Driving Abroad for 5 Months Rewired My Brain 😌🚘
You don’t expect much of a difference when driving Down Under since it’s still right hand drive, roads are well maintained and signboards are in English - mostly what we’re used to in Singapore 🚗 💨
but! When I went back home last month, I noticed that some driving habits/know-whats have changed.
🚘 I caught myself looking at the speedometer more frequently and keeping right on speed limit. Speeding, even if just 5km/h, is still taken very seriously here.
🚘 Prior, I tend to use my phone at traffic stops. But now, I refrain from doing so as anti-phone-use even at lights is BIG here.
🚘 No more fear of roundabouts and into parallel lots I go swiftly!
🚘 Hah. Singapore drivers LOVEEE to speed up whenever I turn on my signal light to prevent me from changing lanes. I’ve learnt to have less expectations back home now 😒
If you haven’t read, check out Aussie travel norms I’ve learnt
Driving in Australia truly reshaped how I view road rules and safety. One of the biggest takeaways was the awareness around speeding fines. In Australia, even going just 5 km/h over the limit can lead to hefty penalties. Unlike back home where I might have been a bit more lenient, I found myself constantly checking my speedometer to avoid any risk. Hidden cameras throughout cities mean you can’t just rely on visible speed traps. This encouraged me to maintain a steady and lawful speed, which actually made my driving less stressful and more mindful. Another surprising shift was my phone usage. The strict crackdown on mobile phone use at traffic lights truly caught my attention. In Australia, you’re not just discouraged from using your phone while driving, but it’s also against the law even when stopped at a red light. This made me realize how often I let distractions creep in back home and motivated me to change. Roundabouts and parallel parking, which I once found tricky, became less intimidating after adapting to the Australian way. The clear rules and courteous driving culture helped me improve my confidence significantly. One thing I learned the hard way is that signaling doesn’t guarantee that other drivers will give way back home. Australian drivers are generally more cooperative when you signal lane changes or turns, which made me appreciate the difference in driving culture. Overall, this experience made me a safer, more conscious driver. If you’re planning to drive in Australia or any new country, take time to understand their road rules deeply—it can transform your driving style for the better.
The last point is so spot on ! 😂