Tourists need to understand how to drive safely in Victoria. This section highlights some of the unique aspects of driving in Victoria.

For more detailed information, please read Driving in Victoria: rules and responsibilities[PDF, 1.56 MB, 104 pp.].

Keeping left
Hook turns
Trams
Tram lanes
Bicycle lanes
U-turns
International and interstate licences
Seat belts and child restraints

Keeping left  
Overseas visitors are reminded that (like in all other states in Australia) vehicles are driven on the left side of the road in Victoria.

Hook turns  
At some intersections in Melbourne where trams operate, to turn right you must do a 'hook turn'. These intersections are clearly marked, with a sign hanging overhead or on the side of the road.

To do a hook turn a driver must:

1. Approach and enter the intersection from, as near as practicable, to the far left side of the road.
2. Move forward, keeping to the left of the intersection and clear of any marked foot crossing until the driver is as near as practicable to the far side of the road the driver is entering.
3. Then wait until the traffic lights on the road they are entering into turn green before they make the turn. 

• Drivers may only overtake a tram on the left.
• Do not drive past the rear of a stopped tram. Drivers must stop level with the rear of the tram and wait for people to get on and off. Drivers may only drive past if a red traffic light ahead turns to green, or if a uniformed tram employee signals them through. However, this is only if the road is clear of pedestrians and provided that they drive at 10 km/h or less.
• If drivers are already passing when the tram stops, they must give way to pedestrians on the road between the tram and the far left side of the road.
• Drivers must drive to the left of a safety zone, and slowly enough to be able to stop and avoid pedestrians.

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Tram lanes   
Some roads in Melbourne have tram lanes.

• Tram lanes are designated by a tram lane sign (which may indicate hours of operation) and a continuous yellow line.
• A driver must not drive in a tram lane during the times it is operational, except for up to 100 metres before turning, so long as they do not obstruct the progress of a tram.

Bicycle lanes  

• Bicycle lanes are indicated by a bicycle lane sign and a continuous or broken white line.
• A driver must not drive in a bicycle lane during the times it is operational, except for up to 50 metres before turning or when parking.

 
U-turns  
In Victoria, U-turns are permitted at intersections with signals unless there is a ‘no U-turn’ sign.

International and interstate licences 
Drivers from interstate and overseas who want to drive in Victoria see: Licencing: New Residents & Visitors.

Seat belts and child restraints 
Everyone in a vehicle (unless exempt) must wear a seatbelt, if there is one fitted and available for use in the vehicle.

It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that passengers under 16 years old are appropriately restrained:

• Babies under 12 months must use a suitable approved child restraint that is properly fastened and adjusted and correctly installed.
• Children (aged 1-16 years) must use a seatbelt or an appropriate child restraint which is properly adjusted and fastened and correctly installed.

For more information refer to Seat Belts and Child Restraints

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