Can you drive lhd vehicles in australia

As for cheaper versions of existing cars. Probably not straight away, if at all. If any behind-the-scenes cost savings were made, brands would hold onto those increased margins with a vice-like grip. BMW would probably already have it here if it were. The higher level of equipment we get here as standard is the market expectation.

Years of in-market research tells brands this. As for fixed costs, nothing changes in terms of production. Manufacturing and distribution overheads stay the same, the same production line costs, the same economies of scale as applied over the whole production run. They could go up, though. Cutting out RHD cars sourced from countries like Thailand and Japan could mean supply switches to elsewhere.

Sourcing of the Navara could change from Thailand to Spain or Argentina. The only tangible difference might be the speed of introduction of new models. Australia has no choice but to wait until cars are built before it can sell them. So, the queue hypothetically shortens by six months, but does that make Australia a priority market?

Well, it depends who else is on that list. The biggest demand will still be met first, and in a country the size of Australia, mainstream cars would still have to wait their turn. So, in reality the effect of Australia switching from right-hand drive to left-hand drive would more than likely be a ripple, not a tidal wave.

MORE: Opinion articles. Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice. You'll also need to show the certification document at a service centre to get conditional vehicle registration. If you have questions about certification documents please call or email technical.

Menu Close Menu. Back to previous menu Close Menu. On this page. It must however be intended for personal use only. An immigrant who imports a left hand drive vehicle for personal use, may be able to conditionally license the vehicle for a period not exceeding 12 months. During that period and before the conditional vehicle licence can be renewed, it may need to be converted to right hand drive depending on the age of the vehicle.

Read more at transport. Skip to content. Vehicles registered in Queensland Light vehicles less than 25 years old In Queensland, all light vehicles gross vehicle mass not exceeding 4. Heavy vehicles The majority of heavy vehicles that use our roads must have a right hand drive.

Last updated: 6 July