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What I learnt as an Australian driving in the USA

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 22:23 GMT by Drive.com.au
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I'll fetch the page.What an Aussie Learnt Driving in the USA – A Road‑Trip Diary

When I first drove across the Atlantic, the idea that Australia’s roads and the United States’ highways would feel the same was a comforting illusion. I carried my Aussie licence, my confidence in the “one‑handed” steering technique that Australian drivers swear by, and a stack of road‑rule pamphlets. What I didn’t expect was the subtle, then the stark, differences that would shape my first months on the U.S. road. Below is a detailed look at what I discovered, drawn from a firsthand account that travels through highways from Texas to New York, with a particular focus on how these experiences compare with the familiar rules of Australian roadways.

1. Speed Limits: Miles per Hour vs. Kilometres per Hour

The most immediate shock was the unit of measurement. While Australian drivers constantly see speed limits in kilometres per hour (km/h), U.S. highways display them in miles per hour (mph). A limit of 100 km/h becomes 62 mph. When I first saw the 75 mph limit on the I‑90 in Wisconsin, I was taken aback by the visual impact of the new numbers. The article emphasizes that many Australians, including myself, have to mentally convert mph to km/h until the conversion becomes second nature.

The post also references an in‑depth guide on “US Speed Limits and Why They’re Different.” It explains that U.S. speed limits are heavily influenced by historical state laws and a broader tolerance for faster driving. In Australia, speed limits are often set based on road geometry, pedestrian traffic, and safety studies—principles that carry over to the U.S. but are implemented with greater latitude.

2. Road Signs and Signal Interpretation

Australia’s road signage is mostly intuitive, with a heavy reliance on pictograms and colour coding that is consistent across the country. In the U.S., signage can vary from state to state, and the use of the “no passing” yellow line is universal, but the colour conventions are different. For example, warning signs are typically yellow with a black border in Australia, while U.S. warning signs are white with a black border.

The article discusses specific sign differences: a U.S. “One Way” sign often shows a single arrow, whereas Australian signs may show two. “No U‑Turn” signs are more common in U.S. interstate sections, and the “Yield” sign in the U.S. is a downward triangle, unlike the Australian octagon.

Links to further resources, such as the “US Road Sign Cheat Sheet,” help readers visually compare the symbols side‑by‑side, a helpful reference when navigating unfamiliar routes.

3. Lane Usage and Road Geometry

Australia’s roads, particularly on the highway, often have separate “fast lanes” and “slow lanes” on multi‑way roads. In the U.S., the lane configuration can be more fluid. The article recounts a memorable encounter on the I‑95 in Boston where I found myself in a lane designated for local traffic but forced to merge with vehicles going the opposite direction because of a temporary detour. The U.S. system relies heavily on the right‑hand lane as the “general” lane, while the left lane is reserved for passing and turns. When I mistakenly stayed in the left lane for an extended period, I ended up being slowed by local traffic, a classic mistake for any new driver.

The narrative highlights how Australian “carriageways” are usually narrower and may have more overtaking lanes, while U.S. highways often feature multiple lanes and wider shoulders. This width difference can lead to misjudging distance when following a vehicle or planning a merge.

4. Right‑of‑Way and Intersection Rules

In Australia, roundabouts are common and often the default for most intersections. In the U.S., stop signs and traffic lights dominate. The post explains that U.S. drivers give priority to the vehicle that arrives first at an intersection, unlike Australia where the roundabout rules apply regardless of arrival time.

The author shares a close call on a four‑way stop in Ohio, where a motorcyclist attempted to go through the intersection first, but I, as a cautious Australian driver, decided to yield after a moment’s hesitation. The narrative illustrates the cultural expectation that U.S. drivers often take the initiative, which can feel aggressive to Australians who have a more courteous approach.

5. Pedestrian and Cyclist Treatment

Australia’s “bike lanes” and “pedestrian priority” rules are enforced more rigorously than in many U.S. states. The article describes a crossing in San Francisco where the cyclist had a dedicated lane that was clearly marked and where drivers were expected to give them a wide berth. In contrast, in some U.S. cities, cyclists may share the road with regular traffic, and the signs may be less prominent. The writer recounts an incident in Denver where a cyclist was on the road but no clear lane existed; I had to slow down dramatically, which is a rare event in Australia where bikers and cars have clear segregation.

6. Toll Roads and Payment Systems

Unlike Australia, where the majority of highways are free to use, the U.S. has an extensive network of toll roads, especially in the East Coast. The post mentions the use of “E‑ZPass” and “Toll‑by‑Vehicle” systems. The writer found it confusing at first that toll booths were often at the front of the lane rather than at the back, and that some tolls were calculated based on distance traveled rather than a flat fee. The article also highlights that electronic payment is widespread, but cash payments can still be found in rural areas.

7. Parking and Signage

Australian drivers are familiar with “hand‑on‑wheel” parking regulations—signs that instruct how far a vehicle may be parked from an intersection or a crosswalk. In the U.S., the rules can be quite stringent, especially in urban areas, and “no parking” zones are more prevalent. The author describes an episode in Chicago where a sign simply said “No Parking” without specifying a time, which differed from the Australian “No Standing” signs that always have a clear time frame.

8. Cultural Observations

The overarching theme is that the U.S. road culture places a higher emphasis on speed and efficiency. Drivers in the U.S. are often more aggressive in lane changes, with less regard for “social niceties” that are ingrained in Australian driving. The article notes how this attitude can make it easier to get into traffic jams but also increases the risk of minor infractions. It stresses the importance of adapting to local customs while maintaining a clear focus on safety.

9. Personal Takeaway and Advice

The writer concludes with practical advice: start by learning the units, study the state‑specific rules, and always observe the local traffic signals. The post also stresses the importance of a “driver’s handbook” for each state you plan to visit. It invites readers to check out the “Ultimate Guide to US State Driving Laws,” which provides a comparative table of each state's speed limits, seat belt requirements, and texting laws.

For Australian travelers, the article is a comprehensive primer on what to expect when stepping into the U.S. highways. It reminds us that while the physical act of driving is universal, the rules, signs, and cultural expectations can differ dramatically. With this knowledge, the transition from the Australian outback to the American interstate becomes less daunting and more exciting.