - (about $2.50) Brisbane Airport down to the Pacific Motorway and Logan Motorway
Logan Motorway - (about $5.00) East/West between Ipswich and Logan
GoBetween Bridge - (about $4.50) River crossing immediately beside the free Captain Cook Bridge. Most expensive river crossing in the world on a per-kilometre basis
Gateway Bridge (about $4.50) River crossing as part of the Gateway Motorway, directly south of Brisbane Airport
Clem7 Tunnel (about $5.00) Tunnel underneath the river between Fortitude Valley/Herston and the Pacific Motorway/Ipswich Road
AirportLink Tunnel (about $5.00) Tunnel running between the ICB at Kelvin Grove, Kedron, and Nundah
Legacy Way (about $4.00) Tunnel running from the ICB at Kelvin Grove to Toowong

Generally all these roads have blue motorway signs rather than the regular green, and clearly say the word "Toll" on them. The lanes leading to them also often have blue squares painted onto the road telling you you're about to end up on one too. There are no toll roads in Queensland outside the Greater Brisbane Area (Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan).

PhantomNVD

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#1527136 6-Apr-2016 16:55

sonyxperiageek:
blakamin:

Not sure if it legal in QLD to use your phone as a GPS (stupidest rule ever) even when mounted..

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Queensland-road-rules/Road-rules-refresher/Mobile-phone-use.aspx

Are you on a restricted licence?

Yes I am on Restricted license. I just read somewhere that if you have a NZ license, the conditions of the NZ license will apply. Does that mean it won't translate to a P1 or something license in Australia?

"Also, a mobile phone that is mounted in a hands-free mounting bracket on the windscreen must not obscure the driver’s view of the road."

From reading that link, so long as you're not talking on the phone hands-free, it should be okay?

From the earlier link:

Road rules refresher
+
You are here:
Home
Safety
Queensland road rules

Can I use a mobile phone that is hands-free?

Yes so long as you are not a learner driver, P plater or probationary licence holder under the age of 25 years.

If I’m a learner driver or P plater under the age of 25 years can I use a mobile phone hands free?

There is a ban on all mobile phone use (including hands-free) for:

learner drivers under 25 years of age
P1 provisional drivers under 25 years of age
P1 probationary licence holders and P1 restricted licence holders who hold a restricted licence because of a young driver disqualification offence.

This read like a total ban on mobile use for a learner driver, with no exceptions!

sonyxperiageek

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#1527291 6-Apr-2016 20:09

PhantomNVD:
sonyxperiageek:

blakamin:

Not sure if it legal in QLD to use your phone as a GPS (stupidest rule ever) even when mounted..

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Queensland-road-rules/Road-rules-refresher/Mobile-phone-use.aspx

Are you on a restricted licence?

Yes I am on Restricted license. I just read somewhere that if you have a NZ license, the conditions of the NZ license will apply. Does that mean it won't translate to a P1 or something license in Australia?

"Also, a mobile phone that is mounted in a hands-free mounting bracket on the windscreen must not obscure the driver’s view of the road."

From reading that link, so long as you're not talking on the phone hands-free, it should be okay?

From the earlier link:

Road rules refresher
+
You are here:
Home
Safety
Queensland road rules

Can I use a mobile phone that is hands-free?

Yes so long as you are not a learner driver, P plater or probationary licence holder under the age of 25 years.

If I’m a learner driver or P plater under the age of 25 years can I use a mobile phone hands free?

There is a ban on all mobile phone use (including hands-free) for:

learner drivers under 25 years of age
P1 provisional drivers under 25 years of age
P1 probationary licence holders and P1 restricted licence holders who hold a restricted licence because of a young driver disqualification offence.

This read like a total ban on mobile use for a learner driver, with no exceptions!

But because I am have a NZ Restricted License, only the restricted license rules apply to me according to this I think: http://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/driving/index.html

Sony

sonyxperiageek

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#1527292 6-Apr-2016 20:10

eracode:

sonyxperiageek:

Cool thanks. :-)

Speaking of maps, I'm planning to just use my phone. Instead of starting up a new topic, is there like a 2degreesmobile in Australia? Something cheap, and with decent data.

