Surprise verdict on Aussie drivers

Aussie drivers have been given a new rating by some of our toughest critics. But have they got it badly wrong?

3 min read

January 29, 2025 - 2:53PM

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Australian motorists have been rated as among the ‘most courteous drivers in the world’ according to a surprise new survey. But have they got it badly wrong?

While many Aussies see road rage as just another potential danger to deal with on a day-to-day basis, apparently visitors Down Under see another side of our driving habits and attitudes.

According to a new study from DiscoverCars.com, Australians are ranked No. 4 on a list of the politest drivers in the world.

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C’mon, we’re not as bad as you think. Picture: Nigel Hallett

We’re not as nice as the Kiwis on the roads, with New Zealand ranked as the second politest drivers in the world behind Cyrpus at No. 1 However we are well ahead of the UK, who don’t appear on the list which ranks the top 15 countries, and the US and their Yank Tanks.

We are also much more polite than much of Europe, which won’t shock Aussie travellers who stand in amazement and fear at pedestrian crossings on the continent for ages at a time as drivers simply refuse to stop.

One driver who took part in the survey said, “I was very impressed with the driving culture in Australia.

“Posted speed limits are followed (though sometimes it’s very hard to tell what the speed limit is in certain areas)” and they also observed that “people are very friendly about accommodating turn signals”.

The study recommends those travelling to Australia take a long drive along our coastlines or in the outback, even the Watarrka National Park in the Northern Territory. Perhaps less cars mean less road rage?

DiscoverCars.com questioned a total of 4,930 tourist drivers about the politeness of the drivers in the country they had just visited. They asked their customers to score the manners of the other drivers on the road from 1 to 10. Only countries with 50 or more ratings were included in the research and only the ratings from foreign tourist drivers were considered.

“There are so many factors that can affect how enjoyable your driving experience is, from the condition of the roads to how easy or difficult it is to navigate to where you’re going,” the study reads.

“Of course, one significant factor is what the other drivers on the roads are like! This is perhaps more important than ever when you are driving in a different country, where customs might be different to what you’re used to at home.”

There’s plenty of good times to be had on our roads like on the Great Ocean Road. Picture: iStock

Australia was rated 8.6 out of possible 10 for politeness on the roads.

Cyprus gained top spot with 8.83 out of 10 for politeness, perhaps because of an unusual custom they have for tourists.

“This beautiful island is full of wonderful destinations you can explore by car, from the Troodos Mountains to tiny scenic villages like Bellapais,” the poll said.

“There, you can find Bellapais Abbey, a stunning 13th-century ruin of a monastery, which also hosts cultural events.

“In Cyprus, if you are driving a rental car, all the other drivers on the road will know, because all rental cars have red license plates with black text, as opposed to the standard white license plates.

“Maybe this has helped Cyprus attain its high score, with drivers being mindful of other drivers on the road who are likely to be tourists and maybe less familiar with the roads, and with driving customs in the country.

New Zealand was ranked second with a score of 8.77.

Did somebody say road rage?

“Tourist drivers thought the drivers on the roads here were very polite, with one saying in their review, “The traffic in New Zealand is very relaxed. Polite to let you enter a motorway, quite strict in the maximum speed. Signs on the road are clear. So driving in NZ is a pleasure!”

“There are lovely places to drive all over New Zealand. The famously beautiful Coromandel Peninsula is ideal for outdoors enthusiasts, with perfect kayaking spots along the coast. Or you can explore the mountains by driving through the Arthur’s Pass National Park, and stop for a hike along the way.

“People drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand, and on the freeway, the etiquette is to keep left unless passing.”

From recent experience that highway etiquette seems to have expired in Australia.

Turkey was third with a score of 8.73.

The Northern Territory is worth a drive. Photo: Grenville Turner /Tourism NT

“One driver described their experience as ‘top’” according to the survey.

“Tne beautiful place to drive in Turkey is the Bodrum Peninsula. Along the Aegean coast, you can find peaceful fishing villages and the lively towns of Bodrum and Turgutreis.

“This area is also home to the amazing ancient ruins of Pedasa, where there was once a thriving city.

“In Turkey, it’s customary to use the horn to alert other drivers that you will be shortly overtaking. This may take some getting used to if you are more used to the horn being used to signal annoyance.”

See the top 15 below.

1. Cyprus 8.83/10

2. New Zealand. 8.77

3. Turkey 8.73