Is it a must that i should be able to drive???

[Lesandkev]

Hi

Im emigrating to perth in july, i cant drive as just cant get into my lessons......is it a must that i drive or would i be able to manage fine not driving? My husband drives so we will be able to get about at weekends and day offs.

Looking to be staying NOR if thats any help

Thanks

Lesley

[gobbyjock]

I don`t drive (live SOR) have been here 4 1/2yrs - it is do-able but restricts your choices as far as housing, work and schools go (you have to live near bus stop/trainstation etc, and walking to and from bus stop in the middle of summer is not a lot of fun - I sit my test next week.

[phil]

I'd say it's do-able, but you'd want to choose where you live carefully. Due to everything being more spread out than most UK towns/cities it's probably a little harder to manage without a car than in the UK.

[ali]

I don`t drive (live SOR) have been here 4 1/2yrs - it is do-able but restricts your choices as far as housing, work and schools go (you have to live near bus stop/trainstation etc, and walking to and from bus stop in the middle of summer is not a lot of fun - I sit my test next week.

Good luck with the driving test ... PP are behind you ... sure you'll pass xx

[Stu]

My OH doesn't drive, and she manages mostly. Had to be careful about picking places to stay, however that means I get the bus with her every morning and it costs me $4 to travel, and not $10 for parking!
Sometimes I do get a bit fustrated having to run her to hair dressers etc but it's no biggie.
Be prepared for taxi costs if your OH wants to have a couple of drinks on a night out.

[Catnoehughes]

As most people here say, it's do-able alright. I'm bussing it everywhere at the minute (waiting on my car) and find that the bus timetables are quite accurate so a journey can be planned out well.
The transperth website is great for planning routes etc...
I'm NOR and a trip to the beach took me 3buses!! But with the route planner on the Transperth website it was all mapped out for me.
Just give yourself a bit more time to get places

Cat

[Lesandkev]

I don`t drive (live SOR) have been here 4 1/2yrs - it is do-able but restricts your choices as far as housing, work and schools go (you have to live near bus stop/trainstation etc, and walking to and from bus stop in the middle of summer is not a lot of fun - I sit my test next week.

Thanks very much for all ur replies guys.

What is the learning to drive process like in oz? Is it easier than here in the UK? Would I be better to wait and learn in oz?

[Stu]

My wife looked into it (but has yet to do anything about it)
You need to sit a theory test first to get a provisional, then you need lessons, and a certain number of hours behind the wheel (certified by a qualified driver), then you sit the test. After that you get red P plates for 12 months (I think) then you move to green P plates for a bit (1 or 2 years) after that you can driver! If you are caught breaking any driving laws on the red plates I think you automatically get your licence taken off, and I think it's double points on green P plates!

So if you're ready to sit you're test in the UK i'd do it.

[Lesandkev]

My wife looked into it (but has yet to do anything about it)
You need to sit a theory test first to get a provisional, then you need lessons, and a certain number of hours behind the wheel (certified by a qualified driver), then you sit the test. After that you get red P plates for 12 months (I think) then you move to green P plates for a bit (1 or 2 years) after that you can driver! If you are caught breaking any driving laws on the red plates I think you automatically get your licence taken off, and I think it's double points on green P plates!

So if you're ready to sit you're test in the UK i'd do it.

Thanks stu

Ive sat my theory test here in the uk and has numerous lessons over the years but keep giving up. I had mega confidence issues with driving for some strange reason. I am due to start with a new ins next week but im stressing about it, between stressing about emigrating and getting organised before july i was thinking that i could leave the driving to try and take stress off lol

Lesley