Assuming you're referring to GPS, you could try Here Maps on your phone. Works brilliantly offline - just download the maps first.

Google Maps can be set up to provide directions offline too.

I'll probably find an Optus SIM and use the $2 a day, as hotel wifi is only free in the lobby apparently...

Sony

sonyxperiageek

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#1527293 6-Apr-2016 20:11

In terms of Toll Roads, I'll check the "Avoid Toll Roads" option on Google Maps Navigation.

Sony

Kyanar

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#1527294 6-Apr-2016 20:15

sonyxperiageek:

I'll probably find an Optus SIM and use the $2 a day, as hotel wifi is only free in the lobby apparently...

That's $2 a day for 500MB, or $4 a day for 1GB. And once you hit 1GB, that's it.

PhantomNVD

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#1527299 6-Apr-2016 20:31

sonyxperiageek: But because I am have a NZ Restricted License, only the restricted license rules apply to me according to this I think: http://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/driving/index.html

But on that same page further down...
" Learn the Queensland road rules

If you are driving on your overseas licence, make sure you understand the Queensland road rules.

Read more about driving safely in Queensland. " <- linked straight back to the page that had the mobile phone restrictions.

IMHO if you're under 25, use a gps instead of a mobile, 'cos police have a much better opportunity tomake your life difficult if you make theirs difficult

sonyxperiageek

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#1527331 6-Apr-2016 21:14

PhantomNVD:
sonyxperiageek: But because I am have a NZ Restricted License, only the restricted license rules apply to me according to this I think: http://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/driving/index.html

But on that same page further down...
" Learn the Queensland road rules

If you are driving on your overseas licence, make sure you understand the Queensland road rules.

Read more about driving safely in Queensland. "
IMHO if you're under 25, use a gps instead of a mobile, 'cos police have a much better opportunity tomake your life difficult if you make theirs difficult

That's where the lawyer makes good money I suppose! :P

It does say "P1 license holder and under 25". A NZ Restricted License isn't a P1 license. I completely understand what you are saying, don't get me wrong. I am not trying to pull you down for mentioning that. :-)

Sony

PhantomNVD

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#1527337 6-Apr-2016 21:31

Mobile phone restrictions

Learner and P1 provisional drivers under 25 must not use hands-free, wireless headsets or a mobile phone’s loudspeaker function.

Learner and P1 provisional drivers’ passengers are also banned from using a mobile phone’s loudspeaker function."

If they are that strict that even passengers on a loudspeaker call are banned, you really will be pushing your luck if pulled over on an NZ restricted I'd say...

The AU$353 fine is much more than an old Navman would cost.

All good either way, your call, and wallet! 👍

Batman

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#1527338 6-Apr-2016 21:33

can one drive in Oz on a NZ restricted?

Involuntary autocorrect in operation on mobile device. Apologies in advance.

sonyxperiageek

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#1527339 6-Apr-2016 21:39

joker97:

can one drive in Oz on a NZ restricted?

It doesn't say you can't! Just that you have to follow the same rules on your license as if you were in NZ..

Sony

Stu

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#1527342 6-Apr-2016 21:47

Might want to check. Looks like our Restricted is the same as their Provisional or P1.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

lNomNoml

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#1527358 6-Apr-2016 22:19

johnr: Driving is OZ is like driving in NZ not much to it, Done it a number of times just watch out for Kangaroos

watch out for the Aussies also.

Oblivian

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#1527360 6-Apr-2016 22:23

lNomNoml:

johnr: Driving is OZ is like driving in NZ not much to it, Done it a number of times just watch out for Kangaroos

watch out for the Aussies also.

So true, you may find yourself on an empty road if it pisses down. While they all pull over under bridges and side streets to wait it out. I've not seen it first hand, But heard of a few expats raise a brow. Apparently it's not terribly normal conditions to drive in enough to be confident.

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