Rental Cars Driving Tips in Melbourne

After Sydney, Australia’s second biggest city is Melbourne, offering visitors plenty to explore across the city and nearby areas. A rental car can give you more flexibility when your plans extend beyond places easily reached by public transport. If you’re collecting a vehicle in central Melbourne, review our Melbourne CBD Car Hire page for current city pickup and booking information before setting off.

As with driving in any unfamiliar city, there are several things to understand before getting behind the wheel. Here are some practical driving tips to help you travel safely around Melbourne and avoid unexpected surprises on the road.

Here we are sharing some of the driving tips to ensure safe drive in Melbourne and protect yourself from any unexpected surprises once you hit the road.

Trams in Melbourne:

It feels similar to drive in Melbourne as like other cities in Australia but there is one thing which makes a bit difference that’s Trams. While rental car driving in Melbourne, always keep an eye out for trams. Trams are very common and popular public transport in Central Melbourne, and drivers must give way to them. Melbourne has the world’s 3rd largest trams network. It is illegal in Melbourne to overtake a tram to their left. As a Car driver, you always need to ensure that the tram isn’t about to stop and let people out.

Toll Roads in Melbourne:

While driving in Melbourne, chances are very high to come across the toll roads. The chances of toll roads are very high, if you are driving around the city and to the airport. Number of toll roads operate in Melbourne including M3, Southern Link, Tullamarine Freeway and Batman Avenue. If you are unaware with these system then there are many car rental companies will have system in place to deal with the tolls. These tolls deduct payment automatically via an electronic tag attached with rental car. So, read the car rental policy before head out.

Driving Rules of Melbourne Roads:

As per Victoria Roads Rules, While driving use of mobile phones are not allowed. Always keep in mind to be in a left hand side of the road in Australia. Familiarise yourself with a hook turn. This is a unique turn in Melbourne where trams are also crossing an intersection. Signs will indicate that you need to turn right from the left hand lane.

Fuel:

While returning your car to the car rental service provider, you must ensure that you fill the fuel tank full. If you return the car without a full tank, car rental company will ask you for additional charges.