driving in america as an australian

You’ll be driving on the right and sitting on the left—do try not to kerb the wheels on day one. In many states you can turn right on red after a full stop unless a sign forbids it, and at four‑way stops it’s first‑come, first‑served (or give way to the car on your right if you tie). Speed limits are in mph—65 mph is roughly 105 km/h—so reset the brain before the highway run.

Your Australian licence is generally accepted for visitors, but carry your passport and consider an International Driving Permit; some rental desks insist on it because, well, rules. Rental companies usually want drivers 25+ (under‑25s often pay a surcharge), and decent insurance matters—spring for liability top‑up and loss‑damage cover unless you enjoy financial cliff‑dives. Tolls are a patchwork of cashless systems, so expect “convenience” fees for the rental’s transponder or plan routes/pay‑by‑plate to dodge the gouge; phone, seatbelt and school‑bus laws vary by state, so check local DMV guidance before you roll.