Cars and Motoring in Perth Western Australia
- Topic 9
General
There are around 813,000 km (500,000 miles) of roads in Australia. The quality of these highways varies considerably from the freeways (motorways) around the major cities to the dirt tracks where only 4x4 owners would venture. Major roads connect the states and territories, primary roads serve the principal centres of population.
Like motorists in every country, Australians have their idiosyncrasies and customs. It is our opinion that they definitely aren't the best drivers in the world, especially here in West Australia, something we put down to the fact that up until recent years they didn't have road signs, roundabouts or speed cameras (more on them later) let alone booze busses. In fact many an Aussie bushman will tell you that rather than miles or kilometres as a guide they often talked in terms of how many beers would be consumed on a journey. Unfortunately some people still have this attitude to the way they behave on the road, although the authorities are much stricter with the laws than in the recent past. Among male drivers, especially between the ages of 17-25 there is still a macho image to be portrayed, fed by the availability of old V8 vehicles which until recent years were particularly popular. We think this is because of the cheap fuel which varies from 82-98cents a litre.
Driving Licence
Each state or territory in Australia has its own road rules and laws so you must make your self aware of these they also have varying regulations regarding driving licences. Information on rules, regulations and licences can be found on the following web site for WA. You will be required to apply for a WA licence if you have a residency visa, after 3 months in West Australia, it is a matter of producing your UK licence and, nothing to worry about at all! If you do not hold a UK licence you will have to do a practical test as well as a theory test. It is a good idea to apply for your Australian licence on arrival as it comes in very useful for identity purposes when you open bank accounts, rent property or connect utilities. You simply go to the nearest Licensing Centre, most towns have them. Anyone over 17 is able to hold a West Australian drivers licence.
To Import or not
Australian migrants with permanent residence may import one vehicle in any 12 month period. A vehicle must have been used overseas for at least 12 consecutive months (unless the vehicle is over 15 years old - that rules out most cars from the UK) and the vehicle must be right hand drive. All imported vehicles must meet Australia's safety, emissions and anti-theft standards and must comply with safety requirements relating to lighting, seat belts, child restraints and glazing. The standards are available on vimports@dotrs.gov.au Most international shippers can arrange for the shipment of your vehicle but shop around for quotes. An Application for Vehicle Import Approval form must be submitted to the customs at the intended port of entry. Quarantine clearance will be required from the port and will be carried out to check for soil, seeds, insects and anything which may bring in disease to Australia. It is prudent therefore to have the car thoroughly steam cleaned inside and outside before shipment. Customs clearance is performed at the port of entry this will include payment of duty and GST (Goods and Services Tax equivalent to Vat - presently 10%) The duty and tax payable is revised from time to time so you will need to check rates. In 2000 it was from 0 -15% depending on the age of the vehicle. If you are seriously considering importing a vehicle it would be best to check if the model you are intending to bring to Australia is available in Australia since there are problems with imported vehicles when parts are needed for service or repair. Personally we would suggest that unless you have a particularly unusual or rare vehicle which you wish to keep it is best to buy something when you arrive here.
Buying a Car in Perth
If you are purchasing a vehicle in West Australia you will be required to sign an offer, the salesman will be eager to entice you to do so as once you have signed the offer it is a legal document which binds you to the sale. You will find that you can not simply say will you take X amount for this vehicle as you would in the UK with an option to change your mind, so you must be certain that the vehicle you sign the offer for is the one you will purchase. This is how it works regardless of the car being new or second hand. Second hand vehicles tend to keep their price better than in the UK due to the climatic conditions which have very little effect on the body work of the vehicle, therefore a 20 year old car can still look good. It is difficult to find "an old bomb" under about $5000 since in Western Australia there is not an equivalent of the MOT it is quite feasible for a vehicle to have left the dealership years before and it may never have been in a garage since! It is an idea because of the lack of safety check to have the vehicle inspected by a reputable garage or the RAC who will do a check for you for approximately $200. Once you have purchased a vehicle the only legal requirement in Western Australia is that you register the vehicle in your name and pay the duty each year (this is commonly referred to as "reggo") in order to keep the vehicle on the road.
Insurance
In Western Australia it is not compulsorily to have motor insurance since the only insurance required by law is third party bodily injury insurance, this is included in the cost of the registration of your vehicle. However it must be noted that this does not cover third party property damage so if you choose not to take out extra insurance you could find yourself being sued for property damage in the event of an accident. Most insurance companies are happy to supply quotes for either Third Party Property or Fully Comprehensive Insurance we have found that our insurance has been less than in the UK.
Speed Camera's
Speed cameras are seen as a scourge by most Western Australian drivers, they are everywhere and if you exceed the limit by as little as 4km ph you are likely to get a flash. Portable equipment is set up at the side of the road in and around Perth, often hidden in bushes or next to dark coloured buildings so they are difficult to see until it is too late. If you are travelling at over 9km ph over the limit you will also be issued with penalty points on your licence. Each point stays on the licence for a period of 3 years and each licence is allowed 12 points before it is revoked. It is the consensus of opinion that the main reason for the cameras is not safety but a way of raking in revenue for the state governments. Always stay within the speed limit and remember it is only 40km in some areas around schools and 50km in built up areas unless there are signs stating otherwise.
Booze Busses
The police set up road blocks at anytime during the day or night in and around Perth and carry out breath tests on all drivers who happen to be travelling along the particular stretch of road. The limit is .05 which in general is 2 standard drinks in the first hour and one an hour after that. If you are on P plates (probationary plates issued to drivers with less than 2 years driving experience) the limit is .02. Again large fines and penalty points apply, or in more severe cases the licence is revoked. It is said that every driver in Western Australia should expect to be breathalysed at least once a year and this has been true in our experience. It doesn't stop some people though especially the men who often go to the pubs after work on a Friday and then drive home! We have followed vehicles where the driver has thrown beer bottles out of his window at regular intervals, however in general most people are sensible about drink driving. So migrants to Perth beware!
Ford V Holden
Ford and Holden are the most popular manufacturers in Australia and both companies produce similar size vehicles to appeal to the general public. Most Australians are either Ford or Holden fanatics and there is much rivalry as to which manufacturer produces the best vehicle. It is not uncommon to see vehicles displaying signs such as "I would rather push my Ford than drive a Holden" or visa versa, each camp will go as far as banning their mates from parking their Ford or Holden in the driveway if it is the wrong marque.
West Australians love their cars!
Eve
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