Driver's licence debate reignited by US man's dangerous mistake on 'confusing' Aussie road
Australians say this video highlights the need for overseas licence holders to take driving tests when they get here, but others say the road is confusing.
Footage of an American motorist travelling directly towards oncoming traffic in Sydney has sparked renewed calls for international licence holders to take driving tests in Australia. But, after the video went viral online, people from all over the world weighed in, criticising what they said were our bizarre road rules.
In the dash-cam footage, an American man's voice can be heard as he drives through Pyrmont in Sydney's inner city, attempting to turn onto the Anzac Bridge late last month. The man, seemingly unaware he crossed double white lines, drives directly into oncoming traffic and is seen skipping dozens of vehicles queuing at a red light, waiting to turn onto the bridge.
When the penny eventually drops, he is then heard profusely apologising "to everybody and nobody", before other drivers give way and allow him into the correct direction of traffic.
People flooding the comments were torn over what they'd seen, with some Australians saying the man's mistake reflects the need for increased driving knowledge tests among foreigners.
Yahoo News Australia reported earlier this month drivers from a select list of countries will soon have to do just that. Austroads, a government-funded agency which manages international licences, updated its process last week, in what it said was the most significant change to the program in 20 years.
Licence change for international drivers coming to Australia
Now, foreign drivers living here permanently must meet certain criteria to switch their international licence to one issued by an Australian state or territory, with travellers broken down into two categories.
There is the Recognised Country status, which includes most western countries including the US, UK, France, Canada and Italy. Motorists on this list are only required to fill in paperwork in order to swap to an Australian licence.
Then there's the Experienced Driver Recognition Status, which includes countries including South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan and Poland. From April 30, 2025 this list will be abolished, meaning licence holders from those locations may be required to undertake further training and testing to receive an Australian accreditation.
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Under these guidelines, the American man from the video in Sydney wouldn't have to take any tests, but some argued he should. "Everyone saying this is confusing should hand back their licence," one person said of the footage. "Dude forgot he was in Australia," said a second. "Hand in your licence for driving on the opposite side up incoming traffic," another said.
But people living internationally held opposing views, many pointing out that double white lines on the road were worn out and hardly visible.
"Not your fault the lines are poorly marked," a person said in the driver's defence. "That looks like a confusing road if you haven't used it before," another said. "You got very lucky with timing," said another.
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